Currently submitted to: JMIR Dermatology
Date Submitted: Oct 13, 2026
Open Peer Review Period: Oct 22, 2026 - Dec 17, 2026
(currently open for review)
Warning: This is an author submission that is not peer-reviewed or edited. Preprints - unless they show as "accepted" - should not be relied on to guide clinical practice or health-related behavior and should not be reported in news media as established information.
Multidisciplinary Expert Insights and Survey-Informed Recommendations for Multistakeholder Strategies to Dispel Misconceptions About Hyaluronic Acid Fillers in Asia Pacific
ABSTRACT
Background:
Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are widely used due to their biocompatibility, versatility, and favorable safety profile; nevertheless, persistent misconceptions fuel patient hesitancy and impede evidence-based aesthetic practice.
Objective:
The aim of this paper is to identify and evaluate prevalent misconceptions surrounding HA fillers in Asia Pacific and to propose an evidence-based, multi-stakeholder framework to address these misconceptions.
Methods:
Two surveys conducted across Asia Pacific were analyzed to identify prevalent misconceptions surrounding HA fillers. Nine international aesthetic experts convened in a workshop to discuss the findings and provide insights to inform a multi-stakeholder framework to address these issues.
Results:
Five prevalent misconceptions regarding HA fillers were identified: (1) HA fillers produce “fake” appearances; (2) safety risks and adverse reactions are common; (3) all HA fillers are comparable and yield similar results; (4) HA filler addiction is inevitable; and (5) healthcare professionals (HCPs) should always accede to patients’ aesthetic preferences. The expert panel emphasized that HA filler outcomes are shaped by three interrelated factors: patient, product, and physician, and are generally safe and effective when treatments are appropriately selected and administered. To address the misconceptions, a multi-stakeholder strategy targeting patients, HCPs, and the aesthetic industry was proposed. Key themes include alignment on natural outcomes and safety, enhanced patient–provider communication, comprehensive HCP training, and the promotion of ethical, evidence-based, patient-centered industry practices.
Conclusions:
Strengthening understanding of HA fillers and addressing prevailing misconceptions require a coordinated multi-stakeholder framework to deliver targeted education and training, ultimately reinforcing trust and confidence in the safe and versatile use of these treatments. Clinical Trial: -
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