Thanks to vast improvements in communications technology and a rise in celebrity endorsements, consumer demand for dermal filler has continued over the past two years. But with this rise in popularity also comes added pressure on clinics. Clinics have also seen a rise in the range of patient requests, new practitioners and new products enhanced with hyaluronic acid (HA). HA-based fillers are now firmly a key part of every cosmetics practitioner’s aesthetics treatment toolbox. 

Unfortunately, HA procedures can easily go awry. As such, practitioners require a strong level of product knowledge before use, particularly when it comes to the G-prime. Dermal filler is available in a range of G-prime or G, which refers to the rheology of the liquid. The G-prime determines the liquid’s viscosity, flexibility and elasticity. This indicates how runny and pliable a filler or any liquid is. So, the G must therefore be a key determining factor for any cosmetics practitioner regarding where and when dermal filler should be applied to an individual patient. 

What Is The Best G-Prime Option For Me? 

Every injector should know their filler product in detail before application to a patient, as this is key to avoiding any unnecessary harm or undesirable result. So to meet this demand effectively, the G of a liquid and its impact must first be fully understood. This can avoid unnecessary harm to the patient and can help practitioners avoid the need for dermal filler aftercare. But with over 20 different dermal fillers available, it can be difficult to choose exactly the right one for every individual’s needs. 

Consumers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, all with unique aesthetics treatments needs such as wanting a natural shape, natural movement, fine lines and other enhancements. But, a non-desirable outcome for a patient such as a poorly placed filler, can be difficult to avoid without good filler knowledge. Attention must be given to avoiding causing any harm above all else, as using the wrong filler can easily result in an adverse aesthetics medicine event. 

An adverse event from the use of incorrect G-Prime can include: 

• Blueing of the skin, known as the Tyndall effect
• Nodules
• Lumps
• Swelling
• Noticeably misplaced filler 
• Excessive filler amounts

Because of this big range of potential pitfalls, practitioners who are relatively new to the dermal filler procedure will do well to use one baseline filler in one area per session with a new patient. This way if there is an adverse reaction in the patient, it is straightforward to know the probable cause as well as which manufacturer to call. Through considered and controlled experience, practitioners will gain a stronger idea of how the syringe should feel, resistance when injecting and the flow of the different filler options. 

Characteristics Of Low G-Prime 

A low G-Prime is more watery and flexible, it is therefore also the lightest and contains the least HA. So, it can move around inside the skin more easily and is well suited for fine line corrections. It will not however be suitable for lifting a chin, cheek or jawline area. If used in this way it can, unfortunately, be damaging to a patient and should therefore be avoided for this purpose entirely. 

Lower G fillers will also typically have lower longevity when compared with similar higher G fillers. However, longevity is determined by several factors that include the patient’s metabolism, the soft tissue matrix, the methodology used, the volume of filler injected and the treatment area itself. So, longevity is difficult to accurately predict on a routine basis. 

High G-Prime 

In contrast, high G-prime fillers are typically denser and heavier, so are less pliable and not as easy to move around. They are more suitable for lifting areas as they are more effective at sticking to the bone. However, they tend to cause adverse effects such as lumpy nodules if used on lips or under the eye areas. Therefore these will not be suitable for use in these areas. 

In addition, a cosmetics practitioner will also want to consider the anatomy of their patients. What is going to be ideal for a young female patient will not always be the same for an older male. This is something that can be determined in person at appointments and will naturally change over time. As you get to know your patients you will get to know their procedures more in-depth. But, you can use these principles to help guide your initial applications towards all-around stunning results. 

Final Thoughts On Dermal Fillers 

As 2022 progresses, we can see that the world of dermatology is full of exciting new developments and possibilities for UK clinics. However, with this continued industry-wide growth has also come an increase in adverse events and non-desirable outcomes. The best way to keep you and your patients safe from such occurrences is to ensure that all practitioners are equipped with the best possible knowledge before injecting. When it comes to the G-Prime this can be the difference between success and failure. 

We have all seen celebrity news events whereby a poorly performed aesthetic procedure has resulted in undesirable results. Complications from poorly injected filler can not only result in pain for the patient but will also create bad press for your company and bad news for that individual’s career. By proactively ensuring that all patients are given the best possible care and attention, we can reap the rewards of our hard work and create excellent results. Better that than have everyone suffer the consequences. 

Are you interested in finding out more about our training courses? Reach out to a friendly member of our team by emailing contact@acquisitionaesthetics.co.uk or calling us on 0203 514 8757.