Sequential Dermal Filler Injection for Midface Volume Deficit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for treating midface volume deficit (MVD) using dermal fillers often result in short-lasting effects, requiring frequent injections and higher volumes of filler to maintain desired corrections.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the sequential injection of a crosslinked hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler into specific facial regions, starting with a supraperiosteal injection in the zygomaticomalar region, followed by injections in the anteromedial cheek and submalar regions, to achieve extended duration of effect and reduced filler volume requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dermal filler is injected into midface region to correct volume loss, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but duration of effect is short

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic correctionVSAvoidduration of effect

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment area is divided into multiple injection zones (zygomaticomalar, anteromedial cheek, submalar) with different injection depths and techniques. This segmentation allows the filler to be distributed strategically throughout the midface, extending the overall duration of effect by ensuring comprehensive coverage and support in multiple anatomical regions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dimensional approach by injecting filler at multiple depths (supraperiosteal, subdermal, subcutaneous) rather than a single plane. This multi-dimensional injection strategy creates a three-dimensional support structure that prolongs the duration of volumetric correction compared to single-plane injections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If higher volume of filler is used to maintain correction, then duration of effect is extended, but cost and invasiveness increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of effectVSAvoidfiller volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the midface are treated with different injection techniques and filler volumes based on their specific anatomical requirements. The zygomaticomalar region receives supraperiosteal injection for structural support, while the submalar region receives subdermal injection for superficial volumization. This localized approach optimizes filler distribution to achieve maximum duration of effect with minimal total volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent varies multiple parameters including injection depth, injection site, filler concentration, and injection technique to optimize the duration of effect. By systematically adjusting these parameters across different treatment zones, the method achieves extended correction duration without requiring proportionally higher filler volumes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If frequent injections are performed to maintain correction, then duration of effect is extended, but recovery time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of effectVSAvoidrecovery time

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs comprehensive midface volumization in a single treatment session by addressing multiple injection zones simultaneously. This preliminary comprehensive treatment establishes long-lasting structural support and volumetric correction that reduces or eliminates the need for frequent follow-up injections, thereby minimizing cumulative recovery time while extending the duration of effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method significantly prolongs the effectiveness of dermal filler treatment for MVD, maintaining noticeable improvement in facial volume for at least 18 months, and potentially up to 24 months or longer, while reducing the amount of filler needed.

Implementation Method 1

JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA XC is a crosslinked HA-based dermal filler gel... particularly suitable for volumizing the midface region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVolumization:

Implementation Method 2

JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA XC is a sterile, biodegradable, viscoelastic gel implant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 3

made of a mixture of a low molecular weight HA and a high molecular weight HA, which allows for efficient crosslinking

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS20250144001A1Method for improving duration of effect of dermal filler treatment

Publication Date: 2025.05.08 ALLERGAN INC

AI summary

A method of treating midface volume deficit in a person is provided. The method generally includes administering a dermal filler, such as a hyaluronic acid based dermal filler, in a sequence of injections that enhance effectiveness and/or duration of the filler. The method may include initially introducing a volume of the filler into at a zygomaticomalar region of the face prior to introducing one or more additional volumes of the filler into the anteromedial region and the submalar region, such that the duration of effectiveness of the treatment is improved, and less filler is required to achieve a desired correction.