How To Minimise Jowls For Your Patients Using Dermal Filler

Case Study Breakdown

Understanding facial architecture through points, lines, and planes transforms how we approach aesthetic treatments. Every part of the human face is defined by specific projecting points that connect through defining lines, creating connecting surfaces or planes. These elements reflect patterns of light that our brain interprets as youthful, symmetrical, and beautiful.

Breaking Down Facial Architecture

When assessing any face, we must first look at it in its entirety. In the case shown on this page, the lower face showed the most significant signs of aging, but its connection to the mid-face meant both areas needed attention. This comprehensive view allows us to prioritize our treatment approach effectively.

The face can be broken down into three key elements:

Points: These are the cornerstones of facial structure. In our case study, we identified:

• The defining point of the cheek (which was excellently positioned)
• The gonial angle point (requiring enhancement)
• The chin projection point (needing definition)
• The lateral brow points (requiring subtle enhancement)

Lines: These connect our defining points. We observed:

• The nasolabial fold disrupting the important plane between lip and cheek
• The jawline requiring refinement
• The lateral cheek lines needing connection to the eye area

Planes: These are the connecting surfaces that create our three-dimensional structure. In our case:

• The plane connecting cheek to eye showed disruption
• The lower face plane needed simplification
• The forehead plane required subtle enhancement

Assessment Methodology

Looking at the face in its entirety revealed increased complexity in the lower third. This complexity manifested through:

• Disruption of connecting planes
• Hidden or misplaced defining points
• Irregular light reflection patterns
• Disconnected facial zones

By identifying areas of emptiness or lack of projection, we created a systematic treatment plan. The assessment showed that while the defining point of the cheek was excellent, there was significant disruption in the plane connecting it to the eye area.

Treatment Sequence

Following our top-to-bottom approach, treatment began with minor work in the upper face:

1. Small amount of volume in the upper forehead on the lateral plane
2. Subtle enhancement of the lateral brow point
3. Creation of a more youthful forehead shape

The mid-face treatment focused on:

• Maintaining the strong cheek defining point
• Blending the plane beneath the eye
• Performing a lateral cheek junction procedure
• Creating a more youthful shape through subtle volume addition

The lower face required the most attention:

• Correcting the gonial angle defining point
• Enhancing chin projection
• Revoluming areas of plane disruption
• Connecting the cheek and chin with volume to blend disrupting planes

Understanding Light Reflection

The relationship between points, lines, and planes significantly affects how light reflects across the face. In our case:

• The disrupted plane under the eye created unwanted shadows
• Complexity in the lower face created irregular light patterns
• Disconnected planes interrupted natural light flow

By simplifying these elements, we achieved:

• More upward light reflection toward the eye
• Simplified under-eye area
• More harmonious facial planes
• Natural-looking contours

Mechanical Principles

Using a simple model with perspex layers and a beach ball, we demonstrated how volume creates lift through proper structural support. This principle applies to our points, lines, and planes approach:

• Volume beneath structural points creates projection
• Connected planes distribute force effectively
• Proper support maintains natural movement
• Strategic placement optimizes lifting potential

Case Study Results

The final result demonstrated successful integration of our points, lines, and planes approach:

• Simplified lower face complexity
• Enhanced structural points without obvious signs of treatment
• Connected planes creating smooth transitions
• Natural movement and expression maintained
• Overall facial harmony achieved

Before and after analysis revealed:

• More youthful light reflection patterns
• Reduced facial complexity
• Improved structural support
• Natural-looking enhancement

Conclusion

Understanding points, lines, and planes transforms our approach to facial assessment and treatment. This systematic yet artistic approach allows us to:

• Identify key structural elements
• Plan effective treatment sequences
• Create natural-looking improvements
• Maintain facial harmony

The success of our case study demonstrates how this methodical approach, combined with proper treatment sequencing, creates results that enhance natural beauty while maintaining character.

Watch a full breakdown of this case study including my treatment plan so you can replicate this result for your patients, click here.