Dermal fillers are a popular non-surgical procedure. Did you know they comprise 30% of all non-surgical operations and are the second most common non-surgical procedure? It is accurate based on data from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for 2021.
The way we approach face rejuvenation has changed dramatically with dermal fillers. However, getting the best results from them requires more than just injecting them; it also requires a sophisticated understanding of anatomy, technique, and patient objectives.
The four primary methods for injecting dermal filler are microdroplet, cross-hatching, fanning, and linear threading. Linear threading requires precise positioning along creases. The filler is layered cross-hatched in a criss-cross pattern to facilitate shaping. Still, there’s more about these techniques.
This guide explores four fundamental dermal filler injection techniques to realize the benefits of these fantastic treatments fully. You’ll also learn more about dermal fillers. So, stick around.
Dermal Filler Injecting Techniques
You need dermal fillers if you want plump lips, minimize wrinkles, and improve facial characteristics. When conducting dermal filling, hyaluronic acid is the most common. For instance, we have non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid. The filler cannula technique significantly influences how the therapy turns out.
So, the following four dermal filler injection methods are crucial for you to know:
1. The Linear Technique
Linear threading is a common dermal filler injection method well-liked for its accuracy and capacity to produce natural-looking outcomes. But how does it function, its pros and cons, and what tools are needed?
How it Functions
- An aesthetician or practitioner inserts a thin needle or cannula into the skin at a predefined position.
- As they carefully remove the needle, they continuously inject a filler line beneath the skin.
- This method creates a smooth filler tunnel that lifts wrinkles and increases volume.
- It frequently employs a retrograde approach, inserting the filler while withdrawing the needle for better control and placement.
Pros
- Everyone loves accuracy. Right? The linear technique distributes the regulated filler, reducing the chance of overcorrection and producing a more natural appearance.
- If you have marionette lines and nasolabial folds, linear threading is your perfect solution. This technique benefits wrinkles and lines, filling in inevitable wrinkles from within.
- The linear filler cannula technique is suitable for use with various fillers. Depending on the desired result, it works well with different types of filler.
Cons
- Requires expertise and skill: The procedure requires a high level of knowledge from the injector to guarantee even distribution and prevent difficulties.
- The linear technique may cause the effect of Tyndall. But what is Tyndall? Dermal fillers injected too shallow can cause a bluish skin tone due to light scattering by the filler particles. To avoid this “Tyndall effect,” proper injection technique and filler selection are essential.
- It is best for particular regions. This type of volumizing may not be suitable for larger areas—it is most helpful in addressing linear wrinkles.
Tools to Use
Essentially, linear threading uses two essential tools:
Needle vs. Cannula: When choosing between these two, consider the injector’s preferences and the treatment location.
- Needle: This tool provides accurate filler placement control, making it perfect for the targeted approach of linear threading. However, it does come with a slightly increased risk of blood vessel injury.
- Cannula: Because of its design, this blunt-tipped alternative lowers the chance of blood vessel penetration. This safety feature is driving cannulas’ growing popularity for linear threading.
High-quality Dermal Filler: The particular filler type selected will depend on many variables such as,
- What’s your goal? Fillers provide varying degrees of lift, volume, and wrinkle repair.
- Fillers are perfect for particular injection depths, and selecting the appropriate one will guarantee both safety and the best possible outcomes.
- Individual characteristics matter. Factors such as your skin type and the desired length of results will also influence the choice of filler.
2. The Cross-Hatching Technique
The cross-hatching technique is a specialist approach for precise and natural-looking face volumization and contouring using dermal filler injections. As the name suggests, the method involves a criss-cross pattern. So, certain parts of the face have layers of filler applied in a criss-cross pattern to add volume, sculpt the facial contours, and look younger.
How It Works
Cross-hatching involves carefully injecting filler into the treatment region in a grid-like pattern of crossing lines. By layering filler in multiple directions, your face will attain a smoother, more natural finish and uniform product distribution. This method works exceptionally well on areas like the cheeks, jawline, and temples that need much volume restored or where exact sculpting is necessary.
Pros
- The cross-hatching technique helps practitioners sculpt, and contour face features more accurately by placing filler precisely.
- Do you want to have a natural look? The cross-hatching technique mimics the natural architecture of facial tissues by layering filler in multiple directions, giving the appearance of more harmony and balance.
- The criss-cross pattern of filler deposition restores youthful volume and contours by giving sagging or hollow areas improved lift and definition.
- When strategically placed using the cross-hatching technique, the filler is more evenly dispersed and better integrated with surrounding tissues, allowing the results to last longer than typical injection methods.
Cons
- Cross-hatching is a complex technique. It involves proficiency in layering filler in numerous directions while maintaining symmetry and balance. Mastering the cross-hatching method requires advanced training and talent.
- Because your aesthetics must precisely position each filler layer to obtain the best effects, the cross-hatching technique may take longer than other straightforward injection techniques.
- If the practitioner is not attentive when placing the filler, there is a chance of overcorrection or asymmetry, just like with any dermal filler procedure. Pay close attention to patient input and facial architecture is crucial to prevent these problems.
Tools Needed for Cross-hatching Technique
To apply the cross-hatching technique, professionals usually make use of:
- Fine needle: A needle is perfect for controlling precise cross-hatching placement. Some practitioners might use a blunt cannula instead to lower their risk of damaging blood vessels.
- High-quality dermal filler: The injection depth and the intended result will determine the type used.
3. The Fanning Technique
What if you could enhance facial features with the gentle sweep of a fan, creating subtle yet impactful changes that improve natural beauty? The fanning technique offers precisely that. It disperses filler across a broader area to achieve comprehensive rejuvenation with minimal downtime. The following explains the operation of this filler technique, its benefits and drawbacks, and the equipment required:
How It Works
The Fanning procedure involves injecting filler into some facial regions in the shape of fans. To create a harmonious and well-balanced effect, your practitioner will distribute filler evenly rather than concentrating it in particular areas or lines. This method works exceptionally well for plumping lips, reducing fine lines, and revitalizing sensitive areas around the eyes.
Pros
- It is best for subtle enhancements. The fanning technique allows for subtle yet significant improvements because the filler is evenly distributed over the treatment area to produce a natural-looking effect.
- This technique suits several facial rejuvenation goals since it can address several problems, including asymmetry, fine lines, wrinkles, and volume loss.
- Because the filler is applied gently and progressively over the skin’s surface, patients experience the slightest pain from the delicate, fan-like injection technique.
- It ensures a reduced risk of visible lumps or asymmetries. Practitioners can achieve a smoother and more uniform result by spreading filler in a fanning pattern, which reduces the likelihood of visible lumps or asymmetries.
Cons
- While the fanning technique produces natural-looking results, it may not be suitable for resolving specific, localized issues requiring precise filler application.
- It might take more than one session. Several treatment sessions may be necessary to achieve the best outcomes from the Fanning procedure, especially for patients with considerable volume loss or aging problems.
- Your aesthetics doctor must be able to manage filler distribution across the treatment region To obtain balanced and symmetrical outcomes. It requires ability and competence.
What are the Best Tools for the Procedure
Your aesthetic doctor will need several dermal filling tools for fanning. Nevertheless, the blunt-tip cannula is the most preferred. The blunt tip allows smooth fanning motions within the tissue while reducing the possibility of damaging blood vessels. Needles are a feasible alternative, even though cannulas are in use by many.
We also have high-quality dermal fillers. Choosing a premium dermal filler is essential to getting the best results. The intended result and injection depth determine the filler selection. Because different fillers have different viscosities and durations, medical professionals can customize treatments to meet each patient’s needs and cosmetic objectives.
Furthermore, the fanning technique is customizable. It allows treatments to consider each patient’s facial anatomy and aesthetic preferences. So, whether you’re looking for more dramatic or subtle modifications, you can use this technique’s adaptability and precision.
4. The Microdroplet Technique
What if you could turn back the clock with the precision of a watchmaker, addressing fine lines and imperfections with microscopic precision? The microdroplet technique enables practitioners to do just that, using tiny filler droplets to restore youthful volume and smooth out delicate face areas.
Below, you’ll get a clear description of the microdroplet technique’s operation, its advantages and disadvantages, and the required equipment:
How It Works
The microdroplet technique injects small filler into particular facial regions using a tiny needle or cannula. It treats acne scars, fine wrinkles, and delicate areas like the lips and tear ducts. Tiny filler injections provide natural-looking results with the slightest discomfort and recovery time.
Pros
- The microdroplet technique allows practitioners to apply filler precisely, targeting delicate areas and small wrinkles.
- By injecting filler in tiny droplets, practitioners can create minor improvements that blend perfectly with surrounding tissues.
- Patients experience less pain and recovery time thanks to the tiny size of the filler droplets and the use of fine-gauge needles or cannulas.
- This method is versatile. It can resolve fine lines, acne scars, and volume loss in delicate areas.
Cons
- When using the Microdroplet Technique, patients with considerable volume loss or scarring may need more than one treatment session to achieve the best outcomes.
- The Microdroplet Technique may not be appropriate for patients desiring more significant volume enhancement or contouring, even while successfully addressing small wrinkles and delicate areas.
- Regulating filler droplet deposition and guaranteeing uniform dispersion across the treatment region is challenging. Therefore, proficiency in the microdroplet technique is necessary for mastery.
Tools Needed
Practitioners of the Microdroplet Technique usually use:
- Dermal Filler: Since it ensures safety, adaptability, and natural-looking outcomes, your doctor may frequently use premium hyaluronic acid-based fillers.
- Cannulas or Fine-Gauge Needles: The filler is applied, and microdroplets are deposited into the treatment area using blunt-tipped cannulas or fine-gauge needles.
- Marking Pen or Template: Your practitioners may utilize a marking pen or template to delineate the treatment region and direct filler application.
- After injecting filler, the physician may apply gentle massage techniques to smooth out abnormalities and ensure uniform product distribution.
Other Dermal Filler Injecting Techniques
Apart from the techniques mentioned, here’s an extra method you could use—the filler cannula technique.
The Filler Cannula Technique
The filler cannula technique uses a blunt-tipped cannula rather than a sharp needle to inject dermal fillers in a minimally invasive manner. Below is a summary of its main features:
How to Use It
- A needle is perfect for making a tiny entrance site in the skin.
- Subsequently, the blunt cannula is introduced via this aperture and penetrates the subcutaneous tissue layers.
- A tiny port on the side of the cannula allows filler injection while it moves, forming a smooth filler tunnel.
Advantages
- The blunt tip of the cannula causes fewer issues by reducing the possibility of piercing blood vessels.
- The cannula approach can result in less bruising and swelling following the surgery because there are fewer puncture spots than when using a needle.
- Since the cannula approach causes less tissue stress, many patients feel more at ease.
- Although the cannula has a blunt tip, experienced injectors can position the filler precisely in the targeted tissue layer.
When It Could Be Applicable
The cannula technique distributes filler, making it ideal for treating larger areas like the cheeks and temples. It is best for delicate locations. Well, because there is less chance of blood vessel injury, the cannula approach may benefit locations with thin skin, such as the area under the eyes. Besides, the cannula can be used with varying injection techniques, such as linear threading or fanning, to accomplish different aesthetic goals.
What are the Risks of Dermal Fillers?
Although dermal fillers are best for facial sculpting and wrinkle removal, they are associated with possible hazards. Here’s a summary of some risks of dermal fillers:
Common side effects usually appear shortly after the injection and go away in a few days to weeks. They may consist of:
- Increased redness
- Bruising
- Pain sensitivity
- Itching Infection: Like any injection operation, there is a slight chance of infection at the injection site. The injector’s use of appropriate techniques and hygiene can decrease this risk.
Although they are rare, allergic reactions to the filler substance are possible. A comprehensive consultation and an allergy test beforehand can decrease this danger.
- Lumps or bumps may develop under the skin due to an uneven filler distribution or a filler reaction. Some of them may go away independently, but in others, you might need to dissolve the filler or have surgery to fix it.
- There is a significant risk associated with an unintentional injection into a blood vessel. It may result in blindness, a stroke, or even skin death (necrosis). For this reason, training and experience are essential in picking an injector.
- Light scattering by the filler particles might result in a bluish discoloration if the filler is injected too superficially or near the skin’s surface. It is crucial to use a suitable filler and injection technique.
Conclusion
Mastering dermal filler injection requires more than technical skill—it demands an understanding of anatomy, technique, and patient preferences. Incorporating four essential techniques enhances facial rejuvenation possibilities, from smoothing wrinkles to sculpting contours and restoring volume. By blending artistry with science, practitioners empower patients, boosting confidence and quality of life. As aesthetic medicine evolves, staying informed ensures top-tier care and transformative results.
Now that you understand the dermal filler techniques, where can you get the right supplies? But worry not! Diaminy has got the answers you seek. Shop online at Diaminy for all your aesthetic needs!
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