Categories
Recent Posts
.webp)
.webp)
Products
Tags
-
- Author e-FILLERS Team
- Nov 26th, 2025
Understanding Injection Planes: Subdermal, Deep Fat, Supraperiosteal Explained
 (1).webp)
Mastering injection planes is one of the most important aspects of safe and natural-looking filler treatments. Placing filler in the wrong anatomical layer can cause lumps, migration, Tyndall effect, vascular compression or an artificial result. This is why professional injectors must understand where—and how deep—to place product.
The three most common planes used in aesthetic medicine are subdermal (or superficial), deep fat, and supraperiosteal. Each has a different purpose depending on the area of the face and the type of correction required.
Why Injection Depth Matters
The face is composed of multiple layers: skin, subcutaneous tissue, fat pads, facial muscles, deep fat compartments, and bone. Fillers placed at the wrong level can lead to:
Visible lumps or irregularities
Blue-grey discoloration under the skin (Tyndall effect)
Overfilling or distortion of natural anatomy
Vascular occlusion or compression
Faster degradation of the filler
Correct plane selection helps achieve natural contour, longevity, and safety.
1. Subdermal Injection Plane
Location: Just beneath the dermis, above the muscle or superficial fat.
Used For:
Fine lines and wrinkles (perioral or periorbital)
Superficial volume correction
Skin boosters and mesotherapy products
Highly mobile areas with thin skin, such as around the eyes or lips
Advantages:
Allows precise surface refinements
Creates subtle improvements in skin quality
Risks:
Too superficial = Tyndall effect (blue hue under skin)
Product visibility in thin skin
Higher chance of lumps if the filler is too dense
Products Commonly Used: Soft, low-density hyaluronic acid fillers or skin boosters.
2. Deep Fat Compartment Injection
Location: In the deep facial fat pads beneath the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), but above the bone.
Used For:
Cheek augmentation and midface lifting
Nasolabial fold support through lateral volume restoration
Restoration of age-related fat pad deflation
Tear trough correction (in selected patients)
Advantages:
Creates natural volume by replacing fat loss
Lifts and supports overlying tissues
Less risk of surface irregularities compared to superficial injection
Risks:
Incorrect placement may distort facial proportions
If injected too superficially, migration or puffiness may occur
Must be avoided in areas with thin tissue, such as the lower eyelid in certain patients
Products Commonly Used: Medium to high-density hyaluronic acid fillers or biostimulators like Sculptra or Radiesse.
3. Supraperiosteal Injection Plane (On Bone)
Location: Directly above the bone, below all soft tissue layers.
Used For:
Structural support and contouring
Chin augmentation
Jawline and mandibular angle definition
Cheekbone enhancement
Temple hollowing treatment
Advantages:
Provides strong support and lifting effect
Mimics bone projection, ideal for facial sculpting
Long-lasting results due to minimal movement in this layer
Risks:
Painful if improper injection technique is used
Risk of injury to periosteum or nearby vessels
Only suitable for firm, high G’ (elasticity) fillers
Products Commonly Used: Highly cohesive and firm fillers with strong lifting capacity.
Comparison of Injection Planes
How Practitioners Choose the Correct Plane
Aesthetic professionals consider several factors:
Patient’s anatomy and skin thickness
Degree of volume loss or sagging
Filler rheology (G’, viscosity, cohesiveness)
Desired outcome: structure, volume or refinement
Safety structures such as arteries and nerves in the area
Final Thoughts
Choosing the correct injection plane is fundamental to safe and effective filler treatments. Subdermal injections refine the surface, deep fat injections restore youthful volume, and supraperiosteal placement provides structural support. A skilled injector evaluates facial anatomy and selects the right plane and product to create natural, balanced and long-lasting results.
