How much sun exposure (UV rays) is needed to break down dermal fillers?

Question

I received Brow Ridge fillers six months ago and regularly apply 50-grade SPF. Today, I forgot sunscreen and had a 10-minute walk to the subway with a UV index of 9, mostly in and out of the sun. Should I be concerned about maintaining my results? Would this require a touch-up, or was the duration too short to impact the fillers? I understand that longer sun exposure is more likely to cause breakdown. Should I be concerned about any potential filler degradation? Thank you!

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

It's understandable to be concerned about maintaining the results of your dermal fillers, especially when it comes to factors like sun exposure. Here are some key points to consider:

1. **UV Exposure and Dermal Fillers**: While prolonged exposure to UV rays can contribute to the breakdown of dermal fillers, a short duration like a 10-minute walk is unlikely to have a significant impact. UV radiation can cause the breakdown of hyaluronic acid fillers over time, but this process typically requires more sustained exposure.

2. **SPF Protection**: Regular use of a high SPF sunscreen (like SPF 50) is excellent for protecting your skin and the longevity of your fillers. Missing a single application for a brief period should not cause major concern. Consistency in applying sunscreen is more important over the long term.

3. **Duration and Intensity**: Given that you were mostly in and out of the sun for a short period, the exposure was minimal. A UV index of 9 is high, but the brief and intermittent nature of your exposure reduces the potential risk of significant filler degradation.

4. **Potential Need for Touch-ups**: The need for touch-ups usually depends on the type of filler used, the area treated, and individual factors such as metabolism and lifestyle. A single, brief exposure to UV rays is unlikely to necessitate an immediate touch-up.

### Recommendations:

- **Continue Using Sunscreen**: Maintain your routine of applying SPF 50 sunscreen daily, and consider reapplying every two hours if you are outdoors for extended periods.

- **Stay Hydrated and Protect Your Skin**: In addition to sunscreen, wearing hats, sunglasses, and seeking shade can further protect your skin and fillers from UV damage.

- **Monitor Your Results**: Keep an eye on the treated area. If you notice any changes or feel concerned about the appearance of your fillers, consult with your healthcare provider.

- **Regular Check-ups**: Schedule regular follow-up appointments with your provider to assess the condition of your fillers and discuss any maintenance or touch-up treatments if needed.

In summary, the short duration of sun exposure you experienced is unlikely to cause significant degradation of your dermal fillers, and a touch-up is probably not necessary at this time. However, maintaining a consistent sun protection routine is key to preserving your results. If you have any ongoing concerns, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Dermal fillers in the brow are either deep in the skin or underneath the skin. Sun exposure only affects the upper layers of the skin, so I do not believe the sun exposure would affect your result in anyway. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

While we always encourage daily sunscreen use, a ten minute walk without it will not degrade your fillers or indicate a need for a touch up.  To keep skin healthy we also recommend using medical grade skin care products like Transform MD.

Eeshara Vithana, MBBS, MSc, MD · Answer

HiI do not think that shirt sun exposure can degrade fillers You should not worry Anyway having SPF 50 every day is a must for all of us

How much sun exposure (UV rays) is needed to break down dermal fillers?

Answers (4)

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