The most common question after treatment
"How long does it last?" – This is the question almost all patients ask after a filler treatment. The honest answer: It depends on many factors. Product technology, injection depth, treatment area, patient metabolism, and lifestyle all play a role. This article provides doctors and clinics with a sound basis for patient education.
Biological degradation of hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is an endogenous substance that is naturally broken down by hyaluronidase. Non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid has a half-life of only 1-2 days. Chemical cross-linking significantly slows down the degradation rate – depending on the degree of cross-linking and technology, to 6-24 months.
Duration of action by product and technology
Short to medium duration of action (6-12 months)
Belotero Balance Lidocaine 1ml – CPM technology, homogeneous distribution, 6-9 months. Ideal for fine lines and regular refreshment.
Juvéderm Ultra 2 2x0.55ml – VYCROSS technology, 9-12 months for fine to moderate wrinkles.
Restylane Refyne Lidocaine 1ml – XpresHAn technology, 9-12 months, maintains natural mobility.
Medium to long duration of action (12-18 months)
Juvéderm Ultra Smile 2x0.55ml – Lips, 9-12 months (lips degrade faster due to movement).
Belotero Intense Lidocaine 1ml – Deep wrinkles, 12-15 months due to higher degree of cross-linking.
Restylane Volyme Lidocaine 1ml – Volume restoration, 12-18 months.
Long duration of action (18-24+ months)
Juvéderm Volux 2x1ml – Structural filler, up to 24 months due to high degree of cross-linking.
Ellansé M 2x1ml – Poly-Caprolactone biostimulator, immediate effect + collagen stimulation up to 2 years.
Ellansé S 2x1ml – Softer consistency, also up to 2 years duration of action due to collagen stimulation.
Factors influencing durability
- Treatment area: Lips and mouth area (a lot of movement) degrade faster than static areas like cheeks
- Injection depth: Deeply injected fillers last longer than superficial ones
- Metabolism: Active patients with a high basal metabolic rate break down hyaluronic acid faster
- UV exposure: Intense sun exposure accelerates degradation
- Sport & sauna: Increased body temperature and blood circulation promote enzymatic degradation
- Pre-treatments: Repeated injections into the same area can extend the duration of action (tissue memory)
Patient education: Setting realistic expectations
Manufacturer's statements regarding duration of action are guidelines under study conditions. In practice, individual durability varies considerably. Recommend patients a follow-up examination after 6-12 months to assess the treatment success and, if necessary, refresh it.
Conclusion
The duration of action of dermal fillers is not a fixed value, but a spectrum. With the right product choice and realistic patient education, you create satisfied patients in the long term.
Now in the Novamedo shop: All mentioned products – Belotero, Juvéderm, Restylane, Ellansé – quickly and reliably deliverable.
