As we get older, we lose volume in our skin, fat, muscle, and bone. This causes visible signs of ageing like a crinkly forehead, crows feet, and a retracted jawline (to name a few). Thankfully, if you’re self-conscious about your appearance as you get older, and it’s got to the point where it’s affecting your mental health, you might consider dermal fillers.
But what are dermal fillers, exactly? In this article, we’ll explain what they are, how they work, some common problems they treat, and their average cost.
Dermal fillers are a gel-like substance that are injected directly under the skin. They are used to make temporary cosmetic changes to the face or hands, and reduce signs of ageing. They do this by creating a smoother, fuller, or reshaped appearance. The results for dermal fillers can differ depending on the tissue structure under the skin, as well as the type of filler being used, and the amount applied. They are a 100% safe form of cosmetic surgery that can show immediate improvements, and last up to two years depending on their type (see the “how long do dermal fillers last” section for more info).
Common uses for dermal fillers include:
A variety of substances are used for dermal fillers, some of which are synthetic, and some natural. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to ask a cosmetic surgeon for their recommendation based on your situation. The most common types of dermal fillers are:
Dermal fillers can last from around five months up to two years, depending on the filler being used. For this reason, if you’d like to maintain the same look, you will need to have the procedure repeated after a certain period of time.
This information from Healthline shows how long the various dermal fillers last, based on their product/brand name.
| Dermal filler product | How long it lasts |
| Juvederm Voluma | About 24 months with a touch-up treatment at 12 months |
| Juvederm Ultra and Ultra Plus | About 12 months, with a possible touch-up at 6–9 months |
| Juvederm Vollure | Approximately 12–18 months |
| Juvederm Volbella | Approximately 12 months |
| Restylane Defyne, Refyne, and Lyft | About 12 months, with a possible touch-up at 6–9 months |
| Restylane Silk | Approximately 6–10 months |
| Restylane-L | Approximately 5–7 months |
| Radiesse | Approximately 12 months |
| Sculptra | Can last more than 24 months |
| Bellafill | Can last up to 5 years |
The cost of dermal fillers varies depending on the product being used, the amount being used, and the area where it is being applied. You can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1500 for the procedure.