How to Utilize an Artistic Facial Assessment Before Dermal Filler Treatment

The Pitfalls of Assessing Only One Area of the Face

Usually patients come in with a specific idea of what they want for a treatment, usually one area of the face. What patients may not realize is that as an injector, we are assessing the entire face comprehensively and with a level of artistry. It would be a disservice to the patient if we were only looking at one area of the face and avoiding all other areas of the face. The patient is paying not only for the injectables  you are using, but also your expertise and judgment as an experienced aesthetic  injector.

The Importance of Assessing Facial Support Before Treatment

Before treating any area of the face with dermal fillers, it is important to assess the patient’s facial support. By evaluating the facial support, the injector can determine if the patient is a good candidate for the treatment they are requesting. 

For instance, under-eye filler requires adequate cheek and mid-face support, and lack of support can cause under-eye filler to shift, creating an unnatural appearance. Similarly, before injecting lip filler, it is crucial to ensure that the patient has proper chin projection. If the patient is lacking chin projection, adding lip filler could upset the appropriate balance of their face and the lips may appear “ducky”.

Cheek filler also requires a proper evaluation of the temples to avoid exacerbating any hollowness or concavity. Finally, if a patient is looking for a more defined jawline, they also need chin filler to achieve a more uniform jawline. These examples illustrate the importance of evaluating the face as a whole to determine the appropriate treatment plan.

Below are some more considerations when conducting a facial assessment prior to injection.

Under Eye Filler and Midface Support

Under-eye filler is a popular treatment to correct dark circles, hollowness, or bags under the eyes. However, before administering under-eye filler, it is crucial to assess the cheek and mid-face support. Lack of support in the mid-face can cause the under-eye filler to migrate, creating a bulge or puffiness under the eyes.

Lip Filler and Chin Projection

Lip filler can be used to enhance the lips’ size, shape, and symmetry. However, before injecting lip filler, it is essential to ensure that the patient has adequate chin projection. Adding lip filler to someone with inadequate chin projection can create an imbalanced appearance of the face, making the lips appear “ducky.”

Cheek Filler and Temples

Cheek filler is commonly used to add volume and restore youthful contours to the face. However, it is essential to evaluate the temples before injecting cheek filler. Temples can have a concavity or hollowness that can be exacerbated with cheek filler, resulting in an unnatural or overfilled appearance to the mid-face.

Jawline Definition and Chin Filler

A defined jawline can significantly enhance facial features, and chin filler can be used to achieve a more uniform jawline. Before injecting chin filler, it is necessary to evaluate the entire face to determine the appropriate treatment plan. Lack of chin projection can create an unbalanced appearance of the face, and adding chin filler can create a natural-looking and more defined jawline. 

Achieving Optimal Results with an Artistic Facial Assessment

As injectors, it is our responsibility to look at the face as a whole and assess the patient’s facial support to determine if they are a good candidate for the treatment they are requesting. By taking the time to evaluate the patient’s facial features, we can help them achieve natural-looking and balanced results. With an artistic approach and utilizing a comprehensive facial assessment, we can maximize results and help our patients achieve their desired aesthetic goals while maintaining natural-looking and balanced results.