The oval of the face refers to the continuous anatomical line connecting the mandibular angles, the chin and the soft tissues of the lower third of the face. It constitutes a major indicator of youth, firmness and facial harmony. Its progressive alteration is among the earliest and most perceptible signs of aging.
The aging of the oval of the face is a multifactorial process. It notably results from mandibular bone resorption, a decrease in deep fat compartments, ligament laxity, loss of muscular tone and qualitative alteration of the dermis. All of these mechanisms lead to a reduction in tissue support, ptosis of volumes and a loss of definition of the mandibular line.
In aesthetic-oriented medicine, hyaluronic acid is used in order to restore the anatomical structures involved in supporting the oval.
In the specific indication of treating the oval of the face, hyaluronic acid does not aim to fill volumes, it aims to restore deep anchoring points, recreate appropriate mechanical tension and restore harmonious continuity to the contours of the lower third of the face.
The initial consultation constitutes an essential step in the care pathway. It determines the accuracy of the indication, the safety of the medical procedure and the quality of the aesthetic result obtained.
The clinical evaluation is based on a global and in-depth analysis of the face, performed at rest and in motion. Dr Romano examines the mandibular bone structure, the projection and morphology of the chin, the distribution and position of the fat compartments, the quality of the skin as well as the tone of the subcutaneous tissues. The middle third of the face is also analyzed, as any loss of malar support has a direct impact on the laxity of the mandibular line.
The doctor then identifies the predominant mechanisms of aging : deep volume loss, ligament laxity, skin excess or constitutional morphological particularities.
The consultation is also a fundamental time for discussion with the patient. It makes it possible to gather expectations, clarify their feasibility and explain the limits of the treatment. Clear and transparent information is provided regarding the expected benefits, possible constraints, the duration of results as well as potential adverse effects.
Hyaluronic acid injections are indicated when the alteration of the oval of the face is mainly related to a moderate structural deficiency, in the absence of significant skin excess.
The indications are : loss of definition and sharpness of the mandibular line ; early jowls ; reduction of the volumes of the chin and/or mandibular angles ; moderate laxity of the tissues of the lower third of the face ; asymmetries of the oval ; prevention of laxity in younger patients presenting constitutional anatomical or structural fragility.
Hyaluronic acid cannot replace surgical treatment in cases of significant skin excess. However, it represents an effective and relevant non invasive alternative in many clinical situations, provided it is used in a reasoned manner, in compliance with indications and the patient’s anatomy.
One of the major advantages of hyaluronic acid lies in its ability to restore the deep structures of the face without altering mobility or expressiveness. The result is natural, harmonious and reversible.
The treatment is minimally invasive and performed in a medical office, the resumption of daily activities is immediate.
On a biological level, hyaluronic acid contributes to an improvement in tissue hydration and participates in optimizing skin quality. On a mechanical level, it acts as a true structural support, restoring favorable tension and better support of lax tissues.
Finally, the great modularity of this technique allows precise adaptation to each morphology and to each indication. This personalized approach constitutes a major advantage and enables a tailored treatment, respectful of the patient’s anatomy and identity.
Before the session, it is recommended to avoid taking medications likely to promote bleeding, unless formally indicated medically. Alcohol consumption should also be limited within the 48 hours preceding the injection.
Any intercurrent pathology or ongoing treatment must be reported to Dr Romano during the consultation.
The hyaluronic acid injection session for the oval of the face begins with meticulous disinfection. A final analysis of the face is carried out in order to precisely adjust the injection strategy defined during the initial consultation.
The choice of needle or cannula depends on the depth of injection, the targeted anatomical area and the objectives sought.
Hyaluronic acid is injected according to a precise and structuring technique, in depth, in contact with the periosteum. The acid is injected in a progressive, controlled and harmonious manner, in order to avoid any excessive correction.
The average duration of the session is approximately thirty minutes. The result is visible immediately after the injection, although slight transient edema may temporarily accentuate the initial effect. This generally subsides within a few days.
The treatment of the oval of the face requires the use of hyaluronic acids specifically formulated for structural support. These are highly cross-linked gels, endowed with high elasticity and excellent projection capacity.
These products must be able to withstand the significant mechanical constraints of the lower third of the face, an area subjected to constant mobility related to mastication and facial expressions. The choice of hyaluronic acid depends on several parameters : the injected area, tissue thickness, the degree of laxity and the therapeutic objective sought.
The use of an unsuitable hyaluronic acid — too soft or insufficiently cohesive — would compromise both the durability, the stability and the naturalness of the aesthetic result.
After the session, it is recommended to avoid any pressure, massage or manipulation of the injected areas for a few days. Exposure to intense heat (sauna, hammam, prolonged hot baths) as well as significant physical exertion must be avoided during the first days.
Mild bruising, local sensitivity or a sensation of tension may occur. These effects are transient, not serious, and disappear spontaneously within a few days.
The medical protocol is based on a global, structured and hierarchical approach to the face. The restoration of deep volumes constitutes an essential preliminary step before any tightening of the mandibular line.
The treatment of the oval of the face is frequently integrated into a broader aesthetic strategy, including the middle third of the face, the chin and sometimes the neck. This overall vision makes it possible to obtain a coherent, harmonious and lasting result.
The expected result of a hyaluronic acid injection for the oval of the face is a clear and harmonious redefinition of the mandibular line, associated with a visible improvement in skin firmness. The face fully retains its mobility, expressiveness and identity.
The effect is perceptible immediately after the session. It improves and stabilizes progressively over the following weeks, as any edema subsides and the hyaluronic acid integrates into the tissues. The final result is characterized by a more structured oval, a redefined mandibular line and a visibly rejuvenated lower third of the face.
The duration of the effects of a hyaluronic acid injection for the oval of the face is generally between twelve and fifteen months. This duration varies according to several factors, notably the type of hyaluronic acid used, its degree of cross-linking, the patient’s individual metabolism and the mechanical constraints specific to the lower third of the face.
A personalized maintenance protocol, adapted to the rate of product resorption and to the evolution of the face, makes it possible to maintain the results durably while respecting the physiology and the balance of volumes.
The after-effects are most often simple and well tolerated. Slight transient effects may appear, such as moderate edema, local sensitivity or discreet bruising, which disappear spontaneously within a few days.
A follow-up consultation is usually proposed in order to assess the final result, ensure its harmony and, if necessary, proceed with an additional adjustment with the objective of precision and naturalness.
Patients most often report a subtle but significant improvement in their appearance. They describe a more structured face, better defined contours and an overall rejuvenated look, without modification of their features or loss of naturalness. The result is perceived as elegant, discreet and in harmony with their image, which reinforces self-confidence without any perceptible change in the eyes of those around them.
