Does smoking affect the longevity of dermal fillers?

By Dr. Aaron Stanes

Treatment guide

Discover the vital information you MUST know about dermal fillers with our detailed guide written by expert cosmetic doctors.



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    A question we sometimes hear at Cosmetic Connection is ‘when can you smoker after dermal fillers?’ and ‘will smoking or vaping affect the result and how long the dermal filler lasts?’. While there is currently no good evidence that smoking or vaping will affect dermal filler longevity, there are a number of things to consider before smoking or vaping after dermal filler. In our experience, smoking and vaping can cause a number of issues in both the recovery period after fillers, and for your long-term result.

    When can you smoke or vape after dermal fillers?

    Most clinics advise that you avoid smoking and vaping for 1-2 days after dermal filler injections. When you smoke and vape, you inhale toxin chemicals and reduce the level of oxygen in your blood stream. Here at Cosmetic Connection, we also recommend that if you are a smoker or vaper, that you avoid this for at least 48 hours after having dermal filler and collagen stimulating injections.

    Why shouldn’t you smoke or vape after dermal fillers?

    Smoking and vaping introduces toxic chemicals into your body, and also reduces the level of oxygen in your blood. While this doesn’t affect the dermal filler it will have an impact on the healing process. This can prolong the time it takes for your tissues to heal, and increase the risk of side effects like infection.

    Does smoking or vaping make your fillers wear off?

    There is currently no evidence that smoking or vaping increases the rate at which your body breaks down dermal filler. However, smoking does accelerate the ageing process, which means your skin and facial tissues will age faster. The faster you age, the more often you are likely to need cosmetic treatments to improve the signs of ageing. While this may be perceived as the results not lasting as long as expected, this is not the case. Rather you are ageing faster meaning more frequent treatments are required.

    Does smoking and vaping ruin dermal fillers?

    There is no evidence that smoking or vaping affects dermal filler.

    Does smoking and vaping affect lip filler?

    Smoking and vaping can impact the result of lip filler injections. While the lip dermal filler it unlikely to be affected, the repeated pursing of your lip when smoking or vaping applies pressure to your lip filler. This can increase the risk of lip filler migration.

    What happens if you smoke or vape with dermal fillers?

    If you smoke or vape with dermal filler in the first few days after injection, it may take longer to heal and increase the risk of side effects such as redness and infection. Over the long term, while smoking and vaping do not affect the dermal filler itself, it can increase the risk of lip filler migration. It also accelerates ageing, meaning you’ll need more cosmetic treatments to improve signs of ageing like wrinkles and volume loss.

    Here at Cosmetic Connection, we aren’t just about cosmetic treatments. We also promote general health and wellness in both a physical and mental sense. We always recommend that you avoid smoking and vaping after dermal fillers, and that you catch up with your local GP to discuss what options are available to help you reduce how much you smoke and vape, or quit altogether.

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