Non-surgical filler treatments have evolved far beyond simple plumping. Today’s injectables can refine facial contours, restore youthful structure and smooth lines without surgery or downtime.
As filler artistry has grown more sophisticated, so have the questions patients ask during maintenance visits. One of the most common is simple but important: Should you add more filler, or is it time to dissolve and start over?
At Lucienne Salon & Medical Spa, we help patients navigate this decision every day. The right choice depends on how your filler is aging and how your facial structure is changing over time. Understanding the difference helps ensure your results remain natural and balanced.
Why Does Dermal Filler Maintenance Matter?
Even the highest quality hyaluronic acid fillers eventually disappear as your body metabolizes them. This natural breakdown happens at different rates depending on your age, lifestyle and the type of filler used.
As the product fades, your facial structure also continues to evolve. Skin elasticity changes with time, facial fat pads shift position and underlying bone structure becomes more defined or less supportive. These changes affect how the filler sits in the tissue and how your overall results appear.
Regular maintenance helps ensure that your features remain smooth and balanced. Knowing when to add a small amount for refinement and when to start fresh allows us to preserve harmony across your face. Without proper assessment, fillers can settle in ways that create heaviness, uneven texture or subtle distortion. Thoughtful upkeep prevents these issues and supports results that look natural and age gracefully.
How Long Do Dermal Fillers Usually Last?
Dermal fillers have different lifespans depending on the formulation and the area treated. Most hyaluronic acid fillers last six to eighteen months. Firmer, structural fillers in the cheeks or chin often stay visible longer than softer lip fillers.
Each part of the face metabolizes product at its own pace. High-movement areas, such as the lips, break filler down more quickly than the mid-face or jawline. Your lifestyle can also influence longevity. Hydration, sun exposure, skincare quality and overall wellness all play a role in how long your results remain visible.
This timeline overview helps set clear expectations, making it easier to understand when a simple refresh is appropriate and when it may be time to dissolve and start again.
When a Filler Refresh Is the Right Choice
A refresh means adding a small amount of new filler to enhance or maintain an existing result. This works well when your original foundation is still aligned with your facial anatomy. Here are the most common situations where a refresh is ideal.
Your Results Have Softened, But the Structure Still Looks Good
Gradual fading is normal. You may notice:
- Slight deflation in the cheeks or lips
- Softened contours
- Fine lines returning
- General loss of definition
If the shape still looks balanced and there is no migration, a light touch-up can restore volume beautifully. A refresh works when:
- You liked your original results
- You want to maintain, not change, your look
- The area feels smooth and natural
- No puffiness or distortion is present
This is especially common for lips, cheeks, chin and tear troughs.
You Are Maintaining Long-Term Progress
Many patients build results slowly for the most natural outcome. Once your ideal shape is achieved, refresh appointments every 6 to 12 months to help preserve it. A refresh is also useful when:
- You are managing age-related volume loss
- You want to maintain a youthful structure
- You prefer subtle updates rather than dramatic changes
You Want a Polished Look Before an Event
If you have a wedding, photoshoot or special occasion approaching, a small amount of filler can help enhance the areas that soften first. A light touch improves definition without giving you a noticeably different appearance.
You Are Correcting Mild Asymmetry
As filler fades, natural asymmetries sometimes become easier to see. A microdose can gently rebalance the face, especially in the lips, cheeks and mid-face.
When to Refill: Starting Over For the Best Result
A refill means dissolving the existing filler and beginning again with a clean foundation. This is often the better choice when the filler is no longer supporting your anatomy in a flattering or healthy way. Here are the most evident signs that starting over is the right move.
The Filler Has Migrated
Migration can create:
- Puffiness above the lip
- A shelf-like appearance around the mouth
- Under-eye swelling
- A heavy or distorted look
Adding more filler on top usually exaggerates these issues. Dissolving allows your injector to safely and naturally rebuild the area.
The Filler No Longer Matches Your Facial Structure
Our faces change as we age. If the filler placed years ago no longer supports how your features look now, a fresh start may be best. Signs include:
- A shape that feels outdated
- Volume sitting too low or too high
- An appearance that seems heavy
With a refill, we can reshape the area to match your current proportions.
Your Results Look Puffy, Heavy or Overdone
A common issue occurs when multiple touch-ups lead to too much product in one area. Symptoms include:
- Cheek heaviness
- A swollen mid-face
- Flattened contours
- A rounded or bloated look
Dissolving your filler gives us a chance to restore lightness and lift.
You Had Filler Done Elsewhere
If the style, placement or texture from another provider does not match your goals, dissolving offers a clean canvas for a more refined and consistent outcome.
Your Goals Have Changed
If you want a completely new look, a reset is often the best approach. Examples include:
- Moving from plump lips to soft lips
- Shifting from volume to contouring
- Changing cheek structure
- Updating the shape for a more sculpted result
Refilling allows us full creative and technical control.
You Notice Textural Concerns
Lumps, bumps or visible filler beneath the skin indicate the product is no longer integrated properly. Dissolving corrects the issue and prevents future irregularities.
How Do We Know Which Option is Best For You?
We will analyze several interconnected factors before recommending a refresh or a full refill. This assessment goes beyond simply looking at how much dermal filler remains. It includes the following:
Your Facial Anatomy in Motion and at Rest
We evaluate how your features look when relaxed and how they move during expressions. This helps determine whether additional filler will enhance your appearance or create unwanted heaviness.
The Condition of Your Existing Filler
We assess whether the filler remains smooth, integrated and supportive of your facial structure. If there is migration, uneven texture or early breakdown, starting over may offer a more natural result.
Your Aesthetic Goals
Your goals guide how your treatment plan evolves over time. If your preferences have shifted, a new approach to filler placement may better suit you.
Your Treatment History
We review the type of filler used and how your body has metabolized it in previous sessions. This insight helps determine whether refreshing or refilling will yield the most consistent results.
Safety Signals
If an area appears swollen, irritated or structurally strained, dissolving becomes the safest course of action. We prioritize long-term tissue health to ensure that your results remain smooth and natural.
How Can You Keep Your Dermal Filler Results Looking Their Best?
Whether you choose a refresh or a full refill, the way you care for your skin and maintain your treatment plan plays a major role in how long your results last. These steps help preserve smooth, natural contours and prevent changes that can occur as filler gradually settles.
Regular Assessment Appointments
Routine check-ins allow us to monitor how the filler is aging and how your facial structure is evolving. Small adjustments made at the right time help prevent heaviness or irregularities and keep your appearance balanced.
Healthy Skin Habits
Staying hydrated and protecting your skin from the sun helps support the longevity of your filler. Consistent use of medical-grade skincare also strengthens the skin’s foundation, which allows filler to blend more seamlessly.
Conservative Injection Techniques
A gradual approach keeps your features refined and prevents areas from becoming overly full. Building volume slowly gives us more control and produces results that age naturally over time.
Get Natural Dermal Filler Results in South Jordan
We believe in maintaining results that look natural and feel right for your features. A refresh can restore subtle definition when your foundation is still working well, while a refill offers a clean slate when the existing filler has shifted or no longer supports your goals.
The most reliable way to know which option is best is through a detailed consultation with an injector who understands how your facial structure changes over time. At Lucienne Salon & Medical Spa in South Jordan, Utah, our team provides thoughtful guidance and personalized care so your results remain smooth and balanced.
If you feel unsure about your next step, we can help you evaluate your current filler and create a plan that supports your long-term goals. Call us today at 801-280-9990 or book online to schedule a consultation to explore your options for dermal fillers.