Outer Circle Versus Inner Circle: Special Considerations While Rejuvenating an Indian Face Using Fillers

Introduction: An oval face, pronounced cheek bones, a defined jaw line and a smooth Ogee curve are global aesthetic beauty goals. Though criteria are similar the Indian face poses some unique challenges because of the innate differences in skeletal shape, size, and soft tissue disposition. Width of the malar prominences and mandibular angles along with height are smaller compared to the other Asian and Caucasian populations along with a much heavier soft tissue disposition. This creates unique deficits and places unique demands on aesthetic intervention.

Objectives: The evolution of practice patterns has lead to a variety of newer approaches; however, it is still common to target the nasolabial and mid-face volumizing as basic intervention for facial beautifying and rejuvenation. As aging progresses, Indian faces tend to get fuller and the tissue then descends downwards similar to other ethnic groups albeit more aggressive due to higher volumes of facial fat pad and smaller bone framework. Any excess correction in the inner circle zones will further add to the bulk along with cumulative remnants of previously administered fillers.

Methods: In a younger face when the goal is beautification the attempt is to address the specific structural deficit on the outer bony framework along with the chin. This enhances the appearance immediately as well as holds up the tissue descent as they age. When the goal is youthful transition of an aging face, then again the bony changes further enhance the deficit in framework and the loss of fat pads along the periphery that is lateral forehead, temples and lateral cheek. Fat pad correction will give the most natural and best results as against working on the anterior mid cheek, nasolabials and angle of the mouth in a soft tissue heavy center zone of the face. Botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers remain the most popular facial injectables used for facial rejuvenation and structural enhancement.

Results: Naturally enhanced faces, and gracefully addressed aging changes are important. Fillers administered on the outer zones of the face rather than the inner zone gives better aesthetic results.