I have mid cheek grooves/malar bags. After Restylane injection, it looks even worse. Can this be fixed?

Question

I have had Restylane filler added 6 days ago. It seems like the filler may have been place right above the crease which could possibly making it appear worse. Will the filler settle in? Should I have more filler added? It’s making me very self conscious.

Kyle Coleman, MD · Answer

Filler in the tear trough, malar groove, or medial cheek can cause some swelling if it is placed to superficially or too much product is used.   If the swelling comes and goes and is worse in the morning, it is likely just that and will go away.  If the swelling is persistent, it may need to be partially dissolved.  Try cold compresses and sleeping with an extra pillow.  If it doesn't go down, go back to your physician to be evaluated for hyaluronidase injections.  Best of luck.

Alexander Rivkin, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question. I agree with the other physicians here - 6 days may be too soon to judge. I would give it a full 2 weeks. If it is still swollen, you will want to have your injector try to dissolve whatever Restylane got above the crease. This is a very tricky area to inject, so I would also make sure that your injector is very experienced in treating this specific condition. Sometimes, even after several attempts it still doesn't look right. At that point you may want to seek the advice of an oculoplastic surgeon who specializes in the treatment of malar bags. One such person is Adam Scheiner in Florida. Hope that helps

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

I recommend waiting two weeks prior to any adjustments. If you are unhappy with the results after two weeks, you can dissolve with product with Hyaluronidase. Best of luck, Dr. Nima!

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and posting your photographs. Wait another week before judging results. You might just be swollen. If it does not look good in another week, see your doctor to dissolve it. You can make an appointment for comprehensive evaluation and discussion of treatment options with an experienced Oculoplastic Surgeon.
Good luck,

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Swelling can be typical after tear trough injections. I would wait a full 2 weeks before judging the results. If it is after the two week wait, you can have the filler reversed with hyaluronidase.
I hope this helps!

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

The filler may have been placed too superior and wont settle in.  see a board certified experienced dermatologist and correct placement of the filler should resolve the problem

Jo Herzog, MD · Answer

The diagonal grooves that you have seem to be a facial feature that many people, including children, have. That being said, we don't have to like them. These are difficult to get rid of but they can be filled and be gone or at least improved. I would wait a week or two after last filler to be sure no swelling. Filler needs to be put deep and superficial to pull these out. I have the same grooves so I deal with them on my face all the time. These are sometimes hard to pull out at first visit as there is some swelling so I tell patients to come back to finish these off.

I have mid cheek grooves/malar bags. After Restylane injection, it looks even worse. Can this be fixed?

Answers (7)

More Restylane Questions

Cost estimate for tear trough filler in NYC on the high end?

My under eyes look hollow now when I smile. Before was no hollowness. Why have my under eye bags returned so soon? (Photo)

Restylane injection gone wrong? (photos)

Post lip/chin filler numbness, what’s normal?

I had Restylane done 2 weeks ago. Although the doctor said it doesn't add any volume, it did. Could this be swelling?

How do I fix deep ridge and indentation from bad Restylane 3 years later? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS