Is it a normal occurrence for lip fillers to last 6 months the first time and then 3 months the second and third times?

Question

I had a friend tell me she got lip fillers from a reputable plastic surgeon and the first time she had it done they lasted six months but then the second and third time she had her lips filled they only lasted three months. Is this normal occurrence or do we think she just got lip fillers blindness? I thought the first time you get your lips filled it doesn’t last unless you keep going back two or three more times to build it up which by this time it should last at least a year

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The longevity of filler can be related to many factors.  Some would include: the expertise of the injector, the amount injected, and the product selected.  Sometimes patients will elect lip filler and enjoy the results but occasionally need a "top up" to maintain the result they had.  The filler is still present, but it has metabolized to the point that additional filler is needed to maintain the original look. The frequency of the top up would again depend on how much product was injected as well as the type.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

The duration that lip fillers last can vary significantly from person to person due to several factors, and your friend's experience is not uncommon. Here are some considerations that might explain the variability in the duration of lip fillers:

Metabolism: Each individual metabolizes fillers at different rates. Some people naturally break down hyaluronic acid fillers faster than others, which can lead to shorter duration.

Type of Filler Used: Different fillers have different formulations and longevity. Some are designed to last longer than others, and it's possible that a different product was used in subsequent treatments.

Volume and Technique: The amount of filler used and the technique employed by the practitioner can affect how long the results last. If less filler was used in the second and third treatments, it might not last as long.

Lifestyle Factors: Activities such as frequent exercise, sun exposure, and smoking can influence how quickly fillers are broken down by the body.

Initial Treatment Build-Up: Initially, some patients experience longer-lasting results because the body is not accustomed to metabolizing the filler. Over time, as treatments are repeated, the body might become more efficient at breaking it down.

Perception and Adaptation: Sometimes, patients get used to their enhanced appearance, which can lead to the perception that the filler has worn off more quickly, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as "filler blindness."

It's always a good idea to discuss these concerns with the practitioner who performed the procedures. They can provide insights based on the specific type of filler used and your friend's individual response to the treatments.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Different fillers last different lengths of time. some may last only about 3 months, and some for lips may go to one and a half years. In very athletic women, the fillers will not last that long. Your friends needs to ask what specific filler she got and compare her lips to a before filler photo.

Is it a normal occurrence for lip fillers to last 6 months the first time and then 3 months the second and third times?

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Is it a normal occurrence for lip fillers to last 6 months the first time and then 3 months the second and third times?

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Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.