How Long Does it Take for Fillers to Dissolve and Can Results Be Adjusted?

Like most things in life, dermal fillers do not last forever. To maintain your post-filler appearance, you need to stick to a regular touch-up schedule, but if left alone, your filler will eventually disappear. This can be both good and bad news: while you will need additional injections to sustain your results, you also won’t be stuck with changes that didn’t meet your expectations.

Before getting your first filler injection, you might want to know how soon you’ll see results, how long those results will last, and how long it takes for fillers to dissolve if you end up disliking them.

How long do fillers take to settle?

Most dermal fillers settle and show their full results after 2-3 weeks, though some exceptions exist. The filler needs time to break down, integrate with the surrounding tissue, and hydrate the skin.

Different fillers settle at different rates:

• Juvederm and Restylane fillers typically show their final results within two weeks.
• Radiesse fillers take between one and two weeks to settle.
• Sculptra takes 4-6 weeks to yield final results, but it also lasts longer than other filler options.

Some patients may experience initial swelling and minor bruising after the filler injection, but this usually subsides within a few days to a week.

How long do fillers naturally take to dissolve?

Different fillers naturally dissolve at varying speeds. Most hyaluronic acid fillers used in areas like the lips, jawline, and cheeks, such as Juvederm and Restylane, typically metabolize within 6 months to a year. Sculptra, on the other hand, can provide results for up to two years.

Some synthetic lip fillers can last longer than a year, but we generally do not recommend them. Due to the anatomy of the lips, filler materials may not always stay in place over time, making it challenging to maintain the desired appearance unless the filler is temporary and easy to replace.

Keep in mind that fillers are often marketed to last until they fully dissolve. However, with most fillers, people start noticing volume loss after around 6-9 months. We always recommend touch-ups and layering the product before it completely dissolves.

Read More: How Long Do Fillers Last?

Can fillers be dissolved before they naturally wear off?

One of the great advantages of using fillers over cosmetic surgery is the ability to make adjustments. Cosmetic medicine is not an exact science, and even patients working with the most experienced providers may occasionally be dissatisfied with their final results.

If you’re unhappy with your filler and want to reverse it, a skilled injection specialist can assist. Many common fillers can be easily dissolved or reduced. However, Sculptra, which stimulates collagen production, cannot be reversed, and Radiesse, made from a calcium base, also cannot be dissolved.

Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvederm, can be dissolved using the enzyme hyaluronidase, which begins to work almost immediately. Some patients may experience slight swelling or bruising after these injections, so the full effect may be visible 2-3 days later.

Hyaluronidase is generally safe to use, but like fillers, it is not entirely risk-free. We recommend performing a patch test on the arm to ensure the patient is not allergic before proceeding with facial injections.

Adjusting and dissolving fillers

You don’t have to dissolve all of your filler material to remove a little excess. If you want to partially dissolve a temporary dermal filler, your medspa provider can often do so by injecting small amounts of enzyme. This means you’re not stuck with an overfilled lip or asymmetrical jawline until it wears off on its own.

Sometimes, you can adjust your post-filler appearance without additional injections. Mild issues like slight asymmetry can often be resolved by massaging the area. Your provider can either perform the massage or show you how to do it yourself. However, you should never perform a massage unless instructed to do so by your provider.

Maintaining your dermal fillers

If you want to maintain the look you achieved with a filler, you can schedule touch-up appointments to add more filler as it begins to break down. While fillers are temporary, your enhanced appearance doesn’t have to be.

To get started with your first dermal filler or to make adjustments to your current filler, book an appointment with Direct Aesthetics. Our Kent County med spa is staffed by highly trained medical professionals dedicated to providing positive outcomes and experiences. Every consultation begins with a complimentary, no-obligation facial analysis.