How long do fillers last? It depends mainly on what the filler is made of. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), hyaluronic acid fillers typically last 4 to 12 months, calcium hydroxylapatite 6 months to 1 year, and poly-L-lactic acid 1 to 3 years. The area treated matters too, so the figure for your own treatment may differ.
This guide compares six filler types, explains what shortens or extends the result, and covers what happens as a filler wears off.
How long do fillers last, by type?
The AAD publishes these typical ranges:
| Filler type | How long it typically lasts |
|---|---|
| Collagen | 2 to 3 months, often longer when treating a scar |
| Hyaluronic acid gel | 4 to 12 months |
| Calcium hydroxylapatite | 6 months to 1 year |
| Poly-L-lactic acid | 1 to 3 years |
| Fat taken from your own body | 1 to 3 years, often longer when treating a scar |
| PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) | Permanent |
These are ranges, not promises. The AAD advises asking how long the recommended filler should last in the specific area you want treated.
What the six filler types are
Hyaluronic acid. The most commonly used soft-tissue filler, according to a 2023 review in the World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. It works immediately and is the only type in that review listed as reversible.
Calcium hydroxylapatite. A thicker filler. The same review reports that its effect lasts at least a year in most patients.
Poly-L-lactic acid. This works differently. It prompts the body to build collagen, so the result develops gradually and usually takes several sessions.
PMMA. A non-absorbable filler. The FDA says permanent fillers are approved only for nasolabial folds, the lines running from the nose to the corners of the mouth, and for cheek acne scars.
Collagen and your own fat. Collagen is the shortest-lasting option in the AAD’s list. Fat transfer is a different kind of procedure, because the fat first has to be taken from elsewhere in your body.
Why the treated area changes how long fillers last
The FDA puts it simply: “The time that the effect lasts depends on the filler material and the area where it is injected.” It adds that results depend on the underlying tissue structure and on the volume and type of filler used.
We have not found an authoritative source that gives a reliable number of months for each part of the face, so we do not quote one here. Your provider can tell you what to expect for the product and area they are recommending.
Do fillers last the same for everyone?
No. The FDA says results depend on the underlying tissue structure and on the volume and type of filler used, and those differ from person to person.
Because some fillers are naturally absorbed over time, the FDA notes that patients may need to repeat the procedure to maintain the effect.
What happens when fillers wear off?
Temporary fillers are absorbed by the body over time, so the effect fades.
The AAD says that with a temporary filler you can usually have another treatment when the signs of ageing reappear.
Is a longer-lasting filler better?
Not necessarily. Longer-lasting fillers are harder to undo. The FDA warns that it “may be difficult or impossible to remove the filler material, especially ‘permanent’ fillers, or fillers that are not made of materials such as hyaluronic acid.”
That is why reversibility is worth discussing with your provider alongside how long a filler lasts.
Side effects and risks to know about
How long a filler lasts is only part of the decision. The AAD lists redness, swelling, tenderness and occasional bruising as common, and says they tend to clear within 7 to 14 days.
The FDA describes the most serious risk as accidental injection into a blood vessel. It says the chance is low, but the complications can be serious and may be permanent. They include tissue death, vision problems including blindness, and stroke. Side effects can also appear weeks, months or years after injection.
The FDA recommends that you:
- choose a licensed health care provider who is trained and experienced in filler injections;
- never inject yourself, and never buy fillers online;
- ask which areas the product is FDA-approved for;
- discuss the risks of the specific area being treated.
The FDA has approved fillers for adults aged 22 and over. It recommends against using any filler for body contouring, including the breasts and buttocks.
Fillers are not the same as Botox
The two are often confused. Fillers add volume. Botulinum toxin injections, such as Botox and Xeomin, relax the muscles that crease the skin. They wear off on a different timescale and are used for different concerns. Our Botox and Xeomin page explains how those work.
Frequently asked questions
How long do fillers last in the lips?
The FDA has approved absorbable fillers for adding volume to the lips. Hyaluronic acid gel, one absorbable type, typically lasts 4 to 12 months according to the AAD. Ask your provider what to expect from the specific product.
Which filler lasts the longest?
PMMA is permanent. Among fillers the body absorbs, poly-L-lactic acid has the longest range in the AAD’s list, at 1 to 3 years.
Can fillers be removed early?
Hyaluronic acid fillers are the type described as reversible. The FDA says other fillers may be difficult or impossible to remove, and removal carries its own risks.
How soon can I have a top-up?
The AAD says you can usually have another treatment with a temporary filler when the signs of ageing return. Your provider will advise on timing.
Next step
You can read about dermal fillers at Beauté Medical Aesthetics, or see our overview of dermal filler treatment. To discuss which filler suits your goals and how long it is likely to last for you, book a consultation.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology. Fillers: FAQs.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dermal Fillers (Soft Tissue Fillers).
- Go BC, Frost AS, Friedman O. Using injectable fillers for chin and jawline rejuvenation. World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. 2023;9(2):131.
- Cleveland Clinic. Nonsurgical Facelift.
Double Board Certified Nurse Practitioner
Beauté Medical Aesthetics
