How Much Dermal Filler Is Needed for My Smile Lines?

The amount of dermal filler you need to smooth and soften lines and wrinkles depends on the treatment area and the type of filler you’re using. Dermal fillers can fill fine lines and wrinkles around the lips and add volume to deeper folds, such as smile lines (also called nasolabial folds) and marionette lines. Dermal fillers are also commonly used for mid-face or cheek filler. You will need the guidance of an experienced injector to select the right dermal filler for your needs and determine how much filler is needed.

How Do Dermal Fillers Work?

Commonly used fillers from the Juvéderm® family boost the skin’s supply of hyaluronic acid and add instant volume to the face. Your injector will introduce the filler via a thin cannula to the targeted area. You can expect the injections to take about 15 minutes, and you may experience some redness and bruising at the injection site.

Make sure to disclose any health issues before your dermal filler treatment. The Mayo Clinic explains that certain individuals should not get dermal fillers, including those with suppressed immune systems or who take blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants).

Amounts of Dermal Filler Needed for Each Facial Area

Most men and women want natural-looking results from their dermal filler treatments rather than an unnatural, overfilled look. Below is an approximate guide that shows how much filler you will need to achieve radiant and natural-looking results.

How Long Will My Dermal Filler Results Last?

The longevity of your filler results will depend on the filler used and the area treated. With Juvéderm or Restylane® fillers, your results can last anywhere from 6 to 18 months. We often like to use Juvéderm Vollure® to soften smile lines, which generally lasts about 18 months. You should talk to your provider about the longevity of different types of fillers before your treatment.

How To Maintain Your Dermal Fillers

You can take some simple steps to get optimal results from your dermal fillers.

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin supple.
• Combine your filler treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic. BOTOX can temporarily suspend muscle contractions that break down your dermal fillers faster. BOTOX can also target some facial wrinkles, such as expression lines, better than dermal fillers.
• Protect your skin from the sun. Avoid damaging UV rays by using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. UV rays can age your skin as well as impact your dermal filler.

Dermal fillers can add a youthful volume to your face, but these results are temporary, so you’ll need to maintain your results with touch-up appointments. Our team can help you care for and maintain your fillers so you can enjoy them for many years. If you want to reduce some of the signs of aging, please request a consultation or call us at (225) 399-0001 to schedule an appointment.