Intradermal plane: what it means in injection
Quick facts
- Definition
- Layer of the dermis, just below the epidermis, where products are deposited very superficially.
- Usual use
- Skin boosters, mesotherapy and intradermotherapy, at the professional's discretion.
- Typical risk
- Visible papules, the Tyndall effect and irregularities if the product sits too shallow.
- Comparison
- More superficial than the subcutaneous, submuscular and supraperiosteal planes.
The intradermal plane is the layer of skin called the dermis, located just below the epidermis. When a product is said to be deposited "in the intradermal plane", it means it sits within the dermis, and not below it. It is a classification term used in aesthetic dermatology and in HOF to describe the depth level of an injection.
How does the intradermal plane compare with the others?
The face is organized in layers, and each one is called a plane. From the shallowest to the deepest:
| Plane | Description |
|---|---|
| Intradermal | Within the dermis |
| Subcutaneous | In the fat under the skin |
| Submuscular | Below the muscle |
| Supraperiosteal | On the bone, below the periosteum |
This list serves as a classification glossary. When and how to use each plane belongs to the training of the qualified professional, according to the rules of their professional council, and not to a public page.
Where does the term appear?
The intradermal plane is the domain of procedures aimed at skin quality, not structural volume.
- Skin boosters: lightly cross-linked hyaluronic acid products, aimed at hydration and radiance, go into shallow layers.
- Intradermotherapy and mesotherapy: delivery of actives within or just below the dermis.
- Very fine lines: the concept appears in the description of treatments for superficial lines.
- Microneedling and laser: they act on the dermis, but through different mechanisms.
The dermis contains collagen, elastin and a vascular network, the subdermal plexus. That is why a product placed too shallow can cause irregularities, and a product placed too deep does not produce the surface effect expected.
What are the risks of such a shallow layer?
- Visible papules and nodules: the product shows under thin skin.
- Tyndall effect: bluish appearance when the product sits too superficially.
- Prolonged swelling in areas of thin skin, such as the periorbital area.
- Bruising and petechiae: the dermis is highly vascularized.
Also known as: dermal plane, dermal layer.
Frequently asked questions
What does injecting in the intradermal plane mean?
It means the product is deposited within the dermis, the layer of skin just below the epidermis. It is a classification term, and the technique is the decision of the qualified professional.