Temporal Transformations: How Long Do Non-Surgical Results Truly Last

Author

Dr. Stephen Cosentino

Think a surgical facelift is the only way to address your cosmetic complaints?

Think again. We’ve seen amazing advancements in non-surgical cosmetic treatments over the past two to three decades. While plastic surgery is still the best path forward in circumstances not well-suited to these non-surgical alternatives, it’s not necessary or even advisable in many cases.

Which leads us to ask two very important questions:

Which non-surgical option is the best fit?
How long should you expect its results to last?

The first question is best answered in consultation with your medical provider, ideally a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. They can help you assess your aesthetic goals and determine whether you’re a good candidate for each option.

The second question is a bit easier to answer at a high level. Let’s take a look at the most common non-surgical treatments for outward signs of aging and find out how long each could last.

Top Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments: How Long Do They Last?

We’re going to look at three treatments in particular: PDO thread lifts, Botox® and other botulinum toxin-derived injectables, and dermal fillers.

How Long Does a Thread Lift Last?

The quick answer is that a thread lift should last anywhere from 12 to 36 months, or one to three years.

The longer answer is that thread lift results’ duration depends on several factors, as befits a surprisingly diverse area of cosmetic medicine. These factors include:

The type of thread used
The area of the face or body being treated
The preexisting state of the treatment area (such as the amount of excess skin to lift and tighten and the depth of any lines or wrinkles present)

Generally, barbed thread lifts produce the longest lasting results because they’re more effective at stimulating collagen production. This not only tightens sagging skin but stimulates collagen production, adding volume that remains long after the threads themselves dissolve.

How Long Does Botox Last?

Along with competitors like Dysport®and Xeomin®, Botox is another popular facial rejuvenation treatment that can temporarily “pause” the aging process. Or the appearance of the aging process, at least. It has a super-quick recovery time too, which is where it got its nickname: “lunchtime facelift.”

Botox doesn’t last as long as a thread lift, however. Expect your results to last three to six months, depending on the treatment area and other factors. If you want to sustain results after that, be prepared to return to the office (and pay) for a follow-up visit.

Also, while Botox is generally regarded as low-risk, it does have some known side effects. Always work with a provider who has completed an accredited Botox training course.

How Long Does Dermal Filler Last?

Dermal filler results can last anywhere from six months to more than four years, depending on the type of filler used:

Hyaluronic acid: 6 to 18 months
CaHa: 24 to 36 months
PMMA and PLLA: 24 to 48 months
Filler-like implants (i.e., Bellafill): Five years or longer

Note that some purists exclude filler-like implants from the dermal filler category, despite superficial similarities.