When it Comes to In-Office Procedures
When it comes to in-office procedures, and specifically fillers, the United States plays by a very strict set of rules compared to other parts of the world. In Europe, there are dozens of different fillers and indications compared to our portfolio here, and in Asia, the trends are vastly different.
The Ear Filler Trend
In Asia, many people are opting for filler injected behind the ear or in the antihelix (the curved piece of cartilage in the middle of the ear). “When I was in China, one of the dermatologists told me this is one of the most commonly performed procedures that he does, and I couldn’t believe it,” says Minneapolis dermatologist Jenny Liu, MD on Instagram. “But now I see it everywhere on Reddit.”
Why is it Gaining Popularity?
“It’s crazy watching [videos of] it,” says Canadian dermatologist Danny Guo, MD. “The result I think they’re trying to generate is lateral structure. But, they don’t want to augment the lateral cheeks because Asians often have prominent zygomas [cheekbones] already. So instead, they hide it back behind the ear. In North America, this is called a ‘sneaky lift,’ and they inject [filler] into the temporal hairline.”
Lifting and Slimming Effects
Aside from the lifting effect, Dr. Liu says this technique actually fans out the ears, which creates a smaller face. “In Asia, the trend is all about having a smaller face,” she explains. “So, having your ears fan out more creates the illusion that your face is actually smaller.” There’s even “elf ear” tape sold in many Asian beauty stores, which allows you to “try on” the effect first before committing to filler. A little silicone cuff sits behind the ear, pushing it forward.
A Western Perspective
“To be totally honest, this is not a tradeoff that I think Western audiences would make,” says Dr. Guo. “I think a lot of pediatric plastic surgeons offer this when they see newborns that have this [a smaller face]. They offer the surgery very young to repair it. But now in Asia, we’re seeing people go the other way around and trying to create this look. It’s very interesting.”
Conclusion
The ear filler trend may not be something that resonates with Western audiences, but it highlights the importance of cultural and regional differences when it comes to in-office procedures and beauty trends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do people opt for ear fillers in Asia?
A: According to dermatologists, the trend is all about creating a smaller face and fans out the ears, creating an illusion of a smaller face.
Q: Is this procedure safe?
A: As with any cosmetic procedure, it’s essential to consult with a licensed professional and ensure that the fillers used are approved by regulatory agencies.
Q: Can anyone get this procedure done?
A: No, this procedure is not widely available in the United States, and it’s crucial to consult with a dermatologist or a licensed professional before considering this treatment.
Q: Will this procedure affect the facial structure?
A: According to dermatologists, the filler is injected behind the ear, so it won’t directly affect the facial structure. However, the goal is to create an illusion of a smaller face.