As aesthetic practitioners, we’re often asked by patients to help them achieve a certain “look.” Two names that frequently come up in consultations are Rihanna and Kim Kardashian—both undeniably beautiful, yet representing vastly different facial aesthetics. Understanding the clinical nuances between these two approaches isn’t just celebrity gossip; it’s essential knowledge that separates skilled injectors from those who take a one-size-fits-all approach.
In my years of training cosmetic injectors, I’ve noticed that understanding these aesthetic philosophies transforms how practitioners approach facial assessment and treatment planning. Let’s break this down from a clinical perspective.
Understanding the Two Aesthetic Philosophies
Rihanna: The Soft Structure Approach
Rihanna’s facial aesthetic represents what we call “soft structure”—a look that emphasizes natural facial proportions with subtle enhancement. Her face demonstrates gentle transitions between facial zones, with soft tissue volume that creates a youthful, approachable appearance without sharp definition.
From an anatomical standpoint, soft structure aesthetics prioritize:
- Gentle midface volume that creates a smooth transition from the lower eyelid to the cheek
- Subtle lip enhancement that maintains natural proportions
- Preserved facial fat pad positioning that mimics youthful volume distribution
- Minimal angular definition along the jawline and chin
When treating patients who desire this aesthetic, we’re working with the natural facial fat compartments rather than creating dramatic architectural changes.
Kim Kardashian: The Strong Contour Approach
Kim Kardashian’s look represents the opposite end of the spectrum—strong contour. This aesthetic emphasizes pronounced zygomatic bone projection, defined jawlines, and sculpted transitions between facial zones. In the human skull, the zygomatic bone, also called cheekbone or malar bone, is a paired irregular bone, situated at the upper and lateral part of the face.
Strong contour aesthetics typically involve:
- High cheekbone projection with visible shadow lines
- Defined mandibular angles creating a V-shape facial silhouette
- Pronounced lip volume often with defined borders
- Sharp transitions between facial zones
High cheekbones are pronounced zygomatic arches, causing the upper part of the cheeks to jut out and form a line cut into the sides of the face. This creates the dramatic contouring effect many patients request.
Clinical Considerations for Each Approach
Product Selection Matters
The products we select must match the aesthetic goal. Many different types of hyaluronic acid gel fillers differ in their hyaluronic acid concentration, particle size, cross-linking density, duration, and presence of lidocaine. High-density, large-particle fillers are recommended for deep dermal injections, while the low-density, small-particle fillers are recommended for fine lines.
For soft structure aesthetics, I typically reach for:
- Lower G-prime (softer) hyaluronic acid fillers
- Products designed for superficial to mid-dermal placement
- Fillers that integrate seamlessly with native tissue
For strong contour work:
- Higher G-prime (firmer) products
- Deep dermal or supraperiosteal placement
- Products designed for structural support and lift
Injection Plane and Technique
Hyaluronic acid is used as a dermal filler in cosmetic surgery. It is typically injected using either a classic sharp hypodermic needle or a micro-cannula.
Soft structure techniques often employ:
- Fanning techniques for diffuse volume
- Superficial placement for gentle enhancement
- Conservative volumes distributed across multiple sessions
Strong contour techniques require:
- Bolus injections at specific anatomical points
- Deep placement against bone for structural projection
- Strategic placement along the zygomatic arch and mandibular border
Safety First: Understanding Facial Anatomy
Regardless of which aesthetic approach you’re pursuing, patient safety remains paramount. FDA approval is based on the review of data collected from controlled clinical studies that evaluated the safe and effective use of the wrinkle fillers when injected into specified areas of facial tissue.
Both approaches require thorough knowledge of:
- Vascular anatomy – Understanding danger zones to prevent vascular occlusion
- Facial nerve pathways – Avoiding motor nerve injury
- Fat compartment boundaries – Knowing where product will migrate
- Bone structure variations – Adapting technique to individual anatomy
The FDA advises you work with a licensed health care professional who is experienced in injecting dermal fillers, knowledgeable about fillers, anatomy, managing complications, and most importantly, tells you about the risks and benefits before receiving this medical procedure.
The Consultation: Setting Realistic Expectations
Here’s where many injectors go wrong—they don’t have an honest conversation about facial anatomy limitations. A patient with naturally soft, rounded features may never achieve Kim K-level contour without looking overdone. Similarly, a patient with strong bone structure might look gaunt if we try to create Rihanna’s soft aesthetic.
During consultation, I recommend:
- Assessing baseline bone structure – Is the underlying skeleton compatible with the desired aesthetic?
- Evaluating soft tissue volume – How much natural fat pad exists?
- Discussing maintenance requirements – Strong contour often requires more frequent touch-ups
- Setting realistic goals – Perhaps a hybrid approach serves the patient better
Why This Matters for Your Injector Training
Understanding these aesthetic philosophies elevates your practice beyond simply “filling wrinkles.” These changes are a product of the resorption of bony structures, gravity, subcutaneous fat redistribution, and skin damage. Dermal fillers are deployed to augment the face to meet the aesthetic concept of beauty.
At AACM™, our online cosmetic injector training emphasizes aesthetic assessment as a foundation for technical skill development. We teach practitioners to:
- Analyze facial proportions using established aesthetic ratios
- Select appropriate products based on patient goals
- Develop injection techniques that serve different aesthetic philosophies
- Communicate effectively about realistic outcomes
The Bottom Line
Neither Rihanna’s soft structure nor Kim K’s strong contour is inherently “better”—they’re simply different aesthetic approaches that serve different patient goals. Knowledge of the chemical and physical blueprint of HA dermal fillers may help physicians in choosing the appropriate HA dermal filler for facial enhancements. This, together with appropriate injector training and injection experience, should lead to results that ultimately will benefit patients.
Your job as an injector is to understand both philosophies deeply enough to guide patients toward results that complement their natural anatomy while meeting their aesthetic desires.
The best injectors I’ve trained don’t chase trends—they master fundamentals that allow them to create any aesthetic their patients desire, safely and beautifully.
Ready to elevate your injection skills? Explore our comprehensive online training programs and learn the art and science of facial aesthetics from board-certified instructors.