Dermal filler injections are a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses injectable substances, most commonly hyaluronic acid (HA), to enhance appearance. Fillers restore lost volume, smooth static wrinkles, and sculpt features such as the chin, lips, cheeks, temples, and tear troughs. The effects typically last 6-24 months, depending on the HA’s cross-linking level, injection site, individual metabolism, and the technique used.

According to Specialist Doctor I Be Thu Thuy from the Department of Aesthetics at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, filler quality, injection technique, and post-injection care are crucial factors determining the longevity and stability of the results. Doctor Thuy highlights the following recommendations to maintain and extend the effectiveness of fillers.

Follow doctor's instructions

For the first 24-48 hours, individuals who have received filler injections should avoid touching, massaging, or applying pressure to the treated area. This helps the filler settle correctly and minimizes the risk of displacement. Additionally, high temperatures (such as saunas or hot baths) should be avoided during the first week, as heat and vasodilation can increase inflammatory responses and compromise the structural integrity of the filler.

A doctor injects filler for skin rejuvenation for a woman. Illustration: *Tam Anh General Hospital*.

Stay hydrated

Hyaluronic acid is hydrophilic, an active ingredient known for its water-retention capabilities, which helps maintain moisture and elasticity, thereby preserving the volume and smoothness of the treated area. When the body is dehydrated, a decrease in extracellular moisture can affect hyaluronic acid’s ability to retain water, reducing its structural stability. Therefore, drinking an adequate amount of water for physiological needs, combined with proper skincare to optimize epidermal hydration, contributes to maintaining the fullness and stability of the injected area.

Limit stimulants

Alcohol, beer, and tobacco can promote oxidative stress, leading to prolonged low-grade inflammation, which can affect the stability of the filler within the tissue. Nicotine causes vasoconstriction, reducing blood supply and impacting tissue regeneration. Alcohol can cause vasodilation, increasing swelling and volume fluctuations in the treated area during the early post-procedure phase.

Maintain a healthy diet, incorporating foods rich in vitamin C, high-quality protein, and antioxidant micronutrients such as: salmon, citrus fruits, kiwi, and dark leafy greens. These nutrients support endogenous collagen synthesis, improve tissue quality, and help extend the aesthetic effects of fillers.

Proper skincare

After injections, gently cleanse, use appropriate moisturizing products, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. These measures help protect the skin's structure from factors that can accelerate the breakdown of hyaluronic acid and endogenous collagen, such as UV radiation and oxidative stress. Additionally, maintaining a healthy skin barrier stabilizes the tissue around the injected area, minimizing micro-inflammation and undesirable volume fluctuations.

According to Doctor Thuy, prioritize products with restorative ingredients like ceramide, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. Avoid strong exfoliants, high-concentration chemical peels, or invasive procedures in the early post-injection phase, as advised by your doctor.

Regular touch-up injections

Over time, fillers are gradually biodegraded by endogenous enzymes like hyaluronidase and the body's natural metabolic processes. Schedule follow-up appointments and receive appropriate touch-up injections before the filler completely dissipates. This ensures continuous aesthetic results, prevents sudden loss of cosmetic shape, and reduces the need for larger corrections in subsequent sessions.

Doctor Thuy advises that the timing for touch-up injections is typically considered 6-12 months after the initial treatment, depending on the product type, injection site, and individual response.

Ba Hang