Improving Infraorbital Hollows with Hyaluronic Acid Gels: A Comprehensive Guide on Dosing

Introduction

Infraorbital hollows, commonly known as dark circles or eye hollows, have long been the subject of aesthetic concern for both men and women. They contribute to an aged and tired appearance, affecting one’s self-esteem and overall aesthetic appeal. While many over-the-counter creams promise quick results, hyaluronic acid (HA) gel injections have emerged as a reliable and relatively non-invasive treatment for infraorbital hollows.

However, one of the main concerns in treating infraorbital hollows is the appropriate dosing of hyaluronic acid. This blog post aims to shed light on this aspect, incorporating evidence from peer-reviewed scientific articles.

Why Hyaluronic Acid Gels?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in our skin that has the ability to attract and hold vast amounts of moisture. When used as a filler, it not only smoothens the treated area but also helps in maintaining hydration (Palm, 2017). The safety and efficacy of HA have been well documented for a variety of aesthetic applications (Beleznay et al., 2015).

Dosing Considerations

1. Patient Evaluation

Before injecting, a thorough evaluation of the anatomical features of the patient’s infraorbital region is essential. According to a study by Hussain et al. (2018), accurate pre-procedure evaluation aids in determining the optimal volume and concentration of HA to be injected.

2. Volume of HA Gel

The standard recommendation for treating infraorbital hollows is to start with a lower volume and build up gradually. A commonly cited dose is between 0.5 ml and 1 ml per side (Dayan et al., 2018). The aim is to correct the defect without overfilling, which may result in puffiness or an unnatural look.

3. Injection Technique

The micro-droplet technique or the use of a cannula for a more diffuse placement can impact the overall volume required (Artzi et al., 2020). The choice of technique can also influence the longevity and appearance of the filler.

Possible Complications and Their Avoidance

Like any procedure, HA fillers also come with their share of potential complications such as bruising, swelling, or lumpiness. Most of these are technique-sensitive and could be minimized by choosing an experienced injector (Beleznay et al., 2015).

Conclusion

The dosing of hyaluronic acid gel for improving infraorbital hollows is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ strategy. A personalized approach, based on thorough patient evaluation and understanding of injection techniques, can result in natural and long-lasting outcomes.

References

1. Palm, M.D. (2017). Hyaluronic acid fillers in soft tissue regeneration. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, 25(1), 63-76.
2. Beleznay, K., Carruthers, J. D. A., Humphrey, S., & Jones, D. (2015). Avoiding and treating blindness from fillers: A review of the world literature. Dermatologic Surgery, 41(10), 1097-1117.
3. Hussain, S. N., Goodman, G. J., Rahman, E., & Townley, W. A. (2018). A comprehensive review of hyaluronic acid fillers and their applications. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(5), 674-680.
4. Dayan, S., Pritzker, R. N., Arkins, J. P., & Bacos, J. T. (2018). Aesthetics of the lower eyelid: Revisiting the lower lid classification and introducing the concept of local dynamic strain. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 38(11), 1193-1201.
5. Artzi, O., Loizides, C., Verner, I., & Landau, M. (2020). Resistant and recurrent late reaction to hyaluronic acid-based gel. Dermatologic Surgery, 46(3), 416-422.