Dermal fillers can be a miracle treatment for people who wish to plump up wrinkles and add volume back into sagging areas of the face and neck. However, some wonder how long these substances might last in the skin. At the Michigan Center for Cosmetic Services in Ann Arbor, MI, patients are often surprised by how long products such as Juvéderm and Restylane are able to add a youthful look to their appearance.
The Longevity of Injectables Designed to Plump the Skin
Patients love the effect of anti-aging treatments using leading brands such as Juvéderm, Restylane, and Bellafill — the results from these incredible products can be as subtle or as dramatic as you want them to be, and they are noticeable immediately. However, some people are hesitant to spend money on a treatment that will eventually fade, leaving the skin looking exactly as it did before.
The reality is, a well-placed injectable can create a positive effect that lasts for a year, sometimes even up to 18 months. While this timeline can vary depending on the type of product used and where it is injected, patients can expect to enjoy the effects for quite some time.
Why is an Injectable Treatment Worth it?
If you consider the positive effects of having the wrinkles and hollows on your face smoothed out, a short, once-per-year appointment seems like a very small price to pay. This is exactly why the popularity of these treatments continues to grow. Being able to avoid more invasive measures and still get incredible results that last for many months is a win-win.
Differences Between Brands
One of the determining factors in how long a dermal filler lasts is the brand that is used. A hyaluronic acid product like Restylane will offer immediate results, but these results will likely fade in about a year. Other products like Bellafill offer results that gradually develop, enhancing collagen production under the skin. A product like this will likely have effects that last longer – sometimes up to five years.
Juvéderm has certain injectables in its product line that have been shown to last twice as long as traditional hyaluronic acid-based products. Juvéderm Voluma can last up to 24 months, while Juvéderm Vollure can last up to 18 months. Both products show excellent results, but you may choose one over the other based on the part of the face or neck that is being treated and the results you hope to achieve.
Choosing the Brand That is Right for You
When selecting the type of cosmetic injectable you should use, your doctor will take many factors into consideration in addition to simply how long it might last. The priority, of course, is achieving the anti-aging and aesthetic effect you are looking for. We might even decide to use a combination of products to ensure the ideal result.
Factors to Consider When Opting for an Injectable Treatment
Unfortunately, our face and neck tend to age faster than the rest of our body, requiring cosmetic intervention at an earlier stage. Fillers are the perfect option for people who are not happy with some aspects of their appearance, but who are not ready to do anything dramatic just yet.
The temporary nature of injectables can be a bonus for some patients, who wish to experiment with different treatments before committing to anything long-term. The great thing about these products is that they offer many of the benefits of a facelift without the commitment of doing something irreversible to your face.
How To Select the Right Brand to Meet Your Needs
Of course, we will be able to recommend the most suitable product based on the goals you are trying to achieve. This is why a consultation is so important. It gives us a chance to assess your goals and expectations, and to come up with a customized plan that will give you exactly what you are looking for.
Before your consultation, you may wish to do your own homework on the products that are available. Below is a summary of the best anti-aging injectables on the market right now, and the unique benefits that each one has to offer.
Juvéderm
Juvéderm actually includes an extensive line of fillers, all hyaluronic acid-based. Vollure works very well on “marionette” lines around the mouth, while Volbella and Ultra are perfect for adding fulness to the lips. For patients who wish to achieve a subtle lift around the mid-face, we usually recommend Voluma.
Restylane
Restylane is also hyaluronic acid-based and works particularly well to replenish volume and plump up deeper wrinkles. Patients love that this product interacts with water molecules in the skin, providing continued improvement over the days following treatment.
Bellafill
Bellafill is a unique product that stimulates the production of new collagen over time. While it provides an immediate reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, patients can continue to benefit from this product for up to five years. This is an injectable that not only works well for lines, but also for acne scars.
The Benefits of Injectable Anti-Aging Treatments
Whichever brand you and your practitioner decide to go with, there is no doubt that using a cosmetic injectable can have tremendous anti-aging benefits. While new applications are being discovered for these products every day, some of the most popular uses include the following:
- Restoring volume loss in the face and cheeks
- Filling out nasolabial folds and smile lines
- Enhancing thin or asymmetrical lips
- Adding definition to the cheekbones or chin
- Smoothing out a bony or heavily veined appearance in the hands
Who Is a Good Candidate for These Products?
Fillers are an ideal option for men and women who wish to freshen their appearance but who are not ready for surgery. There is no recovery time required and no contraindications to worry about. This is a perfectly safe course of treatment for anyone.
These treatments are also a great option for those who are seeking cosmetic intervention for the first time. As a newcomer to the world of cosmetic dermatology, you may want to achieve a more subtle outcome, or not commit to a longer-term result. If you are nervous about undergoing treatment for the first time, the knowledge that the effects are temporary can go a long way to easing any concerns you might have.
What About Patients Who Want Longer-Lasting Results?
If the more subtle look and short-term results of injectable treatments are not for you, you may wish to consider FaceTite Radiofrequency Skin Tightening. This is a non-surgical facelift that uses radiofrequency energy to tighten the face and neck. The results can be much longer-lasting than those of fillers – some patients still maintain a very youthful look at the four to five-year mark.
Combining Fillers with Other Treatments
Another option for patients who wish to maximize their results is to combine their cosmetic injectable treatment with other anti-aging products such as Botox or Jeuveau. We offer a wide selection of anti-aging treatments using popular brand names that can be discussed at your consultation.
Scheduling a Complimentary Consultation
If you are ready to take steps towards freshening your appearance and adding a more youthful glow, contact us today at the Michigan Center for Cosmetic Services in Ann Arbor, MI. We can’t wait to help you reach your beauty and anti-aging goals.