Pilot Study: Hyaluronic Acid Filler Injection Techniques to Achieve Facial Balance in Asian Patients.

[BACKGROUND] Current standard beauty practices in East Asia focus on enhancing and refining Asian features within cultural normalities.

[METHODS] This pilot study presents injection techniques using hyaluronic acid filler (YVOIRE), focusing on East Asian facial balance factors (line, angle, and proportion of the face). The Balance-L injection technique is suggested to achieve single convexity of the outer contour. The Balance-A technique is suggested to modify the profile angles, and the Balance-P technique is suggested to modify facial proportions. Five East Asian female patients gave written informed consent for the procedures and use of their photographs. Physicians used the Balance injection technique as per the patients' concerns and desired outcomes.

[RESULTS] Adapting the Balance-L technique, nasolabial fold and marionette lines were treated to achieve a natural look in patient 1. A harmonious profile was achieved in patient 2 by treating forehead, nose, and chin guided by the Balance-A technique. Patients 3-5 were treated using the Balance-P technique. Overall sagging was corrected by treating the anteromedial malar in patient 3. In patient 4, a dimensionally balanced face was achieved by treating the nose, chin, frontotemporal junction, anteromedian malar, and deep pyriform space. A younger and tighter appearing face was achieved in patient 5 by treating the nose, nasolabial folds, deep pyriform space, nasal dorsum and radix, and cheek.

[CONCLUSIONS] The Balance injection technique for hyaluronic acid filler administration may help the achievement of East Asian-specific beauty standards of contour, angle, and proportion. Further study is required to confirm the findings of this pilot study.