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DIY Filler Guide
A beginner's step-by-step guide to injecting filler at home.
The following content does not promote or condone any of the mentioned activities below, read at your own risk.
A beginner's step-by-step guide to injecting filler at home.
The following content does not promote or condone any of the mentioned activities below, read at your own risk.
Things to keep in mind:
1. Never inject without aspirating first (non negotiable).
2. Inject slowly, deposit gel in small amounts.
3. Make sure to place filler as close to the supraperiosteal as possible for minimal migration risk.
4. Know and understand signs of vascular occlusion, stop injecting immediately and apply a warm compress + aspirin + hyaluronidase in case of severe damage.
Supplies to have on hand:
High G filler syringe (structure)
Firmer and stiffer, best for lifting and giving more structure to mimic bone.
Low G filler syringe (contour)
Softer and more malleable, best for contouring and smoothing out transitions.
Microcannulas
Preferred if you'd like to lower risk of damaging a vessel.
Replacement needles
Usually comes with filler but if not, it's good to have them as the needle dulls quite easily after a few injections.
Hyaluronidase (dissolver)
Guide: https://looksmax.gg/threads/mini-filler-dissolver-guide.22569/
Topical numbing cream
Most filler comes with premixed gel solutions containing lidocaine.
Marking tool
Example: white eyeliner pencil for anatomy marking
Gloves
Disinfectant (alcohol pads or solution)
Filler and hyaluronidase available through my free source (DM)
Optional: Ultrasound device for vessel mapping
The difference between cannula and needle (solo) injection techniques:
Cannula: Blunt tipped tool used to lower vessel damage risks as well as making it easier to glide along longer planes of structure such as the zygomas or mandibular regions.
Needle (Solo): Acceptable for most regions, just make sure to place boluses instead of threading or fanning too much in case you mess up.
All injection techniques below are possible without a cannula which I've personally resorted to in the past, however this is purely dependent on the individual's knowledge of their facial anatomy. Operate at your own risk.
High G filler syringe (structure)
Firmer and stiffer, best for lifting and giving more structure to mimic bone.
Low G filler syringe (contour)
Softer and more malleable, best for contouring and smoothing out transitions.
Microcannulas
Preferred if you'd like to lower risk of damaging a vessel.
Replacement needles
Usually comes with filler but if not, it's good to have them as the needle dulls quite easily after a few injections.
Hyaluronidase (dissolver)
Guide: https://looksmax.gg/threads/mini-filler-dissolver-guide.22569/
Topical numbing cream
Most filler comes with premixed gel solutions containing lidocaine.
Marking tool
Example: white eyeliner pencil for anatomy marking
Gloves
Disinfectant (alcohol pads or solution)
Filler and hyaluronidase available through my free source (DM)
Optional: Ultrasound device for vessel mapping
The difference between cannula and needle (solo) injection techniques:
Cannula: Blunt tipped tool used to lower vessel damage risks as well as making it easier to glide along longer planes of structure such as the zygomas or mandibular regions.
Needle (Solo): Acceptable for most regions, just make sure to place boluses instead of threading or fanning too much in case you mess up.
All injection techniques below are possible without a cannula which I've personally resorted to in the past, however this is purely dependent on the individual's knowledge of their facial anatomy. Operate at your own risk.
| Terminology | Definitions |
|---|---|
| Anterior | Forward facing surface, forward projection. |
| Posterior | Rear facing surface, depth enhancement behind a structure. |
| Lateral | Towards the side of the face, widening/flaring enhancements. |
| Medial | Center of the face, central placement which is often avoided. |
| Superior | Upwards towards the top of the head, higher placement for "lifting". |
| Inferior | Toward the bottom of the face, lower placement for base support. |
| Supraperiosteal | On or above the periosteum aka the bone surface layer. |
| Subcutaneous | Below the skin but above deeper soft tissue structure. |
| Sub-SMAS | Below the superficial deeper fat/muscle layers, best for deeper lift and support. |
Enhancing projection, filling in any supraorbital recessions, and anything else that may be holding you back from a more dimorphic brow bone while smoothening out the forehead to upper lid transition. In some cases, individuals can benefit from this by lifting the tail of the brow for a more striking eye area.
Filler type: High G' for structural lift, Lower G' prime fillers are acceptable for contouring purposes only.
Anatomy: Look out for the supraorbital/supratrochlear arteries that run from the midline and upward.
Technique
1.Using your needle, create a small pilot hole at the entry of the lateral brow tail or temple, this should be 1-2cm above the lateral canthus.
2. Attach pre-filled 1ml syringe to cannula, and insert the blunt tip through the pilot hole mentioned above GENTLY.
3. Advance your setup slowly into the hypodermis/submuscular plane, then drop to the periosteal (you should feel contact with the bone at this point, gentle scraping is fine but avoid any aggressiveness).
4. Use a fanning or threading technique by directing the cannula along the orbital rim.
For projection: Use spaced deposits on bone along the ridge laterally as you go.
For lifting: Use the threading technique by injecting while withdrawing the needle in a fan pattern from the lateral entry across the brow.
5. Massage gently immediately after each deposit once the needle is back out, by sculpting and ensuring the gel distribution is to your liking. Your fingers are fine for this.
Volume: 0.05–0.1ml per pass, 3–6 threads or small boluses spaced along rim.
Needle-only alternative requires periosteal deposits spaced out laterally along the rim of the supraorbital as well.
View attachment 4669526
Filler type: High G' for structural lift, Lower G' prime fillers are acceptable for contouring purposes only.
Anatomy: Look out for the supraorbital/supratrochlear arteries that run from the midline and upward.
Technique
2. Attach pre-filled 1ml syringe to cannula, and insert the blunt tip through the pilot hole mentioned above GENTLY.
3. Advance your setup slowly into the hypodermis/submuscular plane, then drop to the periosteal (you should feel contact with the bone at this point, gentle scraping is fine but avoid any aggressiveness).
4. Use a fanning or threading technique by directing the cannula along the orbital rim.
For projection: Use spaced deposits on bone along the ridge laterally as you go.
For lifting: Use the threading technique by injecting while withdrawing the needle in a fan pattern from the lateral entry across the brow.
5. Massage gently immediately after each deposit once the needle is back out, by sculpting and ensuring the gel distribution is to your liking. Your fingers are fine for this.
Volume: 0.05–0.1ml per pass, 3–6 threads or small boluses spaced along rim.
Needle-only alternative requires periosteal deposits spaced out laterally along the rim of the supraorbital as well.
View attachment 4669526
Don't forget to aspirate!
Enhancing forward projection of the front cheekbones and undereye support for fullness, and reduction of any midface flatness.. Serves to improve the ogee curve and adding a more "forward grown" appearance.
Filler Type: High G' for structure and lifting properties, avoid low G' filler unless contouring into the tear troughs. Keep the volume conservative with no more than 1ml per side unless unsatisfied with outcome.
Anatomy: Watch out for the infraorbital artery, and any zygomaticofacial artery branches (low risk if done using a cannula).
Technique
1. Create pilot hole at lateral entry point along the arch of the zygo, lateral to the apex and across the anterior surface.
2. Attach pre-filled 1.1ml syringe to cannula and insert blunt tip through pilot hole.
3. Advance slowly in hypodermis/sub smas plane, then drop to supraperiosteal, making contact with bone.
4. Direct the cannula toward anterior zygoma face at a 90* perpendicular to bone angle.
-For projection use bolus deposits, around 0.05-0.2ml per bolus.
-For contouring, use a fanning technique while drawing and injecting at the same time from the lateral entry towards the apex. Don't forget to remain lateral as you move.
5. Deposit 0.05–0.2ml boluses every 3–5mm along anterior surface. For fanning, stay lateral to avoid infraorbital foramen.
6. Massage gently, immediately after each deposit until you sculpt the gel into a form that suits your needs.
7. Repeat on opposite side, and compare. Don't forget that swelling may influence the variance of outcome, it's okay to come back and make touch ups later.
Same technique applies when using a needle without a cannula.
Filler Type: High G' for structure and lifting properties, avoid low G' filler unless contouring into the tear troughs. Keep the volume conservative with no more than 1ml per side unless unsatisfied with outcome.
Anatomy: Watch out for the infraorbital artery, and any zygomaticofacial artery branches (low risk if done using a cannula).
Technique1. Create pilot hole at lateral entry point along the arch of the zygo, lateral to the apex and across the anterior surface.
2. Attach pre-filled 1.1ml syringe to cannula and insert blunt tip through pilot hole.
3. Advance slowly in hypodermis/sub smas plane, then drop to supraperiosteal, making contact with bone.
4. Direct the cannula toward anterior zygoma face at a 90* perpendicular to bone angle.
-For projection use bolus deposits, around 0.05-0.2ml per bolus.
-For contouring, use a fanning technique while drawing and injecting at the same time from the lateral entry towards the apex. Don't forget to remain lateral as you move.
5. Deposit 0.05–0.2ml boluses every 3–5mm along anterior surface. For fanning, stay lateral to avoid infraorbital foramen.
6. Massage gently, immediately after each deposit until you sculpt the gel into a form that suits your needs.
7. Repeat on opposite side, and compare. Don't forget that swelling may influence the variance of outcome, it's okay to come back and make touch ups later.
Same technique applies when using a needle without a cannula.
Don't forget to aspirate!
Reducing under eye hollowing and adding support to the infraorbital rim for a well rested, higher trust appearance. Best results come from combining this with anterior/ upper midface zygomatic filler.
Filler Type: Low to medium G' since this is a very delicate area. Avoid any high G' gels and keep the volume very conservative.
Anatomy: Watching out for infraorbital arteries, angular artery branches, and ophthalmic retrograde risks in order to avoid going blind. Yes this is the most riskiest area to DIY, and I've personally resorted to injecting into the bottom of my tear trough and massaging the filler gel upwards, although not as effective it still works.
Technique
1. Create pilot hole at lateral entry point (below infraorbital rim).
2. Attach pre-filled 1ml syringe to cannula and insert the blunt tip into the pilot hole.
3. Advance into subcutaneous plane, then drop to supraperiosteal along the rim. You should feel the bone with gentle contact.
4. Use threading only, (0.02–0.05ml per pass max), parallel to rim, never bolus. Layer thinly, massage extremely gently.
5. Repeat on both sides and compare. I wouldn't recommend using a needle without a cannula here, but I have done this before which is riskier. Keep volume at no more than 0.5ml per side, even if outcome isn't up to your liking. The tear troughs are notorious for looking overfilled if you overstep this boundary.
Filler Type: Low to medium G' since this is a very delicate area. Avoid any high G' gels and keep the volume very conservative.
Anatomy: Watching out for infraorbital arteries, angular artery branches, and ophthalmic retrograde risks in order to avoid going blind. Yes this is the most riskiest area to DIY, and I've personally resorted to injecting into the bottom of my tear trough and massaging the filler gel upwards, although not as effective it still works.
Technique1. Create pilot hole at lateral entry point (below infraorbital rim).
2. Attach pre-filled 1ml syringe to cannula and insert the blunt tip into the pilot hole.
3. Advance into subcutaneous plane, then drop to supraperiosteal along the rim. You should feel the bone with gentle contact.
4. Use threading only, (0.02–0.05ml per pass max), parallel to rim, never bolus. Layer thinly, massage extremely gently.
5. Repeat on both sides and compare. I wouldn't recommend using a needle without a cannula here, but I have done this before which is riskier. Keep volume at no more than 0.5ml per side, even if outcome isn't up to your liking. The tear troughs are notorious for looking overfilled if you overstep this boundary.
Don't forget to aspirate!
Soften nasolabial folds for a reduced "sagging" appearance, in return restoring youthfulness. Enhancing overall harmony without adding any actual projection or width.
Filler Type: Medium to high G' for support. Use a low G' filler gel if the folds are superficial.
Anatomy: Avoid angular artery that runs along the nasolabial fold, and any infraorbital branches.
Technique
1. Create your pilot hole at the lateral/inferior entry point, just below the fold near the corner of your mouth, or the lateral cheek.
2. Attach your pre-filled 1.1ml syringe to cannula and insert the blunt tip through the pilot hole.
3. Advance into the subcutaneous plane, then deeper towards the supraperiosteal (bone contact).
4. Deposit while withdrawing the needle in small amounts, inject upward along fold (0.05–0.1ml per pass) parallel to the crease.
5. Massage and mold the gel to your liking, keep in mind that swelling may cause the filler gel to appear more "projected" for a bit.
6. Repeat on both sides.
Same principle without a cannula, low risk.
Filler Type: Medium to high G' for support. Use a low G' filler gel if the folds are superficial.
Anatomy: Avoid angular artery that runs along the nasolabial fold, and any infraorbital branches.
Technique1. Create your pilot hole at the lateral/inferior entry point, just below the fold near the corner of your mouth, or the lateral cheek.
2. Attach your pre-filled 1.1ml syringe to cannula and insert the blunt tip through the pilot hole.
3. Advance into the subcutaneous plane, then deeper towards the supraperiosteal (bone contact).
4. Deposit while withdrawing the needle in small amounts, inject upward along fold (0.05–0.1ml per pass) parallel to the crease.
5. Massage and mold the gel to your liking, keep in mind that swelling may cause the filler gel to appear more "projected" for a bit.
6. Repeat on both sides.
Same principle without a cannula, low risk.
Don't forget to aspirate!
Add forward projection, length, symmetry, or height for a more dimorphic frontal and side profile harmonious balance.
Filler Type: High G' for structure and projection, avoid low G' even when contouring as it's just not needed.
Anatomy: Look out for submental artery which runs under the chin midline, this is unlikely to cause any issues even without aspirating which should always be done regardless.
Technique
1. No cannula required for this region, insert the needles in the direction of where you'd like the gel to project.
2. Inject and withdraw the needle as you go, 0.1–0.3ml per bolus max, 3–5 boluses spaced across pogonion. Make sure you begin from the supraperiosteal, making contact with bone.
3. Massage as you go, inspect very carefully as any minor asymmetries can be noticeable depending on how severe.
4. Repeat and inspect after every bolus injection, don't get overconfident and overfill.
Filler Type: High G' for structure and projection, avoid low G' even when contouring as it's just not needed.
Anatomy: Look out for submental artery which runs under the chin midline, this is unlikely to cause any issues even without aspirating which should always be done regardless.
Technique1. No cannula required for this region, insert the needles in the direction of where you'd like the gel to project.
2. Inject and withdraw the needle as you go, 0.1–0.3ml per bolus max, 3–5 boluses spaced across pogonion. Make sure you begin from the supraperiosteal, making contact with bone.
3. Massage as you go, inspect very carefully as any minor asymmetries can be noticeable depending on how severe.
4. Repeat and inspect after every bolus injection, don't get overconfident and overfill.
Don't forget to aspirate!
Increasing bizygomatic width for a more prominent frontal and side profile cheekbone projection.
Filler type: High G' all the way. This is one of the most active regions in your face, anything lower may encourage migration.
Anatomy: Zygomaticofacial artery branches to look out for, low risk with cannula.
Technique
1. Create pilot hole at lateral entry point along the zygomatic plane near the temples/hairline.
2. Attach pre-filled syringe and insert blunt tip through the pilot hole.
3. Advance into hypodermis/sub smas plane, then lower to the supraperiosteal, making contact with bone.
4. Direct the cannula/needle along the zygomatic arch (follow the bone curve). Place the filler in bolus deposits spaced out centimeters apart.
5. Massage and sculpt the gel to your liking. Try to push the filler up instead of down as it might be hard to get it back up if it moves vertically down the zygomatic plane.
6. Repeat on both sides, don't be too afraid to deposit some extra on here as long as you don't go above 0.1ml per deposit.
Volume: Try not to go over 1-1.5ml total on each side due to overfilling risks.
Note: make sure to stay on top of the cheekbone as this visually lifts your zygos and causes them to widen at the same time. Going any lower risks migration once the filler integrates.
Don't forget to aspirate!
Filler type: High G' all the way. This is one of the most active regions in your face, anything lower may encourage migration.
Anatomy: Zygomaticofacial artery branches to look out for, low risk with cannula.
Technique1. Create pilot hole at lateral entry point along the zygomatic plane near the temples/hairline.
2. Attach pre-filled syringe and insert blunt tip through the pilot hole.
3. Advance into hypodermis/sub smas plane, then lower to the supraperiosteal, making contact with bone.
4. Direct the cannula/needle along the zygomatic arch (follow the bone curve). Place the filler in bolus deposits spaced out centimeters apart.
5. Massage and sculpt the gel to your liking. Try to push the filler up instead of down as it might be hard to get it back up if it moves vertically down the zygomatic plane.
6. Repeat on both sides, don't be too afraid to deposit some extra on here as long as you don't go above 0.1ml per deposit.
Volume: Try not to go over 1-1.5ml total on each side due to overfilling risks.
Note: make sure to stay on top of the cheekbone as this visually lifts your zygos and causes them to widen at the same time. Going any lower risks migration once the filler integrates.
Don't forget to aspirate!
Adding width, projection, and JFA angularity to the mandibular angles within the gonions. Not only does this increase your frontal jawline width, but your side profile jaw profile becomes more striking. Best paired with lateral zygomatic filler.
Filler Type: Nothing lower than High G', as migration is very common within this region and anything too soft will eventually spread due to how often the muscles in this area move.
Anatomy: Avoid the facial artery that runs along the inferior mandible, and emerges at the mandibular notch anterior to said angle. Nothing too big to worry about but good to remember.
Entry: Inferior to gonial angle, along border.
Technique
1. Create pilot hole at posterior entry point, behind the gonial angle at the ramus.
2. Attach pre-filled syringe to cannula and insert blunt tip or use a syringe, it's easier.
3. Advance into hypodermis and lower to supraperiosteal, making contact with bone.
4. Direct the cannula/needle along the mandibular angle/border of the ramus. I suggest using bigger boluses at the upper section of the ramus in order to avoid major migration into the lower jaw, 0.1–0.3ml boluses spaced 3–5mm apart along upper ramus/angle, total <0.8ml per side.
5. Massage VERY gently.
6. Repeat on both sides, do not inject more than 0.8ml per side per session, swelling or the lack of can make it appear different than when it will settle.
Note: This is one of the trickiest areas to diy, chewing is not recommended for a few days until the HA integrates a bit, I'd also suggest getting a friend to help you out as this is a very difficult area to see.
Filler Type: Nothing lower than High G', as migration is very common within this region and anything too soft will eventually spread due to how often the muscles in this area move.
Anatomy: Avoid the facial artery that runs along the inferior mandible, and emerges at the mandibular notch anterior to said angle. Nothing too big to worry about but good to remember.
Entry: Inferior to gonial angle, along border.
Technique1. Create pilot hole at posterior entry point, behind the gonial angle at the ramus.
2. Attach pre-filled syringe to cannula and insert blunt tip or use a syringe, it's easier.
3. Advance into hypodermis and lower to supraperiosteal, making contact with bone.
4. Direct the cannula/needle along the mandibular angle/border of the ramus. I suggest using bigger boluses at the upper section of the ramus in order to avoid major migration into the lower jaw, 0.1–0.3ml boluses spaced 3–5mm apart along upper ramus/angle, total <0.8ml per side.
5. Massage VERY gently.
6. Repeat on both sides, do not inject more than 0.8ml per side per session, swelling or the lack of can make it appear different than when it will settle.
Note: This is one of the trickiest areas to diy, chewing is not recommended for a few days until the HA integrates a bit, I'd also suggest getting a friend to help you out as this is a very difficult area to see.
Don't forget to aspirate!
Add volume, enhance symmetry, and smoothen out vertical lip lines (smoker's lips).
Filler Type: Low to medium G' for natural movement and softness. Avoid high G', it will look terrible.
Anatomy: Superior and inferior labial arteries, avoid these at all costs.
Technique
1. Insert needle without cannula into the lateral vermilion border or side of the lips.
2. Advance in submucosal/dermal plane.
-For border definition use a threading technique along the edge of the vermilion, about 0.02-0.05ml per pass.
-For more volume use small bolus deposits in the upper and lower tubercles. No more than 0.2ml per site.
-For philtrum shortening use micro bolus deposits placed at the top, stay superficial in the border and deeper in the body.
3. Massage with one finger, be very careful doing so.
4. Repeat on both lips/sides. Compare very frequently, this is a sensitive area when it comes to facial harmony.
Filler Type: Low to medium G' for natural movement and softness. Avoid high G', it will look terrible.
Anatomy: Superior and inferior labial arteries, avoid these at all costs.
Technique1. Insert needle without cannula into the lateral vermilion border or side of the lips.
2. Advance in submucosal/dermal plane.
-For border definition use a threading technique along the edge of the vermilion, about 0.02-0.05ml per pass.
-For more volume use small bolus deposits in the upper and lower tubercles. No more than 0.2ml per site.
-For philtrum shortening use micro bolus deposits placed at the top, stay superficial in the border and deeper in the body.
3. Massage with one finger, be very careful doing so.
4. Repeat on both lips/sides. Compare very frequently, this is a sensitive area when it comes to facial harmony.
Don't forget to aspirate!
Contouring and widening the mandibular border for more angularity and a seamless blend from the gonions to your chin. Helps separate the jaw from the neck's soft tissue in case you have a "bad jawline". Pair with gonion + lateral zygomatic filler for total FWHR changes.
Filler Type: High G', and nothing else. Use this for both projection and contouring.
Anatomy: Facial artery running parallel along the border, emerges at mandibular notch anterior to the gonions.
Technique
Anatomy: Facial artery running parallel along the border, emerges at mandibular notch anterior to the gonions.
Technique1. Create pilot hole at the mid lateral entry point along your inferior border, half way between the gonion and chin.
2. Attach pre-filled 1ml syringe to cannula (heavily recommended for best results), and insert through pilot hole (or use your needle alone).
3. Advance through hypodermis plane, move to supraperiosteal and make contact with bone. Make sure you feel some minor scraping, it is important to place the filler as close to bone here as possible.
4. Direct your needle/cannula along the inferior mandibular border, following the edge and apply a threading/fanning technique. Inject while withdrawing in small deposits, 0.1–0.3ml per pass, thread in 3–6 passes per side. Total <2ml.
5. Focus on posterior to mid border for extra angularity, then fill pre jowl sulcus which is the indent near your chin for a smoother transition into the pogonion (chin).
6. Don't massage too much unless it's to smoothen out any boluses.
7. Repeat on both sides, don't forget that swelling may influence the variance of outcome so don't freak out if you look slightly asymmetrical.
Don't forget to aspirate!
Thanks for reading
