The classic injection techniques listed below are some of the most commonly used facial filler injection techniques. While certain regions and specific cases may require a different type of injection technique, in most cases facial filler will be administered using a combination of the tunneling, point, stretching, or dual plane techniques. These techniques should not be considered as isolated, single techniques, as they are commonly used together within a single treatment area.
Tunneling Technique
The tunneling technique is the preferred injection technique for most cosmetic specialists and doctors to address straight wrinkles and fine lines. This versatile injection technique is suitable for the treatment of both superficial skin wrinkles, deep-set lines, or areas of diffuse volume loss, and is generally considered the safest and most natural way to administer facial filler. The key to the tunneling technique is the angle at which the needle or cannula is inserted into the skin. For best results, the needle or cannula will be inserted at a slanted, 30-to-45 degree angle, following the direction of the wrinkle (if addressing a specific wrinkle).
No filler is injected during needle or cannula entry, or while placed at its endpoint. Instead, all filler is injected during the withdrawal process. Injecting filler while withdrawing is also known as “retro-trace” or “retrograde” injections. This technique is effective because it ensures that the filler is placed safely and evenly into the correct plane, and not within any dangerous areas.
The tunneling technique is precise and safe, which are the main reasons it is the preferred injection technique of facial filler specialists.
Point Technique
The point technique, also known as the “droplet”, “serial”, or “multi-puncture” technique, involves the injection of several small droplets of filler into the deeper layers of the outer skin, also known as the “deep dermis”, or below the skin, also called the “subcutaneous” area. Instead of injecting all of the filler at once, the point technique uses numerous microinjections in close vicinity to each other. By positioning several injections close together, the drops of filler coalesce to lift the wrinkle up and make its contours less visible.
While the point technique can be used to address individual wrinkles and fine lines, it tends to be more effective when trying to improve the overall quality and hydration of the skin, or when filling a large, hollow area in a deep plane. The downside to the point technique is that it has the potential to look less natural and it is more susceptible to complications. For these reasons, the point technique is usually only employed by injectors in very particular circumstances.
Stretching Technique
With the stretching technique, before injecting the filler, the skin surrounding the targeted wrinkle will be put on tension in order to isolate the area of treatment. This combination of stretching and application of pressure will allow the needle placement and angulation to be easier and more precise, allowing better visualization through the skin. All of this can help to ensure that the filler is being placed in the exact location needed.
For obvious reasons, the stretching technique is most commonly used in areas with more skin redundancy or laxity, such as when addressing the superficial wrinkles around the mouth.
The Dual Plane Technique
The dual plane technique is when facial filler is administered within two different levels of the skin in a single area. Most commonly, one of these areas is the dermis, or middle layer of the skin. Then, to augment this initial injection, the filler will also be administered to the subdermal plane, which is a level directly below the skin. In some situations, two different types of filler will be used for the two different planes. For the superficial, skin level injection, a thinner filler will be used, while a thicker filler will be used for the injection into the subdermal plane.
The dual plane technique is used in two different, specific circumstances. First, if a patient has a target area that tends to be in constant movement, the dual plane technique can create a more natural result across all potential facial expressions. The dual plane technique is also useful when trying to address an area of the face that has both superficial wrinkling and deeper volume loss.
The statement regarding the classic injection techniques for facial fillers is generally accurate and aligns with the commonly used methods in aesthetic medicine. Here are the key points and their accuracy based on the search results:
Citations:
[1] https://www.mirrormirrorhouston.com/blog/five-techniques-of-injecting-dermal-fillers
[2] https://draesthetica.co.uk/dermal-filler/tear-trough-filler/common-filler-injection-techniques/
[3] https://cabinmd.com/facial-fillers-101-the-basics-of-injection-techniques/
[4] https://aptinjectiontraining.com/blog/basic-botox-injection-techniques/
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VnTSTAta4M