DR. BRODSKIY’S GUIDE · AESTHETIC MEDICINE
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: What They Can and Cannot Do
Raya Brodskiy, MD
Hyaluronic acid, or HA, is a substance found in the body. It holds water. HA fillers are gels placed under the skin to add fullness or soften certain folds.
What can filler change?
Some products can add shape to the lips, cheeks, or chin. Others soften certain lines. The right choice depends on the product, the part of the face, and your needs. Approval for one use does not mean approval for every use.
Filler adds volume. It does not relax muscles like a neuromodulator does. It also cannot solve every cause of loose skin or uneven skin texture.
Will I see the final result right away?
You may see added fullness at once, but early swelling can change how it looks. Give the area time to settle and follow your provider’s plan for review.
HA fillers are temporary. How long a result lasts depends on the product and where it is placed. Your face may also change over time.
Can HA filler be dissolved?
A medical provider may use an enzyme called hyaluronidase to break down HA filler. An enzyme is a substance that helps a chemical change happen.
This does not make filler risk-free or promise an easy undo. More treatment may be needed. Dissolving filler has its own risks and may not reverse harm from a blocked blood vessel.
What are the risks?
Swelling, bruising, redness, and soreness can occur. Less common problems include infection, lumps, or swelling that starts later. Some problems need treatment.
A rare but serious risk is filler entering a blood vessel. This can block blood flow and damage skin. It can also cause blindness or a stroke.
Get medical help right away for unusual pain, skin that turns white, gray, or blue, or any change in vision during or after treatment. Sudden trouble speaking or weakness is also an emergency.
What should I ask before treatment?
Ask what product will be used, what change is realistic, and how the provider handles problems. Share your medicines, allergies, past fillers, and health history.
Choose a licensed medical provider with training in facial anatomy and filler care. The plan should explain both the expected change and the risks.
