Restylane Injections from a General Practitioner?

Is it safe for a General Practitioner to give me Restylane injections? I'm 21 years old and of Indian descent. I have hollow dark circles under my eyes and I want to try Restylane as I've heard a lot of good things about it for dark circles from patients and doctors on this site. I've also heard of a case of blindness from filler being injected into arteries that supply the eye and I'm worried. Would a GP be knowledgeable enough in eye anatomy to safely perform this procedure?

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eye hollows under eyes dark circles

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by shriya87 in Australia

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GPs injecting Restylane

I think you should trust your face to a specialist who is experienced in injecting facial filler and is familiar with the facial anatomy and various methods for rejuvenation. There are many such plastic surgeons and dermatologists who can perform the procedure so I would encourage you to do a bit of research and find a specialist with whom you are comfortable and whose credentials are suitable for this treatment.

You obviously have enough doubts to write about it

Dear Shirya Please listen to your personal concerns! You will never go wrong listening to your intuition. You are clearly not comfortable with the situation. If you felt comfortable you would of had service and never bothered yourself about the situation. While a GP might be licensed to perform the treatment, it is improbable that they understand the eyelid anatomy. This is essential because it is possible to inject filler into the blood vessels in the face leading to damage to the... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

8 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

This isn't a good idea

While anyone can 'technically' inject you (from nurse to family doctor to surgeon), it pays to see someone who truly specializes in this area, especially when it comes to the eyes. This area is very demanding and, if done wrong, will cause a world of problems for you.

Restylane injection into the tear trough is an advanced technique

Restylane injections into the tear troughs is a nice option to help soften the depth and shadowing in this area. However, it is a very delicate anatomic area that will reveal any imperfections quite readily. It's important, therefore, to pick someone who understands the anatomy very well so as to avoid any major complications. In my experience, this type of procedure needs to be performed by someone with a lot of injection experience-- pick your surgeon carefully.

Trust your face only to a specialist

There are a numbers of non-specialists who are well trained and perform excellent filler treatments. However, you can't always tell if the person you choose is one of these. It is safer and a better bet to seek out a specialist who has intimate knowledge of the face, facial anatomy and experience in filler useage, especially in a such a delicate area. These are called "core" specialists and include: Facial Plastic Surgeons Plastic Surgeons Oculoplastic Surgeons Dermatologic... more

Restylane Injections Around the Eyes by General Practioner

Hi Shirya, The eye lid hollows are a very delicate and unforgiving area to treat with Restylane. You should have only the most experienced and well trained physician injecting in this area. Your concerns are well founded. Any physician may have a complication, but you decrease your chances of a severe adverse event by having a physician with intimate knowledge of the area performing your injections. I would not let a general practicioner inject me, family, or friends. Find a physician... more