Overview
Medarchitect facial injection mannequins come in two main types, one with a realistic skin tone that looks like real human skin, and one that’s transparent so you can see the inside structure. Which one should you choose? This article will walk you through the differences and help you pick the right mannequin for your training.
What’s the Difference Between the Two?
Real Skin Tone Facial Injection Training Models
These mannequins are usually made of soft, skin-like silicone in a color close to natural human skin, and we also offer options in different skin tones. Their appearance and texture closely mimic real skin, providing realistic needle feedback when practicing facial injections such as Botox or dermal fillers. They help you master the correct injection angle and pressure, just like working on real skin. They can accommodate small amounts of liquid for injection.
Transparent Facial Injection Training Models
These mannequins are made from transparent TPE material, allowing you to clearly see the underlying structures, such as muscle and skin layers, as well as the path of the needle or filler. Some models also feature visible veins and nerves, making them ideal for classroom demonstrations or visual learning. They allow liquid injections, letting you observe the flow and placement of the injected material.
Key Differences and Advantages
| Feature | Real Skin Tone Mannequin | Transparent Mannequin |
| Material | Silicone | TPE |
| Size | Realistic face size | Realistic face size |
| Realism | Looks and feels like human skin | Exposes inner structures |
| Vein & Nerve Visibility | None | Visible veins and nerves |
| Visibility | Natural surface, no visibility of inner layers | Full view of needle path and filler depth |
| Facial Skeleton Structure | Yes | Yes |
| Skin Self-Healing | Fine needles leave minimal or no marks | Fine needles may leave slight marks on surface |
| Learning Focus | Technique accuracy, tactile feedback | Anatomy visualization, depth control |
| Best For | Individual practice and demonstration | Individual practice and demonstration |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Realistic facial color and contours | Clean, educational look |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean and reuse | Easy to clean and reuse |
| Stand / Base | Comes with adjustable stand for different angles | Usually comes with a desktop base only |
| Talcum Powder Included | Yes, helps reduce stickiness and simulate real skin feel | No |
How to Choose the Right One for You?
Choosing between a real skin tone and a transparent facial injection mannequin depends on your training goals and learning style:
- For realistic hands-on practice:
If your main goal is to practice injection technique, needle control, and pressure, a real skin tone mannequin is ideal. Plus, fine needles leave minimal marks, keeping the surface smooth for repeated practice.
- For visual learning and teaching:
If you want to clearly see facial anatomy, injection depth, and filler placement, a transparent mannequin is the better choice. With visible veins, nerves, and internal structures, it’s perfect for classroom demonstrations or self-study. Keep in mind that slight needle marks may appear on the surface over time.
- For specific vs. full-face practice:
If you only want to practice on specific facial areas — such as the mouth, nose, eye region, or upper and lower face — targeted region mannequins are more cost-effective and allow you to focus your practice. If your goal is to train on multiple areas of the face, a full-face mannequin is recommended.
- For comprehensive training:
Many learners and instructors use both types: start with a transparent model to understand anatomy and injection paths, then switch to a real skin tone mannequin for realistic hands-on practice.
Let's explore our full range of facial injection training mannequins →
