You’ve taken the plunge and treated yourself to dermal fillers—cheekbones are lifted, lips are juicy, and your jawline is snatched. But now comes the part no one talks about enough: maintenance.
Just like great hair color or a perfect manicure, dermal fillers need a little TLC to stay looking their best. Thankfully, it doesn’t take much—just a few smart habits to help you keep that radiant, refreshed look going strong.
Here’s how to protect your results, prolong your filler lifespan, and keep your glow game on point:
Table of Contents
1. Stay Hydrated
Hydration isn’t just about feeling good—it’s foundational to healthy skin. Your skin is your largest organ, and it needs consistent hydration to function, repair, and stay plump. That dewy, supple look we all love? It starts with water.
Most dermal fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, which works like a sponge, attracting and holding moisture in the skin. If you’re dehydrated, your filler can settle unevenly or fade more quickly. Staying hydrated on the inside gives your skin what it needs to maintain volume and bounce on the outside.
How much water is enough?
Aim for at least 64 ounces (8 cups) a day, but more if you’re active, live in a dry climate, or consume caffeine and alcohol. If plain water isn’t your thing, try adding lemon, cucumber, or electrolyte tablets to encourage consistent sipping.
Hydration doesn’t stop with drinking water—layering in hydrating skincare (like hyaluronic acid serums and rich moisturizers) helps lock in moisture and keep your skin glowing from the outside in.
2. Sunscreen
If there’s one skincare step you never skip, make it sunscreen. UV exposure isn’t just about sunburns—it’s one of the fastest ways to undo your filler results and speed up visible signs of aging.
Here’s what UV rays do to your skin:
- Break down collagen and elastin (a.k.a. the support system that keeps skin firm)
- Trigger hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone
- Accelerate the development of fine lines and wrinkles
- Cause long-term damage that makes the filler results fade faster
Daily sunscreen use helps protect your investment—literally. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, ideally a mineral formula with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, especially for post-filler skin, which can be slightly more sensitive.
Reapply every 2 hours if you’re outside, and don’t forget areas like your lips, jawline, and neck—some of the most common spots for filler (and easy to miss with SPF!).
3. Skincare
The right skincare routine can help your filler results last longer and keep your skin glowing. The key? Focus on hydration, barrier repair, and collagen support—without harsh exfoliants that can irritate freshly treated areas.
Here’s your filler-friendly skincare cheat sheet:
- Cleanser: Stick with a gentle, non-stripping formula—think creamy or gel cleansers with ingredients like glycerin or ceramides.
- Hydrating serum: Hyaluronic acid serums help draw moisture into the skin, keeping everything plump and smooth.
- Moisturizer: A barrier-repair cream with ceramides, peptides, or niacinamide is ideal.
- Antioxidants: Vitamin C brightens and protects the skin—just ease back into it once your injector clears it.
- Skip retinoids and exfoliants (temporarily): Take a break from retinol and acids for 5–7 days post-treatment.
“Dermal fillers are an art, and maintaining them well is part of that artistry. With a few simple habits, you can keep your results looking smooth, fresh, and beautifully natural for months. Hydration, sunscreen, and a consistent plan make all the difference.” — Diane Howard, RN and Founder of Esthetic Finesse – Lip Injections Scottsdale
And yes, SPF is still the most important product in your routine. It should always be your last step (before makeup) and your first defense.
4. Stick to Your Maintenance Schedule
Dermal fillers are long-lasting, but they’re not forever. Most fillers last anywhere from 6 to 18 months, depending on the product used, where it was placed, and how your body metabolizes it.
To keep results seamless and natural-looking, plan to schedule a touch-up every 9–12 months, or sooner, depending on your goals. Regular visits keep things smooth, balanced, and easy to maintain over time.
