Hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers are injectable gels that can restore volume, soften lines, and enhance facial contours—with results you can often see right away. They’re popular because they’re temporary, highly customizable, and (in many cases) can be dissolved if needed. The “best” filler plan depends on your anatomy, goals, and whether you’d be better served by filler alone or a broader facial rejuvenation plan.
As a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Frisco, Texas, I look at fillers through a surgical lens: structure, support, and symmetry. That perspective helps determine where filler makes sense—and when another approach may be a better fit. Below, I’ll walk you through the key considerations, what to expect, and safety essentials.
What Are Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the human body, known for its ability to retain water. In the context of fillers, it is synthetically produced and utilized to add volume to specific areas of the face.
Hyaluronic acid fillers can be used as a standalone treatment for targeted enhancement, and they can also complement other treatments. A key part of consultation is identifying what’s driving the concern (e.g., volume loss, contour changes, or skin laxity), so the approach fits your anatomy and goals.
Types of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
There are various hyaluronic acid fillers available, each tailored to address specific concerns. Common brands include JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, and Belotero®. These fillers vary in terms of particle size and consistency, influencing their suitability for different facial regions.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
- Immediate Results: Patients can witness immediate improvements in volume and smoothness after the procedure.
- Natural Look: Hyaluronic acid fillers provide a natural-looking outcome, enhancing facial features without an exaggerated appearance.
- Reversible: In the event of dissatisfaction or complications, hyaluronic acid fillers are reversible, as an enzyme called hyaluronidase can be injected to dissolve the filler.
What Can Dermal Fillers Treat?
Hyaluronic acid fillers are commonly used for:
- Lip augmentation
- Cheek and temple volume restoration
- Nasolabial fold reduction
- Fine line and wrinkle correction
- Often combined in different areas for a “liquid facelift”
How Long Do Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Last?
Hyaluronic acid fillers are temporary, so maintaining results typically requires periodic touch-ups. Longevity depends on the product used, the area treated, how much is placed, and individual factors like your metabolism and activity level.
During a consultation, I’ll recommend a realistic maintenance plan based on your goals and how your results settle.
Considerations and Potential Risks
- Temporary Nature: Hyaluronic acid fillers are not permanent, necessitating periodic touch-ups for sustained results.
- Bruising and Swelling: Patients may experience temporary bruising and swelling at the injection sites.
- Patient Selection: Proper patient selection is crucial, as hyaluronic acid fillers may not be suitable for everyone.
While serious complications are uncommon, any sudden severe pain, skin discoloration, or vision changes after injection should be treated as urgent.
What To Expect: Procedure and Recovery
- We apply a topical numbing cream, which takes 10 to 15 minutes to work.
- A qualified medical professional, usually our nurse injector, carefully performs a series of injections.
- Recovery is minimal, with potential side effects such as redness and swelling subsiding within a few days.
Hyaluronic acid fillers offer a versatile and effective solution for facial rejuvenation that can delay or prevent the need for surgery. However, informed decision-making, proper aftercare, and reliance on skilled practitioners are paramount to achieving optimal outcomes.
Individuals considering hyaluronic acid fillers should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to assess their suitability for the procedure and address any specific concerns.
Where Fillers Fit in a Plastic Surgeon’s Facial Rejuvenation Plan
Hyaluronic acid fillers can be an excellent option when the goal is to restore volume, refine contours, or improve facial balance without surgery. But not every concern is best treated with filler alone.
In consultation, I look at the why behind your concern, whether it’s primarily volume loss, skin laxity, tissue descent, or a combination, so the plan supports a natural result and avoids overfilling. For some patients, fillers are the right standalone solution. For others, a broader approach (including options like surgical lifting or fat grafting) may be a better fit depending on anatomy, skin quality, and goals.
Get Started
Request a consultation or call Lone Star Plastic Surgery at (214) 937-4879 today to schedule your consultation with Sean Hill, MD, FACS.
This blog post was originally published in February 2024 and has been updated for 2025.
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