When it comes to injectables, perception can sometimes overshadow reality. A new report from Allergan Aesthetics, Naturally You with Injectable Hyaluronic Acid Fillers, examines how patients actually feel about fillers against the backdrop of today’s complicated attitudes. The findings tell a different story than the one often portrayed online: satisfaction rates are high, yet misconceptions continue to shape how people think about the treatment.
Featured Experts
- Dr. Emily Hu is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Tualatin, OR
- Dr. Terrance Keaney is a board-certified dermatologist in Arlington, VA
Satisfied Patients
The report found that 89 percent of consumers are satisfied with their filler results, with 84 percent pointing to natural-looking outcomes as the main reason. That focus on subtlety has become the standard many patients expect rather than a passing trend. In fact, 78 percent of respondents strongly agreed that the demand for a natural look is higher now than in the past.
The report also shows generational differences. Among Gen Z and younger millennials, 91 percent ranked natural-looking results as extremely or very important, underscoring that subtlety has become a top priority for the next wave of patients.
The survey also highlights how information gaps persist. Sixty-seven percent of consumers said they turn to social media or video content to learn about fillers, which may boost awareness but doesn’t always provide reliable education. And with 76 percent predicting filler use will continue to rise, hyaluronic acid (HA) injectables appear to be moving further into the mainstream of aesthetic care.
Expert Viewpoints
Tualatin, OR plastic surgeon Emily Hu, MD says she welcomes the report for cutting through the noise. “It’s wonderful to see real data on HA injectables instead of just assumptions,” she explains. “This report gives both patients and healthcare providers real numbers and honest feedback from experts who know this well. I hope it encourages people to look at research, not just social media, when deciding about treatment.”
That distinction is more important than ever as patients navigate what can be a confusing mix of images and anecdotes online. Arlington, VA dermatologist Terrence Keaney, MD notes that the same technology that has made filler a household word has also created new challenges. “Thanks to social media and the rapid spread of information, filler awareness is at an all-time high,” he says. “However, it has also given rise to a minefield of misinformation. While this report won’t dispel every misconception overnight, it is admirable that a company like Allergan Aesthetics is making the effort to set the record straight, helping ensure that people don’t avoid a treatment that can be highly impactful when delivered appropriately; by the right provider, in the right location with the correct amount of product.”
Lingering Misconceptions
The most common misconception providers still hear is that filler always looks fake. Dr. Hu says it’s a line she hears repeatedly: “I’ve seen people with filler. It’s not natural looking, so I don’t want filler.” She views those conversations as an opportunity to slow down and educate.
“Sometimes, the treatment result that they are attributing to HA filler is actually a different treatment,” she explains. “I take this misconception as a wonderful opportunity to educate the patient about the different treatment options now available, how and why they differ, the pros and cons of each choice and review before-and-after photos of my own patients who are similar appearing. After they see that it’s the provider that creates a natural appearance, not just the product, they understand and are comfortable proceeding with filler to get the outcome they desire.”
That broader education is important given that the report found 75 percent of patients seek fillers to treat wrinkles, but a growing number are now turning to the treatment for reshaping areas of the face. Dr. Hu notes that helping patients understand the variety of options available, from softening etched lines to restoring volume, can shift the way they view filler altogether.
High Demand
In terms of what patients are looking for, the report points to more people seeking results that look discreet and in balance with their features. Dr. Keaney sees the same change in his practice. “Filler-naïve patients often have a misconception that fillers are unnatural because they have seen the exaggerated, augmented work that was popular in years past,” he explains. “The truth is good work is almost invisible to the general population. In the last two years, there’s been a desire for more subtle, natural results. Patients want it and I think the majority of providers are doing it.”
The numbers from the survey reinforce this trend. According to the report, 76 percent of consumers believe filler use will continue to grow in the years ahead, suggesting that HA injectables are now viewed as part of a broader self-care routine rather than a niche treatment. Experts say that rising demand also increases the need for clear expectations and provider guidance to ensure patients understand both the possibilities and the limitations of treatment.
Injector Selection
For Dr. Hu, one of the most effective ways to explain the balance between product and technique is to use a creative analogy. “There are many painters who use paint to create a work of art,” she says. “The same paint can be used by different painters to create a realistic portrait of you. However, a beginner painter’s artwork, although it may look nice, may not have the right proportions to really look like you. A master painter has the eye, the technique and the experience to create a believable masterpiece. It’s not the paint that makes the artwork a masterpiece, it’s the painter behind the paint.”
The findings show that even with high satisfaction rates, misconceptions around fillers haven’t gone away. With more patients asking for subtle, natural-looking results, the report makes the case for better education before treatment.
