What is a filler map?

Dr Simon Morley, an experienced radiologist in London, UK has developed a technique, using MRI, to detect and display the extent and distribution of hyaluronic acid filler in the facial tissues in an easy to understand 3d model format - a Filler Map.

Interact with the 3d model below.

You can zoom, pan and rotate the model to visualise the filler. You can also switch the background facial contour off and on by clicking the interactive button.

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Why do I need a filler map?

Understanding Filler Distribution and Longevity:

Tracking Multiple Filler Treatments:

Interactive and Visual Representation:

A filler map provides an easy to understand visual depiction of where filler is located in your face and how much remains. This can be helpful when deciding whether to add more filler or dissolve existing filler.
While it's often assumed that filler dissolves over time, our experience suggests that it can be much longer-lasting than expected. A filler map helps ensure that decisions regarding further treatments are informed by a general understanding of the position and volume of filler.

If you've had multiple filler treatments over time, it can be difficult to keep track of exactly where and how much filler has been injected. A filler map provides a visual representation of all the filler, offering some understanding on its distribution.
This helps both patients and clinicians understand where the filler is located.
Please note cosmetic filler attracts water (hydrophilic) and the volume on MRI may be consequently larger than the volume originally injected.

The filler map offers an interactive visual tool that not only shows where the filler is but also how deep it lies beneath the skin. This helps guide decisions about the necessity for future treatments.
The depth and distribution of the filler can be important, particularly when planning for either additional filler or dissolving treatments.

Symmetry and Aesthetic Outcomes:

Addressing Complications

Surgical Considerations:

One of the primary goals of filler treatment is to achieve symmetry. A filler map provides an objective representation of whether the filler is symmetrically distributed in the face.

Complications such as oedema (swelling), allergic reactions, and lumpiness can occur after filler treatments. A filler map allows you and your clinician to visualise the general position of filler and identify which areas may be causing issues.
With this information, it becomes much easier to target treatments and assist in understanding and resolving complications.

For those considering surgical procedures such as facelifts, some surgeons will only operate with a clear understanding of where the filler is located. A filler map provides this necessary information, ensuring that surgery can be performed with this knowledge which may assist surgical planning

How it works

MRI scan

We perform a detailed MRI scan which is able to depict filler material in your face. We use multiple different MRI sequences to show the filler material so we can be as accurate as possible when making the 3D filler model.

Software

We then take the data from the MRI scan images and use this to create a 3D model of the filler in the face. Advanced assessments are available including estimates of the volume of filler in each anatomical compartment of the face.

3D model

We then take the 3D model data and display it in an easy to visualise interactive filler map format which can be used on your phone, tablet or the web browser on your computer.

The 3D models provided are derived from MRI scans and are intended to offer a general visualisation of the extent and distribution of cosmetic filler within the face. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the model, it is important to note that it does not represent a medical opinion or diagnosis. These models are intended to allow easier interpretation of MRI findings and may not capture the filler’s precise location, distribution, or volume with 100% accuracy.

Please note cosmetic filler attracts water (hydrophilic), increasing its volume and therefore the volume on MRI may be larger (2-3 times more) than the volume of filler originally injected.

It is also important to understand that MRI images can be degraded by various factors, which may impact the clarity and precision of the 3D model. Such factors include, but are not limited to:

Movement during the scan causing blurring.

Susceptibility artefacts from previous dental restorations or metalwork.

Artefacts from cosmetics, such as mascara.

Artefacts from previous surgery, cosmetic threads and non-hyaluronic acid injectables.

Allergic reaction or infection related to the fillers

Additionally, the 3D filler map is designed to depict hyaluronic acid filler and may not demonstrate other injectables. The map is not specifically intended to delineate inflammation, infection, or oedema.

We disclaim any liability for adverse events or outcomes that may result from treatments based on the filler maps as all clinical decision making by aesthetic practitioners requires consideration of the following:

The appearances and radiologists report on the original MRI scan.

The location, volume, and type of filler initially injected.

The current clinical presentation of the patient.

Practitioners must always use their own professional judgment and should not rely solely on these models for clinical decision-making.