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Face Balancing with Dermal Fillers

August 1, 2023

By now you may know that Hyaluronic Acid dermal fillers are some of the best volume-enhancing options available in the aesthetic industry. But did you know that dermal fillers can also be used to balance facial features and the entire facial profile? If you’re not sure what exactly this means, let’s dive in together!

By: Kaitlyn Hunter, NP

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What Are Dermal Fillers?

If you are considering dermal fillers for face balancing, it is important to know a couple of basic facts about filler before getting started. First, most Hyaluronic Acid fillers are FDA approved to last one year. This longevity does vary from patient to patient as metabolism, workout routines, etc. vary. Regardless of longevity, results from filler injections are seen immediately.

Second, common side effects include: swelling, bruising, and tenderness. Since needles are used to inject the filler, it is almost inevitable for bruising to occur. Bruising then causes tenderness and swelling. It may take 2-7 days for these side effects to resolve. Third, in the event you are not happy with your results, the filler can be reversed. A medication called Hylenex is injected into the filled area and the filler breaks down and dissolves typically within 24-48 hours. Some fillers are easier to dissolve than others so I highly suggest talking to your injector beforehand to understand how they approach a dissolving appointment.

Some get mixed up on the difference between dermal fillers and other injectables. Check out our other blog here where break it all down for you!

Atalo Aesthetics practitioner demonstrating facial injections on a patient

Work With Your Injector: Not all Fillers are face-balancing fillers

If you decide that filler is for you it is important to find an injector who is knowledgeable in face balancing when searching. Many injectors who have gone through beginner injectable training can inject filler into cheeks or lips. With that said, not all injectors have advanced training under their belt to understand full-face injections.

For example: When a patient schedules an appointment for jawline filler, they may not actually need jawline filler. They need facial balancing filler instead.

Jawline filler was frequently sought out starting around 2020 (most likely due to Kim Kardashians’ commonly photographed snatched jawline). I personally had patients weekly coming in requesting this treatment. Had they gone somewhere else, they would have spent thousands on filler that was only placed in their jawline. This would have resulted in lower face widening and bulkiness.

Most patients who lack a defined jawline, actually lack proper cheek and chin projection. By treating these two areas instead, the whole face benefits.

How to Correct Asymmetry with Dermal Filler

Filler can also be used to correct asymmetries which ultimately helps in facial balancing. We are human which means asymmetries are 100% natural. We are born with asymmetries and it is crucial to understand that when undergoing a dermal filler treatment. However, some patients may have been born with more noticeable asymmetries than others. Some have developed them due to trauma such as a car accident or extensive surgery. Noticeable asymmetries can affect someone’s confidence immensely. It is extremely rewarding as an injector to be able to help these patients restore confidence.

One of the best parts of facial balancing with filler is that it may help prevent or delay the need for surgery. I treat many patients with chin retrusion who ultimately decided to do dermal filler as their treatment over a surgical chin implant. If you’re unsure of whether to get injections or have surgery, schedule a consultation for both. That way you can make an educated decision about your treatment plan.

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Overall, dermal fillers are an amazing treatment that so many people can benefit from when they are injected correctly, modestly, and safely. Do your research before scheduling a treatment. Ask around to find out what injectors friends and family go to. Take your time, after all it is your face!

If you’re located here in Cincinnati, Ohio, and looking to dip your toes into dermal fillers (whether for face balancing or not)—fill out our new patient inquiry form here and we’ll be in touch to get you scheduled! We offer complimentary consultations so you can have all of your questions and concerns addressed before booking or committing to a treatment.