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Patient Satisfaction After Hyaluronic Fillers: Does Patient Perception Last Beyond The Filler?
Salman Khan, BS1, Theodore Habarth-Morales, BS, 1LT, USAR2, Harrison Davis, MD1, Robyn B. Broach, PhD1, Jospeh Serletti, MD1, Ivona Percec, MD, PhD1.
1University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 2Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Purpose: The efficacy and longevity of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are well supported by previous studies. However, the longitudinal relationship between patient perceptions and physical volume retention remains unknown. METHODS: Female patients ages 40-65 were prospectively enrolled and injected bilaterally in four facial regions using dermal fillers. FACE-Q survey and 3-D imaging was performed before and at 2, 4, and 12-weeks post-injection. A follow-up survey was sent 3-5 years post-treatment. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients were included. The malar extended midface, upper perioral regions, and lips all showed discordance between volume and PRO scores. Lower perioral region PRO decreased most proportionally to volume. In terms of the whole face, the psychological, appearance distress, and aging modules exhibited greatest durability compared to volume (FIGURE). Long-term follow-up with 30 responses revealed that 67% were more likely to receive injectables post- participation. Among the 33% of patients who did not receive injectables afterward, only 3 reported dissatisfaction with the outcome; cost was a more significant factor. CONCLUSIONS: In certain facial regions patient satisfaction persists even as volume diminishes. These findings along with the evidence that patients have a strong desire to maintain treatment can guide patient-provider discussions on treatment frequency, emphasizing that perceived benefits may extend beyond physical fullness. Our results highlight a long-term desire for continued use of injectables or maintenance of appearance among patients.

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