Dermal fillers have been growing in popularity in recent years because they effectively soften wrinkles and replace volume lost from aging in a safe and reliable manner. The most popular fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the skin. Once a treatment is administered, the filler is gradually broken down by enzymes in the body, over a period of months. How many months? This can vary depending on the specific filler used. The most widespread hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers include Restylane, Perlane, and Juvederm. Each has its own special qualities.
Dr. Kotlus recently presented his research on filler longevity at national medical meetings. He used the the Vectra 3-D imaging system (also used for cosmetic surgery simulations) and he monitored the volume of filler (Perlane) in the months after administration. Perlane was still creating a volume effect 10 months after the initial treatment. But during this time, the filler was being broken down in a linear fashion:
So Perlane, which can restore youthfulness by creating fullness, can last for 10 months. Repeat treatment before the filler is gone, possibly at 6-8 months after the initial treatment, can help to sustain the effects for much longer.