Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Effects, Results by Facial Area, Duration, and Pricing Explained by a Doctor

What can hyaluronic acid fillers do?

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that naturally occurs in the skin, joints, and other parts of the body, where it helps retain moisture. In aesthetic medicine, a gel-like form of hyaluronic acid is used to provide support and volume. When injected beneath a line or hollow, it can restore volume and make shadows or depressions less noticeable.

A visible effect can usually be seen immediately after injection. This makes filler a useful option for patients who would like to improve a line or hollow without waiting months for a change. Some of the initial fullness may be swelling, and the treated area typically settles over several days to about two weeks.

This article focuses on injectable hyaluronic acid used to treat facial lines, hollows, and contours. For the difference between oral, topical, and injectable hyaluronic acid, see our guide to oral, topical, and injectable hyaluronic acid.

Where can hyaluronic acid filler be used? Results by area

Hyaluronic acid filler can be used not only for nasolabial folds, but also for the cheeks, forehead, chin, lips, and under-eye area. Even with the same amount of filler, the result can look very different depending on where and how it is injected. The cases below show examples by treatment area.

The following are before-and-after photographs of patients treated at our clinic. Results vary from person to person. Prices shown are our current standard prices. These are private, self-pay treatments and are not covered by public health insurance.

Nasolabial folds | Soften hollows beside the nose and lines around the mouth

Fillers can be used to improve hollowness beside the nose and etched nasolabial folds that run toward the corners of the mouth. Depending on the shape of the fold, filler may be placed to support the area beside the nose, directly along the crease, or at different depths.

This case shows a man in his 20s. Two syringes of Voluma XC, for a total of 2 mL, were used to improve the hollow beside the nose and the nasolabial folds.

See the full course of this case / Learn more about filler for nasolabial folds

Mid-cheek groove | Improve a hollow that runs from under the eye toward the cheek

A mid-cheek groove is a diagonal hollow that extends from below the inner corner of the eye toward the cheek. Restoring volume in this area can soften the shadow and reduce a tired-looking appearance.

See the full course of this case / Learn more about treatment for mid-cheek grooves

Marionette lines | Soften hollows below the corners of the mouth

Hyaluronic acid filler can also be used for marionette lines, which extend downward from the corners of the mouth. Restoring volume to the hollow can soften the shadow and create a smoother appearance around the lower face.

If sagging cheek tissue is contributing to fullness beside the corners of the mouth, a thread lift or another lifting treatment may be considered in addition to filler.

See the full course of this case / Learn more about treatment for marionette lines

Hollow cheeks | Restore volume to a gaunt or tired-looking midface

Hollow cheeks can make the face look tired or make the cheekbones appear more prominent. Filler can be placed in areas of volume loss to create a smoother transition from the cheekbone toward the jawline.

See the full course of this case

This is another example of filler treatment for hollow cheeks. The hollowing is reduced and the cheeks appear fuller while maintaining an overall natural contour.

See the full course of this case / Learn more about treatment for hollow cheeks

Under-eye hollows | Soften shadows that can look like dark circles

If a hollow under the eye is creating a shadow, carefully placed filler can restore volume and reduce a tired-looking appearance. Because the skin in this area is thin, product selection and injection depth are especially important.

On the other hand, if there is already significant under-eye fat bulging, adding too much filler can make the area look heavier. We assess both hollowing and bulging before deciding whether filler is appropriate.

Learn more about under-eye filler / Learn about different types of under-eye concerns and their treatment

Forehead and temples | Add gentle roundness and soften a bony appearance

Restoring volume to a hollow forehead or temples can soften a bony appearance and create a smoother side profile. We consider not only the center of the forehead, but also the transition above the brows and into the temples.

See the full course of this case

Under-eye volume | Create subtle fullness beneath the eyes

A small amount of volume just beneath the lower eyelid can make the eyes look softer and more defined. We also assess how the area moves when you smile and adjust the amount to keep both sides balanced.

See this under-eye filler case

Lips | Add volume and refine shape

Filler can add volume to naturally thin lips, improve the balance between the upper and lower lip, or create more definition at the Cupid’s bow. It can also make fine vertical lip lines less noticeable.

This case shows a woman in her 20s who received filler in both the lips and chin. Treating the chin at the same time helped improve the overall balance of the lower face.

Learn more about lip filler

Nose | Refine the bridge

For patients who would like a slightly higher or more defined nasal bridge, hyaluronic acid filler may be used to adjust height and contour. The nose is an area where vascular complications require particular caution. At our clinic, we do not inject hyaluronic acid filler into the nasal tip.

Chin | Improve side-profile balance and facial definition

If the chin is small or set back, the mouth can appear more prominent from the side. Adding appropriate projection or length to the chin can improve side-profile balance and create a more defined lower face.

This case shows a woman in her 30s whose chin was shaped with Volux XC.

See the full course of this case / Learn more about chin contouring and E-line balance

Facial support and lifting | Support the cheeks and jawline

Placing hyaluronic acid filler in areas such as the cheeks or temples to restore structural support is sometimes referred to as a “filler lift.” This approach can replace lost volume while improving the contour of the cheeks and jawline.

If there is significant sagging, trying to create lift with filler alone may require a larger amount of product. For patients who want a stronger lifting effect for the cheek tissue, we may suggest combining filler with a thread lift or another treatment.

Learn more about filler lifting / Learn how injection placement affects facial support and contour

How soon will I see results, and how long do fillers last?

Hyaluronic acid filler can produce a visible change immediately after a single treatment. Lines and hollows can look fuller, and the shape of areas such as the chin or lips changes on the day of treatment.

As a general guide, the products used at our clinic may last around one to two years. Longevity varies depending on the treatment area, the product used, facial movement, and individual metabolism. For example, filler in a highly mobile area such as the lips may behave differently from filler placed more deeply in the chin or cheeks.

If you begin to notice that volume has decreased or a line is becoming more visible again, please feel free to return for an assessment. We will check how much of the previous filler appears to remain and discuss whether any additional volume is appropriate.

General reference on duration: Allergan Aesthetics – About Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

How many syringes will I need? Pricing and products used at our clinic

The number of syringes depends on the area being treated and the degree of volume loss. Some areas, such as the lips or under-eye area, may require only a small amount, while broader areas such as the cheeks or forehead may require more than one syringe.

Our standard price is JPY 77,000 for the first syringe and JPY 69,800 for each additional syringe. Before treatment, we explain the recommended number of syringes and the total cost.

All prices include consumption tax. These are private, self-pay treatments. The price includes anesthesia and the use of a cannula where appropriate. Treatment is available at our Osaka, Tokyo, and Nagoya clinics.

If appropriate, we can begin with one syringe, assess the result together, and then decide whether a second syringe is needed.

We are often asked how many syringes are needed for nasolabial folds and how much treatment will cost. You may also find our one-, two-, and three-syringe case examples with pricing helpful.

Juvéderm Vista products used at our clinic

We use products from the Juvéderm Vista Vycross range. Each product differs in firmness, elasticity, and how it integrates with the tissue, so we select the product according to the treatment area and desired result.

The examples below are only a general guide. In practice, product selection is individualized based on your skin, facial structure, treatment area, and overall facial balance.

Learn about the differences between filler products / View our price list

How we aim for natural-looking filler results

The final result depends greatly on where the filler is placed, how deep it is injected, and how much is used. Rather than simply filling a hollow, it is important to consider the balance of the entire face, from the cheeks and mouth to the chin.

Has cheek hollowing improved without making the cheeks look overly full? Have the nasolabial folds softened without making the area around the mouth look heavy? Our priority is to improve the concern while keeping the overall result natural and balanced.

Even with extensive experience, careful technique remains essential. We take vascular anatomy into account and inject small amounts gradually and cautiously. If filler is placed in the wrong area or too much is used, the result can look unnatural, which is why assessment and technique are so important.

If you have had filler before, please tell us where and when it was injected. If there was anything you disliked or were concerned about after your previous treatment, please let us know. We will assess the remaining filler and your current facial balance before deciding where, or whether, additional filler should be placed.

Why too much filler can look unnatural

If you are also concerned about sagging or skin quality

If your main concern is sagging cheek tissue, a thread lift may be more suitable. If you would like to tighten the skin, HIFU or radiofrequency treatment may be considered. For patients who want longer-term improvement in etched nasolabial folds, we may also discuss growth factor treatment.

Thread lift / Hyaluronic acid filler vs. growth factor treatment

If your goal is primarily to improve skin quality, we may recommend skin-booster treatments rather than contouring filler. Options include Profhilo, Jalupro, Sunekos, Pluryal, Rejuran, and water-injection treatments. Please see the articles below for details.

Profhilo / Jalupro / Sunekos / Pluryal / Rejuran / Water-injection treatment

Downtime and possible side effects of hyaluronic acid filler

After treatment, the injected area may become red, swollen, tender, or bruised. Immediately after the procedure, some of the fullness you see may be due to swelling in addition to the filler itself.

Other possible risks include asymmetry, unevenness, lumps, infection, and allergic reaction. Rarely, filler can obstruct blood flow and cause skin injury or visual complications. If you develop severe pain, unusual skin discoloration, or any change in vision, contact the clinic where you were treated immediately.

For more information about safety and possible complications, see our detailed guide to hyaluronic acid filler safety.

Avoid pressing or massaging the treated area

Do not press firmly on or massage the treated area after your procedure. If you notice a lump, unusual swelling, or another concern, please contact us rather than trying to massage it yourself.

On the day of treatment, avoid alcohol, strenuous exercise, saunas, and prolonged hot baths. Increased blood flow can worsen swelling or bruising.

Learn more about swelling and lumps after filler

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies, and active skin problems

Please tell us in advance if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a hyaluronic acid filler product or local anesthetic. We may also postpone treatment if there is an active infection or significant inflammation in the treatment area.

Frequently asked questions about hyaluronic acid filler

Natural-looking improvement for lines, hollows, and facial contours

Hyaluronic acid filler is a versatile treatment that can be used for concerns ranging from nasolabial folds and hollow cheeks to chin, lip, and under-eye contouring. A visible change can be seen immediately, but achieving a natural result requires careful selection of the injection site, depth, product, and amount.

Contact us / Email consultation / See more hyaluronic acid filler cases

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