Bluish Discoloration Under Eyes from Radiesse

Question

I had Radiesse injected into my tear troughs as well as my nasolabial folds three months ago. Initially, there was terrible swelling and dark bruising in all areas.  After three months, the nasolabial folds and my right eye appear fairly normal.  However, there is still a half-moon-shaped area of redness under my left eye as well as bluish discoloration.  Can anything be done to remove this discoloration?  Make-up does not cover, it not even Dermablend.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Duchess,
Are you sure you were injected with Radiesse.  Radiesse is hydroxyapetite and does not give a bluish discoloration.  The HA products, such as Restylane and Juvederm have sometimes been known to cause a bluish discoloration which is due to the refraction of light hitting the product under the skin.  This is called the Tindle effect and has been attributed to large or superficial injections.  If this is the case, you can have your doctor inject hylauronidase to help break up the product.  If it really is Radiesse, there is noting to inject to dissolve it.    I hope this is helpful.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Radiesse is a stimulatory filler that is an excellent option for patients who desire a longer-lasting filler alternative to hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. In our office, we use Radiesse to complement structural areas of the face and contour bony prominences. Our office also is a center of excellence for filler complication treatments and we see patients who have been treated by other doctors and have undesirable results from Radiesse or other long-lasting fillers. We have treatment options available for Radiesse filler nodules, granulomas, and soft tissue thickening. The first step would be to diagnose the nodularity and determine whether there is an option for surgical vs. non-surgical removal. Surgical excision is a possibility in some patients; whereas others with more diffuse fillers may benefit from intralesional therapy using scar modulators and enzymes and kenalog. Radiesse complications may be long-lasting and prompt action is key. Patients who have no access to an expert in the field should begin gentle massage of the areas of nodularity with Plato’s Scar Serum twice daily. RF and invasive lasers can actually do more damage by stimulating further collagen growth. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

Duhcess, Radiesse is a powerful and effective dermal filler that consists of the ground substance of bone. This filler is more solid than the hyaluronic based fillers and should be used selectively. This filler achieves the best results when used deep into the skin. It should be avoided around the superficial muscles of the eyes and mouth. At this time, revisit with the dermatologist that injected this.

D.J. Verret, MD · Answer

The bluish discoloration you describe may be the Tyndall effect because the Radiesse was injected too superficially in the tear trough area. Unfortunately, time is your best option and the discoloration should resolve once the material has been resorbed. The redness you describe could be a reaction to the medication or a cellulitis. I would suggest visiting the physician who performed your injections to discuss your concerns.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Duchess,
As you now know, Radiesse in the tear troughs is a no-no.  The red half moon is probably a granulomatous reaction to the material, and the bluish discoloration is probably from the inflammation that accompanies the reaction. 
You should see your board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist for options to diminish the discoloration.  Good luck!

Bluish Discoloration Under Eyes from Radiesse

Answers (7)

Answer: Discoloration after Radiesse may require time to resolve

Answer: Discoloration after Radiesse may require time to resolve

Answer: Radiesse in tear troughs

Answer: Radiesse in tear troughs

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Everything you need to know about Radiesse

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Bluish Discoloration Under Eyes from Radiesse

Answers (7)

Answer: Discoloration after Radiesse may require time to resolve

Answer: Discoloration after Radiesse may require time to resolve

Answer: Radiesse in tear troughs

Answer: Radiesse in tear troughs

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Radiesse

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.