Dermal fillers have become one of the most popular choices for individuals seeking to combat the impact of aging on their facial skin. Known for their ability to provide outstanding results without the need for invasive procedures and long recovery times, the popularity of dermal fillers is easily understood – but for those considering fillers for the first time, there is always the question regarding the cost of such an effective treatment.
How Much Do Dermal Fillers Cost?
Unfortunately, it is impossible to simply place a single number on the cost of dermal fillers. Fillers are subject to a huge amount of cost variation for a number of different reasons, such as:
- Location. Location dictates the cost of dermal fillers for a number of reasons; for example, clinics and practitioners based in more expensive cities will have higher operating costs, which will inevitably be reflected in their prices.
- Competition. The more options – in terms of clinics and practitioners – you have available to you, the more likely it is that you will be quoted lower prices, as the providers are in direct competition with one another.
- The number of syringes used. Most dermal filler prices are quoted “per syringe”, but this is not a particularly useful metric, given that the number of syringes needed to complete a single application tends to vary between individuals. If you require more than one syringe per application, the price of the overall treatment will inevitably be higher when compared to a person who requires a single syringe.
- The skill and experience of the individual administering the fillers. The more highly-qualified and experienced the person administering dermal fillers is, the more expensive the procedure is likely to be.
However, perhaps the biggest influence on the cost of fillers is the type of dermal filler you choose, as we will discuss in more detail below.
The Different Types of Dermal Fillers
If you are considering dermal fillers for the first time, you may be surprised to discover there are a number of different fillers and techniques available – there’s no single filler that is suitable for every individual. Here’s an overview of some of the most popular dermal fillers currently on the market:
Bellafill
- Bellafill – which is sometimes known as Artefill – is an injectable wrinkle filler that comprises of bovine collagen and biocompatible microspheres.
- Bellafill becomes more effective over time, working with your body’s natural collagen levels in order to achieve greater results with each application.
- Like most types of fillers, Bellafill can be administered in a short appointment and should provide immediate results.
- Bellafill is considered to be an excellent alternative to temporary fillers and benefits from a similar safety record and full FDA approval.
- On average, Bellafill costs around $1,000 per syringe application. The number of syringes needed per application varies between individuals, but the average cost is thought to be around $2,600.
The Restylane family of fillers
- A family of products under the Restylane brand, all of which are known for their efficacy and ease of administration.
- As with Voluma, Restylane products contain hyaluronic acid, and will eventually naturally break down in the body.
- Restylane is considered particularly effective for lines – known as nasolabial folds – that can develop between the nose and the mouth, which can often be stubborn to treat. The average cost of Restylane filler for each syringe is around $550.
- Restylane-L is similar to the original Restylane in terms of efficacy but also uses a numbing agent, lidocaine in order to reduce discomfort. The average cost is between $500-800 per syringe.
- Restylane Lyft differs from original Restylane and Restylane-L both in the size of the particles in the product and the depth at which the product is administered, making it the better choice for those seeking to reduce particularly severe or deep wrinkles. The average cost of Restylane Lyft is $700-800 per syringe.
- Restylane Silk is preferred by individuals seeking to increase the volume around the lips and reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth. Restylane Silk usually costs between $700-800 per syringe.
Juvederm
- Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid-based filler that is one of the best-known types of filler currently available on the market.
- In particular, Juvederm is known for its long-lasting effects; in fact, it is the only hyaluronic acid filler that the FDA has approved to last up to 12 months from the initial application. However, as with most dermal fillers, regular applications are generally recommended for those seeking to achieve the best possible results.
- This type of filler is most suited to individuals with moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds.
- Juvederm costs an average of $550 per syringe; a single syringe may be suitable for those targeting lines around the lips, though other areas will usually require two or more syringes per treatment.
Volbella
- Volbella, which is produced by Juvederm, is a hyaluronic treatment specifically designed to reduce signs of aging around the lips.
- Volbella is able to enhance the definition of lip contours and reduce creases in and around the lip and surrounding areas, while also reducing the amount of facial swelling a patient experiences following the procedure – which makes it a great choice for those seeking a quicker recovery time.
- Volbella is usually priced at around $400-700 per syringe and, due to the smaller targeted area, a single syringe may be sufficient for each treatment, though your practitioner will advise you further regarding your individual requirements.
Voluma
- Voluma – which is also produced by Juvederm – is a filler specifically designed to target loss of volume around the cheeks and cheekbone.
- Voluma contains hyaluronic acid, a protein that is found naturally in the body and has a long history of usage for skin issues.
- Voluma is available for around $900-1200 per syringe, though most individuals will require more than one syringe per application. The average treatment cost is around $2,600, but can be as high as $4,000.
Are Dermal Fillers Worth the Cost?
Ultimately, the decision as to whether dermal fillers are worth the expense depends entirely on your personal preferences, but here’s a few factors to keep in mind…
- Dermal fillers provide long-lasting results. There are a number of expensive specialist skincare products on the market that are designed to reduce the most obvious signs of aging; offering a temporary “boost” to the overall appearance and texture of facial skin. While these products may sound like a viable choice, their “boosting” effect is temporary; as soon as the product is removed, facial skin returns to normal. When compared to these skincare products, dermal fillers are actually incredibly cost-effective, offering lasting results with a single application.
- Dermal fillers offer proven results. There are countless everyday skincare products that are said to help combat the signs of aging; from cleansers to toners to dedicated serums, these products make extraordinary claims… but are rarely capable of producing results. Topical creams can only do so much to improve the appearance of facial skin, which can mean that a person spends a small fortune on top-quality products for very small benefits. In contrast, the cost of dermal fillers allows people to achieve definite, noticeable results every time.
- Dermal fillers do not require significant recovery time. If you were to opt for a surgical procedure capable of producing similar results to dermal fillers, you would likely need to take a few days off work in order to recover and allow your body to begin to heal. Dermal fillers, however, can be administered quickly and easily, with no recovery time required, which again makes them a cost-effective choice.
Are Cheap Dermal Fillers Worth It?
As we have discussed, the price of dermal fillers tends to vary based on a number of factors. As a result, the best way of determining price is usually to contact local practitioners and clinics in order to request quotes.
However, in doing so, you may discover a practitioner who is offering dermal fillers for far less than the guidance figures we have mentioned above. These cheap dermal fillers are fairly widely available and if the price is your foremost concern, they may seem attractive.
Unfortunately, noticeably cheap dermal fillers – those available at prices far below the guidance amounts we have quoted – are generally best avoided. Usually, if a practitioner is offering dermal fillers at a significant discount, this discount is a reflection of poor-quality ingredients or a relatively unskilled practitioner – which can be hugely problematic for those looking to achieve the safest, most reliable results.
It is therefore important to be extremely cautious if the price you are quoted seems to be extremely cheap, as the non-financial costs of poor dermal fillers can be significant. You may find that the treatment is simply ineffective, or – in the worst-case scenario – the procedure causes unnecessary side effects or complications. It is therefore best to avoid extremely cheap fillers, instead opting for dermal fillers that contain high-quality ingredients and are administered by a seasoned, expert professional.
In Conclusion
The exact cost of dermal fillers depends on a number of factors, so it is usually best to contact a qualified practitioner and ask for their specific prices for the different types of fillers. From there, you can check the cost against your budget and, if necessary, explore any financing options that may be available. You can make consultation as well at ProMD health for a more accurate cost.
