How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?
If you’re thinking about dermal filler, there’s a good chance this is one of your first questions:
How long will it actually last?
The slightly annoying answer is:
It depends.
Lip filler won’t necessarily last as long as cheek filler. Your first treatment may behave differently from your next one. And two people receiving the same product can get different results.
So rather than giving you one big number, here’s a much more useful answer.
The quick answer
At Ellis & Jones, the typical timeframes we discuss with clients are:
Treatment area | Typical result |
Lip filler | Around 6–12 months |
Tear trough filler | Around 9–12 months |
Cheek filler | Around 12–18 months |
Chin filler | Around 12–18 months |
Jawline filler | Around 12–18 months |
Temple filler | Around 12–18 months |
These are guides, not guarantees.
Your result can last for more or less time depending on the product used, your anatomy and how your body responds. Ellis & Jones currently gives these same general treatment ranges across its filler pages.
Why doesn’t all filler last the same amount of time?
Because your face isn’t one big treatment area.
Different parts of your face move differently.
Your lips move constantly when you talk, eat, smile and kiss.
Your cheeks and temples generally experience much less movement.
Different areas may also require different types and consistencies of filler.
So asking “How long does dermal filler last?” is a bit like asking how long a pair of shoes lasts.
The answer depends quite a lot on where you’re wearing them.
How long does lip filler last?
For many clients, lip filler lasts around 6 to 12 months.
Lips are one of the most mobile areas of the face, so the visible result can soften sooner than filler placed into areas such as the cheeks or jawline.
It also doesn’t suddenly disappear one morning.
You’ll generally notice the result gradually becoming softer over time.
Some people choose to maintain their result before it has completely faded.
Others are happy to wait longer.
There’s no rule saying your lips need to be topped up on a fixed schedule. Learn more about Lip Filler
How long does cheek filler last?
Cheek filler will often last around 12 to 18 months, depending on the product used and the individual.
The cheeks tend to be a more structural treatment area.
Filler can be used here to restore lost volume, enhance cheek shape or improve overall facial balance.
Because the area generally moves less than the lips, the result can often last longer.
How long does jawline filler last?
At Ellis & Jones, we generally advise around 12 to 18 months for jawline filler.
Jawline filler is usually used to add structure and definition rather than soft volume.
How long your result lasts will depend on the filler chosen, how much is used and your individual response.
How long does chin filler last?
Chin filler also typically sits within the 12 to 18 month range.
Because the chin is often treated for structure, projection and facial balance, a different filler may be selected than the one we would use in the lips.
This is why comparing filler only by the number of millilitres doesn’t tell you much.
Where it goes and what we’re trying to achieve matters.
What about tear trough filler?
Under-eye or tear trough filler is a little different.
At Ellis & Jones, results typically last around 9 to 12 months.
The under-eye area is delicate and not everyone is suitable for treatment.
That means the consultation is especially important here.
Sometimes another treatment may be a better option than adding filler.
How long does temple filler last?
Temple filler will often last around 12 to 18 months.
It is used to restore volume in an area that can gradually become hollow as we age.
Again, this is an advanced treatment area, so the product, amount and placement need to be chosen carefully.
What actually affects how long filler lasts?
There are a few big factors.
The area being treated
This is probably the easiest one to understand.
A highly mobile area such as the lips may soften sooner than a less mobile, structural area such as the cheeks.
The filler being used
Not all dermal fillers are the same.
Different fillers have different properties and are selected for different jobs.
A filler chosen to create soft, natural lips may be different from one being used to create structure through the chin or jawline.
At Ellis & Jones, we use hyaluronic acid dermal fillers including products from Juvéderm® and Restylane®.
Your body
This is the bit we can’t completely control.
Everyone responds differently.
Your anatomy and the way your body gradually breaks down hyaluronic acid can affect how long the visible result remains.
So when your friend says:
“Mine lasted 18 months.”
That doesn’t necessarily mean yours will.
How much filler is used
More filler doesn't automatically mean better or longer-lasting results.
The amount should be based on the result you’re trying to achieve.
Sometimes a small amount is exactly what your face needs.
Sometimes a treatment plan is better built gradually over more than one appointment.
At Ellis & Jones, we’d rather get the balance right than chase a certain number of millilitres.
Does filler completely disappear after 12 months?
Not necessarily.
When we say a treatment “lasts 12 months”, we’re generally talking about how long the visible cosmetic result is expected to remain noticeable.
Filler doesn't work like a light switch that turns off at the 12-month mark.
The result usually changes gradually.
This is also why we assess what filler you already have before deciding whether more should be added.
More isn't always the answer.
Should I get filler topped up before it wears off?
Maybe.
But you shouldn't need a calendar reminder saying:
“It has been exactly six months. Time for more filler.”
We prefer to look at your face first.
If your result still looks balanced and you're happy with it, there may be no reason to add anything.
If volume has softened and you'd like to restore the result, a maintenance treatment might make sense.
Your face should decide the timing.
Not the calendar.
Can filler last too long?
This is actually a useful question.
People often assume filler disappearing quickly is the only thing to worry about.
But repeatedly adding filler without properly assessing what is already there can lead to too much volume or a result that no longer looks balanced.
That's why your treatment history matters.
If we think existing filler should be left alone, adjusted or assessed before adding more, we'll tell you.
Sometimes the best treatment plan is:
Do nothing yet.
Can dermal filler be dissolved?
Hyaluronic acid filler can potentially be broken down with an enzyme called hyaluronidase when clinically appropriate.
This can be used for some corrective treatments or complications.
But dissolving filler is still a medical procedure.
It isn't something that should be done casually, and it comes with its own risks.
A qualified practitioner should assess you first.
The better question to ask
Rather than asking:
“Which filler lasts the longest?”
Ask:
“Which filler is right for the result I want?”
Because the longest-lasting filler isn't necessarily the best filler for every area of your face.
A great result comes from choosing the right product, in the right amount, in the right place.
And ideally, knowing when not to add any more.
Dermal Filler at Ellis & Jones
Ellis & Jones offers personalised dermal filler treatments for areas including the:
Treatments are available through our Christchurch, Hamilton, Auckland and Timaru locations.
Our approach is focused on balance.
Not changing your face.
Not chasing trends.
And definitely not adding filler just because six months have passed.
Dermal filler disclaimer
Dermal fillers are Class III medical devices and have risks and benefits. Results and treatment duration vary between individuals.
Ellis & Jones uses hyaluronic acid dermal fillers including Juvéderm® and Restylane® products. These products are injected by healthcare professionals to restore volume, enhance facial features and, depending on the product, smooth facial lines.
Possible side effects can include redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, itching, bruising, firmness, nodules and discolouration around the treatment area. Less common and more serious complications can also occur. Discuss all risks, precautions and contraindications with your healthcare professional before treatment.
Treatment may not be suitable for everyone. Tell your practitioner about your complete medical history, allergies and medicines, particularly medicines that may increase bleeding. Treatment suitability during pregnancy or breastfeeding should also be discussed with your healthcare professional.
If you experience side effects or have concerns following treatment, contact your healthcare professional. Always follow the instructions and aftercare advice provided by your practitioner.
Product and treatment costs apply. For full product information, speak with your healthcare professional.
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