Research Article | | Peer-Reviewed

The Inverted Easel: A Novel Technique for Mento-Labial Harmonization Using Hyaluronic Acid Filler

Received: 26 February 2025     Accepted: 3 April 2025     Published: 26 May 2025
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Abstract

Facial harmonization of the lower third is essential for achieving proportionate, youthful, and natural aesthetic results. Conventional filler techniques for this region often rely on bolus injections that may overcorrect the mental fat pad, leading to projection irregularities and compromised outcomes. This study introduces the "Inverted Easel" technique, a novel and minimally invasive method for mento-labial elongation using hyaluronic acid (HA) filler. The approach emphasizes anatomical precision through vector-based filler distribution to safely enhance vertical dimensions without volumetric excess. Nineteen patients underwent treatment with a single-entry cannula technique using UP Deep®, a biphasic, high-density HA filler. Retrograde linear threading was performed along four radial vectors originating from a central chin point—two medial and two lateral—creating a scaffold that mimics an inverted easel. No bolus injections were used. Facial assessments were conducted with Quantificare® 3D imaging software, measuring changes in mento-labial distance and lower third facial height at baseline and 30 days post-treatment. Of the 12 patients with complete imaging data, 10 demonstrated measurable improvements, with an average increase of 1.76 mm in mento-labial distance and 1.86 mm in lower third facial height. No serious adverse events were reported. Minor side effects, including transient edema and erythema, resolved within 72 hours. Patient-reported satisfaction was high, with 90% rating the outcome as "very satisfied" according to the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). The Inverted Easel technique provides a safe, reproducible, and anatomically respectful strategy for lower facial harmonization. Its refined injection design enhances structural support while minimizing risks of overcorrection. These results suggest that the method is well-suited for subtle yet impactful lower face elongation, particularly in patients seeking balanced, natural results.

Published in Advances in Surgical Sciences (Volume 13, Issue 1)
DOI 10.11648/j.ass.20251301.13
Page(s) 11-16
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Lower Face, Mento-labial, Hyaluronic Acid, Harmonization

References
[1] Brandt, F. S., & Cazzaniga, A. (2008). Hyaluronic acid gel fillers in the management of facial aging. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 3(1), 153–159.
[2] Chen, B., Ma, L., & Wang, J. (2022). Chin Augmentation With Hyaluronic Acid: An Injection Technique Based on Anatomical Morphology. Dermatologic Surgery: Official Publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et Al.], 48(7), 747–751.
[3] Fallacara, A., Baldini, E., Manfredini, S., & Vertuani, S. (2018). Hyaluronic Acid in the Third Millennium. Polymers, 10(7).
[4] Braz, A., & de Paula, C. C. (2020). Reshaping the Lower Face Using Injectable Fillers. Indian J Plast Surg, 53(2), 207–218.
[5] de Maio M. MD Codes™: A Methodological Approach to Facial Aesthetic Treatment with Injectable Hyaluronic Acid Fillers. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2021 Apr; 45(2): 690-709.
[6] Hoffmann, T., Al-Machot, E., Meyle, J. et al. Resultados de três anos após cirurgia periodontal regenerativa de defeitos intraósseos avançados com derivado de matriz de esmalte sozinho ou combinado com enxerto ósseo sintético. Clin Oral Invest 20, 357–364 (2016).
[7] Wollina U, Goldman A, Tchernev G. Fillers and Facial Fat Pads. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2017; 5(4): 488-491.
[8] Up Deep by Ilikia. (2022) Package insert. CG Bio. Retrieved from
[9] Kablik, J., Monheit, G. D., Yu, L., Chang, G., & Gershkovich, J. (2009). Comparative Physical Properties of Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers. Dermatologic Surgery, 35(Sup 1), 302–312.
[10] Narins, R. S., Carruthers, J., Flynn, T. C., et al. (2003). Validated assessment scales for the global aesthetic improvement and patient satisfaction. Dermatologic Surgery, 29(7), 674–680.
[11] Li, K., Meng, F., Li, Y. R., Tian, Y., Chen, H., Jia, Q., Cai, H., & Jiang, H. B. (2022). Application of Nonsurgical Modalities in Improving Facial Aging. In International Journal of Dentistry (Vol. 2022). Hindawi Limited.
[12] Matarasso, S. L., Carruthers, J. D., & Jewell, M. L. (2006). Consensus Recommendations for Soft-Tissue Augmentation with Nonanimal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid (Restylane). Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 117(SUPPLEMENT), 3S-34S.
[13] Naini, F. B., Cobourne, M. T., Garagiola, U., McDonald, F., & Wertheim, D. (2017). Mentolabial angle and aesthetics: a quantitative investigation of idealized and normative values. Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 39(1), 4.
Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Tamura, B. M., Fonseca, L. P. C., Fonseca, E. L., Viana, R. M. D. M., Uchida, E., et al. (2025). The Inverted Easel: A Novel Technique for Mento-Labial Harmonization Using Hyaluronic Acid Filler. Advances in Surgical Sciences, 13(1), 11-16. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ass.20251301.13

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    ACS Style

    Tamura, B. M.; Fonseca, L. P. C.; Fonseca, E. L.; Viana, R. M. D. M.; Uchida, E., et al. The Inverted Easel: A Novel Technique for Mento-Labial Harmonization Using Hyaluronic Acid Filler. Adv. Surg. Sci. 2025, 13(1), 11-16. doi: 10.11648/j.ass.20251301.13

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    AMA Style

    Tamura BM, Fonseca LPC, Fonseca EL, Viana RMDM, Uchida E, et al. The Inverted Easel: A Novel Technique for Mento-Labial Harmonization Using Hyaluronic Acid Filler. Adv Surg Sci. 2025;13(1):11-16. doi: 10.11648/j.ass.20251301.13

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  • @article{10.11648/j.ass.20251301.13,
      author = {Bhertha Miyuki Tamura and Larissa Pierri Carvalho Fonseca and Eduardo Leite Fonseca and Renata Mirelli de Melo Viana and Erika Uchida and Ana Carolina Junqueira Ferolla and Daniela Laura de Mello Junqueira},
      title = {The Inverted Easel: A Novel Technique for Mento-Labial Harmonization Using Hyaluronic Acid Filler
    },
      journal = {Advances in Surgical Sciences},
      volume = {13},
      number = {1},
      pages = {11-16},
      doi = {10.11648/j.ass.20251301.13},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ass.20251301.13},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ass.20251301.13},
      abstract = {Facial harmonization of the lower third is essential for achieving proportionate, youthful, and natural aesthetic results. Conventional filler techniques for this region often rely on bolus injections that may overcorrect the mental fat pad, leading to projection irregularities and compromised outcomes. This study introduces the "Inverted Easel" technique, a novel and minimally invasive method for mento-labial elongation using hyaluronic acid (HA) filler. The approach emphasizes anatomical precision through vector-based filler distribution to safely enhance vertical dimensions without volumetric excess. Nineteen patients underwent treatment with a single-entry cannula technique using UP Deep®, a biphasic, high-density HA filler. Retrograde linear threading was performed along four radial vectors originating from a central chin point—two medial and two lateral—creating a scaffold that mimics an inverted easel. No bolus injections were used. Facial assessments were conducted with Quantificare® 3D imaging software, measuring changes in mento-labial distance and lower third facial height at baseline and 30 days post-treatment. Of the 12 patients with complete imaging data, 10 demonstrated measurable improvements, with an average increase of 1.76 mm in mento-labial distance and 1.86 mm in lower third facial height. No serious adverse events were reported. Minor side effects, including transient edema and erythema, resolved within 72 hours. Patient-reported satisfaction was high, with 90% rating the outcome as "very satisfied" according to the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). The Inverted Easel technique provides a safe, reproducible, and anatomically respectful strategy for lower facial harmonization. Its refined injection design enhances structural support while minimizing risks of overcorrection. These results suggest that the method is well-suited for subtle yet impactful lower face elongation, particularly in patients seeking balanced, natural results.
    },
     year = {2025}
    }
    

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  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - The Inverted Easel: A Novel Technique for Mento-Labial Harmonization Using Hyaluronic Acid Filler
    
    AU  - Bhertha Miyuki Tamura
    AU  - Larissa Pierri Carvalho Fonseca
    AU  - Eduardo Leite Fonseca
    AU  - Renata Mirelli de Melo Viana
    AU  - Erika Uchida
    AU  - Ana Carolina Junqueira Ferolla
    AU  - Daniela Laura de Mello Junqueira
    Y1  - 2025/05/26
    PY  - 2025
    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ass.20251301.13
    DO  - 10.11648/j.ass.20251301.13
    T2  - Advances in Surgical Sciences
    JF  - Advances in Surgical Sciences
    JO  - Advances in Surgical Sciences
    SP  - 11
    EP  - 16
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2376-6182
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ass.20251301.13
    AB  - Facial harmonization of the lower third is essential for achieving proportionate, youthful, and natural aesthetic results. Conventional filler techniques for this region often rely on bolus injections that may overcorrect the mental fat pad, leading to projection irregularities and compromised outcomes. This study introduces the "Inverted Easel" technique, a novel and minimally invasive method for mento-labial elongation using hyaluronic acid (HA) filler. The approach emphasizes anatomical precision through vector-based filler distribution to safely enhance vertical dimensions without volumetric excess. Nineteen patients underwent treatment with a single-entry cannula technique using UP Deep®, a biphasic, high-density HA filler. Retrograde linear threading was performed along four radial vectors originating from a central chin point—two medial and two lateral—creating a scaffold that mimics an inverted easel. No bolus injections were used. Facial assessments were conducted with Quantificare® 3D imaging software, measuring changes in mento-labial distance and lower third facial height at baseline and 30 days post-treatment. Of the 12 patients with complete imaging data, 10 demonstrated measurable improvements, with an average increase of 1.76 mm in mento-labial distance and 1.86 mm in lower third facial height. No serious adverse events were reported. Minor side effects, including transient edema and erythema, resolved within 72 hours. Patient-reported satisfaction was high, with 90% rating the outcome as "very satisfied" according to the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). The Inverted Easel technique provides a safe, reproducible, and anatomically respectful strategy for lower facial harmonization. Its refined injection design enhances structural support while minimizing risks of overcorrection. These results suggest that the method is well-suited for subtle yet impactful lower face elongation, particularly in patients seeking balanced, natural results.
    
    VL  - 13
    IS  - 1
    ER  - 

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Author Information
  • Hands on Hands Treinamentos S/S Ltda, São Paulo, Brazil;Instituto Lapidare, Balneário Camboriú, Brazil

  • Hands on Hands Treinamentos S/S Ltda, São Paulo, Brazil;Instituto Lapidare, Balneário Camboriú, Brazil

  • Hands on Hands Treinamentos S/S Ltda, São Paulo, Brazil;Instituto Lapidare, Balneário Camboriú, Brazil

  • Private Practice, São Paulo, Brazil

  • Hands on Hands Treinamentos S/S Ltda, São Paulo, Brazil;Instituto Lapidare, Balneário Camboriú, Brazil

  • Instituto Lapidare, Balneário Camboriú, Brazil

  • Hands on Hands Treinamentos S/S Ltda, São Paulo, Brazil

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