Facial volumization: what it is and when it is indicated

Volumization is the replacement of volume in areas of the face that have lost fullness, whether through aging, weight loss, genetics or intense physical activity. In orofacial harmonization, it is done mainly with fillers such as hyaluronic acid, and in some plans with biostimulators, which replace volume more slowly.

With age, the fat compartments of the face shrink and change position, bone is resorbed in places such as the orbit and maxilla, and the skin loses elasticity. The face goes from a fuller shape in the midface to one with shadows and hollows: sunken temples, flattened cheekbone, a pronounced tear trough.

What is the difference between volumizing, projecting and supporting?

• Volumizing is replacing volume in an area that has lost it.
• Projecting is creating or reinforcing a highlight point, such as the cheekbone or chin.
• Supporting is giving support to tissue that has dropped, so that it is held up again.

In practice, the same deposit can do more than one thing, and the reading of the face defines which goal prevails in each area.

What precautions apply?

Excessive or poorly distributed volumes can leave the face heavy or artificial. Volumization is usually planned in stages, with reassessment, and the volume per area is defined by the qualified professional. When hyaluronic acid is used, hyaluronidase should be available.

In Harmy

The plan records the volume in ml per marked area, and the projection shows the change proportional to that volume. This helps show the patient that volumizing with judgment changes little and well, without exaggeration.

Also called: volume replacement, revolumization.