Projection capacity (lifting capacity) of dermal filler
Quick facts
- Definition
- A gel's ability to lift the tissue above it and hold that shape under pressure.
- What it depends on
- Mainly the gel's firmness (G prime) and cohesivity, plus concentration and crosslinking.
- How it is described
- Some authors estimate it by combining G prime and cohesivity; there is no standardized measure across manufacturers.
- Where it matters most
- Contour and structure areas, such as the chin, jaw, and cheekbone.
- Watch out for
- A high-projection gel in thin skin tends to become visible or palpable.
Projection capacity, or lifting capacity, is a filler gel's ability to lift the tissue above it and hold that shape under the pressure of the skin and muscles. It is what you look for when the goal is to create or reinforce structure, such as in the chin or the angle of the jaw. It is not a single isolated measure: it results from a combination of the gel's rheological properties.
What does projection capacity depend on?
The two most cited properties are:
| Property | Role in projection | If it is lacking |
|---|---|---|
| G prime (G') | Firmness: how well the gel resists deformation | The gel gives way under pressure and "flattens" |
| Cohesivity | Unity: how well the gel holds together as one block | The gel spreads sideways instead of lifting |
For this reason, some authors describe projection capacity as the product of the two. A firm but barely cohesive gel can spread more than expected; a cohesive but soft gel integrates well but lifts little. The concentration of hyaluronic acid, the degree of crosslinking, particle size, and the amount of water the gel absorbs after placement also play a part.
There is no standardized test for projection capacity. Values from different manufacturers, when they exist, are not always comparable.
What is the difference between projection, volumization, and support?
They are related concepts, but not the same:
- Projection: moving a point forward, such as the tip of the chin or the high cheekbone.
- Volumization: restoring volume in an area, without necessarily creating a projected point.
- Support: structural help that repositions or holds tissue in place.
A high-projection gel is useful for the first two when the goal is structure. For gentle volume replacement, a softer gel may integrate better.
Why does it matter in orofacial harmonization (HOF)?
Choosing a gel by area takes this property into account:
- Chin, jaw, and cheekbone: gels with higher projection capacity are generally sought, because they hold the contour against the force of the chewing and expression muscles.
- Lips: a balance between support and malleability, since the area is constantly moving.
- Thin skin (around the eyes): a high-projection gel tends to be visible, palpable, or irregular, including the Tyndall effect if it sits too superficially, and nodules.
The choice of product, plane, and volume belongs to the qualified professional, after assessment. For an area-by-area view, see hyaluronic acid by area and crosslinked and non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid.
Also called: lifting capacity, lifting power, gel projection power.
Frequently asked questions
What is the lifting capacity of hyaluronic acid?
It is projection capacity: how much the gel can lift the tissue above it and hold that shape under the pressure of the skin and muscles. It depends mostly on the gel's firmness (G prime) and cohesivity.
Does a gel with more projection capacity last longer?
Not necessarily. Longevity depends on crosslinking, concentration, area, volume, and the patient's metabolism. Projection and longevity are different properties.