If you’ve ever gotten filler or even considered it, you’ve probably asked how long it will actually last. The answer depends on more than just what’s in the syringe. Your metabolism, the area being treated, how the product is layered and even your hormone levels can all impact how long filler lasts.
“There’s this idea that filler fades at the same rate for everyone, but that’s not how it works,” says New York dermatologist Julie Russak, MD. “The visible volume may fade sooner, but what’s happening in the skin often continues for longer, especially if you’re using something that stimulates collagen.”
Featured Experts
- Dr. Julie Russak is a board-certified dermatologist in New York
- Dr. Kenneth Beer is a board-certified dermatologist in West Palm Beach, FL
- Dr. Regine Mathieu is a board-certified dermatologist at Behr Laser & Skin Care Center in Fresno, CA
- Dr. Mansee Desai is a board-certified dermatologist at Behr Laser & Skin Care Center in Fresno, CA
- Dr. Eli Levine is a board-certified dermatologist in New York
That’s the key difference between traditional hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers and biostimulatory fillers. HA fillers like Juvedérm, Restylane and RHA give immediate volume by drawing water into the treated area. Biostimulatory fillers like Sculptra and Radiesse take longer to show results but help rebuild structure by triggering the body’s collagen production.
According to West Palm Beach, FL, dermatologist Kenneth Beer, MD, it’s not just about what’s injected but how well that product fits the patient’s skin type and facial anatomy. “When you match the right filler to the right location with proper technique, it can make a huge difference in how long it lasts,” he says.
Here’s how long filler tends to last in each part of the face and what really makes the results stick around.
Temples
Duration: six to 18 months for hyaluronic acid fillers, up to 24 months for biostimulatory fillers
Because the temples are a low-movement zone, filler tends to last significantly longer than in more active areas. Dr. Russak says this is one of the longest-lasting areas she treats. “Temples have long duration due to depth and static nature,” she explains. “I often use Sculptra or Voluma here and see 18 months or more.”
Fresno, CA, dermatologist Regine Mathieu, MD, also favors biostimulatory fillers for this area. “These fillers can last from 15 to 24 plus months, depending on individual metabolism,” she says, adding that maintenance treatments over time can extend results.
For those using hyaluronic acid options, Fresno, CA dermatologist Mansee Desai, MD, says patients typically see nine to 12 months of improvement. “The temples are more static and immobile, which helps retain filler longer compared to areas like the lips,” she says.
Tear Troughs
Duration: nine to 12 months for hyaluronic acid fillers
Treating the under-eye area requires careful product selection and technique. Dr. Russak recommends soft fillers like Volbella or RHA 2 because of their subtle, flexible nature. “Although visible results may fade within a year, some filler may still technically be present,” she says. “That doesn’t mean it should be topped off. It’s often better to let it fully fade before re-treating to avoid puffiness or irregularity.”
Dr. Mathieu agrees and adds, “Fillers in highly active areas like the tear troughs tend to dissipate faster than in stationary zones like the temples. Blood flow and skin thinness play a major role.”
Cheeks
Duration: six to 9 months for hyaluronic acid fillers, up to 24 months for biostimulatory fillers
Cheek filler offers volume and midface support, often improving facial contours in subtle yet impactful ways. Dr. Russak often uses Juvedérm Voluma or Radiesse here and says the longevity can vary based on product and skin type. “I see 12 to 24 months in the cheeks when combined with tissue tightening or regenerative therapies,” she says.
Dr. Desai highlights the importance of product density and depth of placement. “Cohesive fillers placed over bone last longer than softer products injected more superficially,” she says. “Sculptra and Radiesse are both biostimulatory and tend to give a gradual but long-lasting result.”
Nasolabial Folds
Duration: six to 12 months for hyaluronic acid fillers
Because this area moves constantly during everyday expressions, filler tends to break down more quickly. Dr. Russak uses a filler with slightly higher viscosity, like RHA 3, because it’s designed for movement. “You want something flexible but supportive so the result looks natural even when you’re smiling or talking,” she says.
Dr. Desai says this is an area where expectations need to be managed. “Patients often assume filler here will last as long as in the cheeks, but that’s rarely the case,” she says. “Movement plays a major role, so touch-ups are usually needed sooner.”
Lips
Duration: six to nine months for hyaluronic acid fillers
Lips are one of the shortest-lasting areas for filler because they’re in constant motion and have high vascularity. New York plastic surgeon Eli Levine, MD, typically sees results closer to the high end of that range. “I find lip filler seems to last closer to nine months,” he says. “But the other factor is aesthetics. Underfilling lips still looks great, but overfilling looks terrible. I’d rather have all the lip filler gone before adding more.”
Dr. Russak notes that certain HA fillers like Restylane Kysse or Juvedérm Volbella may offer slightly better staying power in this area while preserving movement. Dr. Mathieu agrees, adding that the right filler makes all the difference. “We use HA fillers specifically formulated for high-mobility areas, like RHA and Volbella. These are designed to move with the face without sacrificing natural expression.”
Chin
Duration: six to 12 months for hyaluronic acid fillers, 18 to 24 months for biostimulatory fillers
The chin is a low-movement, structural zone, which makes it ideal for longer-lasting filler. Dr. Desai says, “Juvedérm Voluma or Radiesse both perform well here. Most of my patients go more than a year without needing touch-ups.”
Dr. Mathieu says the results depend on the filler category. “Biostimulatory fillers help stimulate your body’s own collagen and elastin production, which enhances skin structure and firmness,” she says. “That’s why we see results hold for 18 to 24 months in this area.”
Jawline
Duration: nine to 12 months for hyaluronic acid fillers, 18 to 24 months for biostimulatory fillers
Demand for jawline contouring is high, and patients often want both immediate definition and lasting results. Two fillers are currently FDA approved for jawline enhancement: Juvedérm Volux, a structural hyaluronic acid filler, and Radiesse, a biostimulatory filler that helps stimulate collagen over time.
Dr. Levine has found success combining injectables to improve longevity. “When I do a combination of Botox and filler to the jawline, I find it can last longer,” he says.
Lifestyle and hormonal shifts can also impact how long results hold, says Dr. Russak. “Estrogen depletion during perimenopause can influence how well skin maintains collagen,” she says. “In those cases, I’ll often add regenerative therapies to support longevity.”
What Really Affects Filler Longevity
Not all fillers are created equal, and neither are the faces they’re injected into. Dr. Beer says newer crosslinked formulas and long-lasting biostimulatory products have changed the game, but it still comes down to experience. “Choosing an injector who understands facial anatomy and the properties of each filler makes more of a difference than any one brand,” he says.
Dr. Desai points out that people with faster metabolisms or more muscle mass may break down filler more quickly. Lifestyle choices like smoking, sun exposure and stress can also speed degradation. And while biostimulatory fillers do last longer, they also depend more on the body’s internal collagen response, which isn’t the same for everyone.
Ultimately, filler doesn’t last forever. But when used strategically, it can give you natural results that hold up beautifully over time.
