In order to give patients, the best results from their aesthetic treatments it is essential to have a deep understanding of facial anatomy whilst still being able to appreciate each face individuality. When it comes to treating male and female faces, they have different facial anatomies and therefore require different techniques when it comes to administering aesthetic treatments. Comprehensive and in-depth training is the best foundation to nurture this understanding and equip yourself with the latest techniques and knowledge to give patients the highest standard of treatment and results.
Harley Academy are the UK’s leading post-graduate aesthetic training provider and they specialise in Level 7 training qualifications in aesthetic medicine – equivalent to a Master’s Degree. Their main goal is to improve patient safety through evidence-based aesthetic training. We spoke to Dr Tristan Mehta of Harley Academy and STORY Clinic to find out more…
What are the differences in facial anatomy between men and women?
‘Bone Structure:
- Men: Typically have more prominent and angular bone structures, including a stronger brow ridge, more pronounced jawline, and a broader chin. Ideally, men have a jawline width (bigonial width) that is equal to the width of the cheekbones (bizygomatic distance).
- Women: Tend to have softer, more rounded contours, with a less pronounced brow ridge, narrower jawline, and a more pointed chin.
Soft Tissue Distribution:
- Men: Have thicker skin and more muscle mass, particularly in areas like the jaw and temple region. Their facial fat tends to be distributed differently, often concentrated around the jawline and chin. The lips in men are typically the width of the chin.
- Women: Generally have thinner skin, less muscle mass, and their facial fat is more evenly distributed, often giving them a smoother and more contoured appearance. In women, the width of the fullness of the lips often aligns with the width of the nose.
Facial Ratios and Proportions:
- Men: Facial proportions are generally larger, with a longer and broader face. Men’s faces often have a lower brow and larger nose. A projected chin can look masculine, whereas an under projected chin can look weak.
- Women: Tend to have higher brows, a smaller nose, and a more delicate, shorter face. A projected chin can look masculine, and an under projected chin can look beautiful.’
What are the differences in techniques for facial injectables?
‘Injection Goals:
- Men: The goal is often to maintain or enhance masculine features, such as emphasising a strong jawline, enhancing the chin, and maintaining a broader, more angular appearance. This includes ensuring the width of the jawline complements the cheekbones and keeping the lips in proportion with the chin.
- Women: The focus is often on enhancing femininity by softening the features, creating smooth contours, and maintaining a more delicate appearance. Attention is given to ensuring the fullness of the lips aligns with the width of the nose. Higher cheekbones can create a dramatic and powerful feminine feature.
Technique Adjustments:
- Men: Injections are typically placed to maintain or enhance angularity and volume, such as adding volume to the jawline and chin. The dosage may also be higher due to thicker skin and more muscle mass.
- Women: Techniques often aim to create lift and contour, such as enhancing the cheeks, softening the nasolabial folds, and creating a more tapered jawline.
Specific Areas of Focus:
- Men: Jawline definition, chin enhancement, and brow contouring are often key focus areas. Care is taken to avoid overly softening or feminising the face.
- Women: Cheek augmentation, lip enhancement, and smoothing of the forehead and nasolabial folds are commonly targeted. The emphasis is on creating balanced, soft contours.’
How does training differ for male and female faces?
‘Anatomical Considerations:
- Training for Men: Focuses on understanding the differences in male anatomy, such as thicker skin and the need for more robust volume in certain areas. Techniques are taught to enhance masculine features without over-softening. This includes ensuring the jawline width is balanced with the cheekbones and maintaining proportional lip width relative to the chin.
- Training for Women: Emphasises the importance of subtlety and precision to maintain the natural curves and softness of the female face. Techniques focus on enhancing femininity without creating exaggerated features, ensuring lip fullness aligns with the width of the nose.
Customised Approach:
- Men: Techniques are often taught with an emphasis on preserving the ruggedness and angularity of the male face. Practitioners are trained to use higher volumes and deeper injections.
- Women: Training often emphasises the use of smaller volumes and more superficial injections to enhance softness.
Use of Products:
- Men: Products with higher viscosity and more structural support may be preferred to achieve the desired results, such as strong jawlines and chins.
- Women: Softer fillers might be chosen to create smooth transitions and delicate contours.’
‘The key to successful facial injectables is understanding that one size does not fit all. Training programmes increasingly emphasise the importance of a tailored approach, considering the unique anatomical and aesthetic goals of each gender. It is also important to recognise that individual patient preferences play a significant role in determining the appropriate techniques and outcomes for facial injectables.’
