The Science of Beautiful Skin: Understanding Dermal Filler Rheology

When it comes to dermal fillers, practitioners need to consider several factors before administering them to patients. The rheology of dermal fillers is one such factor that plays a significant role in achieving the desired aesthetic outcomes. In this blog post, we'll explore the basics of dermal filler rheology and explain why it is so important for practitioners to understand.

What is Dermal Filler Rheology?

Dermal filler rheology refers to the flow and deformation properties of fillers when subjected to mechanical stress. It involves understanding how the material behaves under different circumstances and how it interacts with the surrounding tissues. Practitioners need to consider the rheological properties of a dermal filler before administering it to a patient.

Key Takeaways:

• Dermal filler rheology refers to the flow and deformation properties of fillers when subjected to mechanical stress.

• Practitioners need to consider the rheological properties of a dermal filler before administering it to a patient.

Why is Dermal Filler Rheology Important?

Dermal filler rheology is essential for achieving a natural-looking and long-lasting aesthetic outcome. Understanding the rheology of dermal fillers can help practitioners differentiate between fillers targeted to specific areas of the face. Rheological properties affect the performance of the filler when used in various parts of the face and exposed to mechanical stress associated with daily facial animation and other commonly occurring external forces.

Key Takeaways:

• Dermal filler rheology is essential for achieving a natural-looking and long-lasting aesthetic outcome.

• Rheological properties affect the performance of the filler when used in various parts of the face and exposed to mechanical stress.

The Rheology of Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are the most widely used dermal fillers to treat facial volume deficits. They are composed of long chains of hyaluronic acid that have been cross-linked with chemicals such as 1,2,7,8-diepoxyoctane (DEO), divinyl sulfone (DVX), and 1,4-butanedioldiglycidyl ether (BDDE). The rheology of hyaluronic acid fillers depends on their physical characteristics, such as concentration, the size of particles, and degree of cross-linking. These properties influence the performance and effectiveness of the dermal filler.

Key Takeaways:

• Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most widely used dermal fillers to treat facial volume deficits.

• The rheology of hyaluronic acid fillers depends on their physical characteristics, such as concentration, the size of particles, and degree of cross-linking.

How Dermal Filler Rheology Affects Treatment

The rheological properties of a dermal filler play a crucial role in determining the treatment area and the desired outcome. For instance, when injecting into the deep subdermal skin layer, the filler should be able to give good volume and projection, while it should not spread too easily through the tissue. In contrast, when treating the superficial skin layers, the filler should spread through the tight connective tissues easily so that it can sit smoothly on the upper skin layer.

Key Takeaways:

• The rheological properties of a dermal filler play a crucial role in determining the treatment area and the desired outcome.

• The type of dermal filler used depends on the location of the treatment site.

Dermal filler rheology is a critical factor for achieving a natural-looking and long-lasting aesthetic outcome. Practitioners need to understand the rheology of dermal fillers before administering them to patients. Aesthetic Advancements Institute offers online courses that can help practitioners gain a better understanding of dermal filler rheology. 

References:

1. Lambros V. Basics of dermal filler rheology. Dermatologic Surgery. 2015;41 Suppl 1:S120-S126. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000319. PMID: 25730374.

2. Health Supplies Plus. The Rheology of Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers. Accessed May 6, 2023. https://healthsuppliesplus.com/the-rheology-of-hyaluronic-acid-dermal-fillers/.

3. Fagien S. Going with the Flow: An Overview and Clinical Discussion of the Rheology of Soft Tissue Fillers. Part 1 of 2. Practical Dermatology. November 2010. Accessed May 6, 2023. https://practicaldermatology.com/articles/2010-nov/cosmetics-challenge-going-with-the-flow-an-overview-and-clinical-discussion-of-the-rheology-of-soft-tissue-fillers-part-1-of-2.