Blueish tint/bruising from Restylane on cheeks

I had my cheeks filled in with Restylane to fix hollowness. At one point, the doctor said he would use an un-crosslinked hyaluronic acid to smooth out the filler. When he used this, it seems like it burned my skin, and now I have blue-ish bruising color showing through my cheeks. I'm sure it's the Tyndall Effect because I can only see it very well in certain lights. What can be done about it?

Sort: Date | Helpful

8 answers to “Blueish tint/bruising from Restylane...”

A: Patience is the best remedy for Tyndall effect

By Irvin M. Wiesman, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

This does sound like Tyndall effect. Hylaronic acid fillers usually last 6-9 months. The bluish discoloration should dissipate when the filler resorbs. It is very difficult to aspirate a filler once injected. Hylaronidase is an option but results can be inconsistent. I agree, that if the deformity was... more

A: What are your goals?

By Otto Joseph Placik, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Of course all the answers below are all excellent and I have only a few comments" Did the Restylane achieve your goals? If the answer is yes then there are a couple of answers. The restylane may be too superficial but then your options are to remove it and suffer the condition which originally... more

A: Superficial injection vs acute swelling

By Brent Moelleken, MD - Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

The most likely cause is a superficial injection of Restylane producing the blueish hue. It can also be acute swelling that gives this temporary coloration. You may just want to wait it out and let the hyaluronic acid and swelling dissipate, hopefully that will solve the problem. Always make sure you... more

A: Sure it's not bruising?

By Kenneth R. Francis, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Berry, The Tyndall effect is a prolonged blue hue in the skin after injection of hyaluronic acid too superficially in the skin. This causes light particles to be scattered by the material and because blue light scatters more easily than red it gives the blue appearance. The question is, how... more

A: Off label treatment

By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Yes, it sounds like the Tyndall effect from injecting a bit superficially. Some doctors are using hyaluronidase( off-label) to break down the HA's. This may soften the efffect of the superficial HA's.

A: You can have it removed, but that is sad given that you paid for it!

By Joel Schlessinger, MD - Omaha Dermatologist

Hyaluronic acid fillers can cause bluish discolorations of the face if they are placed too superficially in the skin. That's why it is SOOO important that you go to a good doctor for it, preferably a dermatologist or plastic surgeon who does their own injections. In my office, I am the only one who... more

A: Buyer beware!!

By Mary Lupo, MD - New Orleans Dermatologist

Patients must get more vigilant with their skin care choices as more and more, we are learning about unlicensed, unqualified "PRACTITIONERS" who are using illegal substances. Please see a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to get this material out as soon as possible. Experienced... more

A: Talk to your doctor

By Stella Desyatnikova, MD - Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

I would ask your doctor first what he used in addition to Restylane. There is currently no FDA approved uncrosslinked products in the US, I am not sure about Canada. Uncrosslinked hyaluronic acid usually does not last in the body and goes away in several days. It might mean that the bluish effect will go away,... more

Comments

quinnmd
38 posts
19 Nov 2008

This is an unfortunate side effect from Restylane injections, however, I'm not sure what the other injection was. I find that aspirating the pockets of restlyane with a tiny needle to be helpful in reducing the blue hue. Ask your provider if that is a possibility.

Post your question

Email to friend