Medically reviewed by Hassan Khan, MPharm — independent prescriber (GPhC registration 1126145). Treatments are carried out by our trained aesthetics practitioner following a prescriber assessment.

How long do dermal fillers last, area by area?

Hyaluronic-acid fillers are temporary by design — your body breaks them down gradually with the same enzymes it uses on its own hyaluronic acid. As a rule of thumb: lips last 6–12 months, because they move constantly and have a rich blood supply; cheeks last 12–18 months, as the filler sits deeper on bone in a low-movement area; chin and jawline filler lasts 12–18 months for the same reason, with firmer products; and tear trough (under-eye) filler lasts around 9–12 months, sometimes longer, as softer gels are used there. Nasolabial folds and marionette lines typically hold 6–12 months.

These are honest working ranges, not guarantees — individual results vary, and some people metabolise filler noticeably faster than others.

What makes filler last longer — or fade faster?

Four things matter most. The area: high-movement zones like lips break filler down fastest. The product: firmer, more heavily cross-linked gels used for cheeks and jawlines outlast the softer gels used in lips and tear troughs. Your metabolism: younger, very active people — especially endurance exercisers — tend to clear filler faster. The dose and plan: a sensible amount placed well lasts better than a small amount stretched thin, which is one reason chasing the cheapest deal often costs more over time.

Do fillers last longer the second time?

Often, yes. Once an area has been treated and then topped up before the filler fully disappears, results tend to hold better — partly because some filler remains as a foundation, and partly because hyaluronic-acid filler stimulates a degree of your own collagen production in the treated area.

What happens when filler wears off?

Your face simply returns to how it would have looked anyway — filler doesn’t stretch the skin or make you look worse when it fades at the doses used in a conservative clinic. The change is gradual over months, not sudden. If you’d rather not wait, hyaluronic-acid filler can also be dissolved safely by a suitably trained clinician.

When should you top up?

We review every filler treatment and advise a realistic maintenance window for your area and product — typically a review around the 9–12 month mark for lips and 12–18 months for structural areas. Booking a review before the filler has completely gone usually means less product, and a lower cost, than starting from scratch. Pricing and plans are agreed at your dermal filler consultation at our clinic in Bury, serving Greater Manchester.

How long do fillers last? Your questions answered

Part of Bury Healthcare Online, a GPhC-registered pharmacy (registration 1126145). Explore dermal fillers, lip filler cost UK, dermal fillers before and after or the full aesthetics clinic.