Jump to content

  • Set Your Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
Set Your LocationSet Your Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Ask an Expert
  • Dermal Fillers
Content

Ask An Expert

Dermal Fillers

Michael G. Cedars

Michael G. Cedars, M.D.

Surgery Center Division

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Summit Campus

Question:

Can you give me some information about dermal fillers? How long do they typically last, and are there side effects? Of all the dermal fillers currently on the market, which one do you think is the best?

Answer:

Depending on the filler, they typically last six to 12 months, and most require only a single treatment to create their effect. They vary also in terms of stiffness, so the best one for, say, the lips would be different from other areas. The softer filler may last only about six months.

There is one filler that lasts perhaps two years, but it requires a series of monthly injections, typically four to five, to gradually build up the fullness.

Also of note is that many of the products are a form of "hyaluronic acid," which is a normal body substance. These particular fillers can be made to dissolve away in the unlikely event that someone develops excessive lumpiness at the injection site. Although I've never had to do that, it's nice to have such a safety net, and I tend to prefer using them at a patient's first treatment. Side effects are almost always limited to lumpiness and bruising. Very rare is the risk of scarring from inadvertent injection into a blood vessel.

Related Questions

Question
  • Cosmetic Treatment for Sagging Skin on Neck
    I'm in my early 50s and I like the results I've gotten from Botox and fillers. However, my neck looks old and dry, and the skin is starting to sag. Is there anything I can do (short of a neck lift) to improve it?
  • Wrinkled Hands?
    What kind of anti-aging treatments are available for wrinkled hands? Of course, hands are always visible and mine have begun to look splotchy and wrinkled.
  • The Best Sunscreen?
    I just read information about sun protection, noting the ingredients necessary for a good sun screen. I checked the sunscreens I use and see NONE of those ingredients. Can you recommend a product with the best ingredients?
  • Seborrheic Keratoses Treatment Options
    I'm 75 and have keratosis on my face and upper torso. My PCP is sometimes reluctant to take care of them using LN2, since Medicare regards this as cosmetic. Does the wart remover "Freeze Away" work sufficiently or is there a better product?
  • Hair Loss Causes and Treatment Options
    I was told by a dermatologist that I was born with ectodermal dysplasia. I've never had a lot of hair but it's getting even thinner as I get older. Is there a diet or supplement that I can take to promote better hair growth, and help me keep what I have?

Back to Skin and Beauty

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

  • Contact Us
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Request Medical Records
  • Make a Gift
Sign in to My Health Online

Billing and Insurance

  • Pay a Bill
  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Estimate Costs
  • Medicare Advantage

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Community Benefit
  • Annual Report
  • News

Our Team

  • For Employees
  • For Medical Professionals
  • For Vendors
  • For Volunteers

Careers

  • Jobs at Sutter
  • Physician Jobs
  • Graduate Medical Education

Copyright © 2023 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

  • ADA Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • LinkedIn Opens new window
  • YouTube Opens new window
  • Facebook Opens new window
  • Twitter Opens new window
  • Instagram Opens new window
  • Glassdoor Opens new window

Cookie Policy

We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences