Can Restylane Injections Damage my Eyes?

Retinal artery occlusion and blindness are extremely rare
following lower eyelid Restylane injections. This complication is probably
related to the technique utilized by the injector. When the needle is withdrawn
during the injection process this complication is probably even less likely.In the
vast majority of patients lower eyelid Restylane injections are extremely safe.
Lumps, bumps, contour irregularities, bruising, swelling and skin discoloration
can all occur following this procedure, but fortunately blindness is extremely
rare.If
you’re concerned about blindness following Restylane injections, further
consultation with your injector is appropriate. Your provider should be able to
discuss this issue and alleviate your anxiety.

There are risks associated with filler injections around the eyes, just as in any other area. There are some reports of filler injections around the eyes causing blindness, but these are extremely rare events. This procedure is performed many times every day (probably hundreds if not thousands of times) all around the country. 
I think you can get very nice results when using this product around the eyes if the injections are performed by a skilled injector. This is an advanced technique, so be sure to see an expert physician injector.
All the best,

When performed by an expert board certified plastic surgeon, Restylane injections under the eyes are safe. However, as with any cosmetic treatment, there are risks to consider. You are very aware that the area around the eyes is very delicate and therefore should only be treated by an expert with a lot of experience to reduce your level of risk. I perform Restylane injections under the eyes several times a day and have not had a patient experience retinal occlusion or blindness. So please just take your time to find an expert to perform your injections so the results are safe and beautiful!

There have been cases of blindness after dermal filler injections, this most commonly happens in the forehead area.  To reduce the risk of injecting filler into the artery, a cannula can be used.  It is difficult, although not impossible, to penetrate the wall of an artery with a cannula.  In my opinion, filler done with a cannula into the tear trough area by the right injector and for the right patient will give you excellent results without lumps or discoloration.  Bruising is always a potential problem, but is reduced with the use of a cannula.  Good Luck. 

At two weeks after your treatment, you should expect most of the swelling to have resolved itself by now. I would recommend you visit your injector to have this looked at. You shouldn’t feel as much pain and this could be a complication.

I find that Restylane injections under the eyes are a great treatment for under eye hollows and can sometimes be used to camoflage puffiness under the eyes in patients who are not ready for surgery. I have treated hundreds of patients with under eye injections (including myself) and have never had any of the problems you mentioned in your question. No cosmetic procedure or treatment is without risk, but Restylane injections under the eyes have an excellent track record overall. Definitely seek out a doctor who has a lot of experience with this specific treatment.

 

The biggest downside to under eye injections is bruising, which can sometimes be severe and can last two weeks (or more). That being said, I find the vast majority of patients are extremely happy with the procedure and recommend it to their friends and family.

There have been reports of blindness from injection of dermal fillers around the eyes in very rare cases .  That is why it is important to see a board certified Plastic Surgeon who has experience with these injections.

Although the injection of Restylane under the eyes is “off-label” (Not approved by the FDA), we have great results in the over 500 patients we have treated for this cosmetic indication. We have never had a complication that could not be easily fixed. The only complication that we have seen is a little lumpiness or blue tinge to the skin. If that occurs (as it has to less than 5 of our patients) we can use another medicine, hyaluronidase, to smooth out the lumps and take away the blue tinge. There has NEVER been a report of blindness from using Restylane to treat under eye hollows that I know of.  However, there have been rare reports of blindness from injection of fat and other substances in the glabellar area (between the eyebrows) or on the bridge of the nose, but never from Restylane.

Restylane injection to the undereye hollow ("tear troughs") should only be done by someone who understands the anatomy of the eyelid region and the potential risks involved. The skin of the lower lid is thin, and the injection must be placed deep to avoid visible lumps and discoloration. Although rare, there are reports of blindness following injection near the eyes.  Proper technique is crucial in this area, and you should choose your injector accordingly. The technique for injecting in this area is not the same as for other areas of the face. Any surgeon with experience injecting the undereye hollows will be able to discuss the technique, risks, benefits, anticipated outcome, and ways to manage any potential problems. If you have already met with your injector and are afraid to proceed, maybe that is a sign to look around until you find someone you feel comfortable with. When done correctly in appropriately chosen candidates, it is a very satisfying treatment and can really brighten up the face.

As the other posts have said, the odds of a serious complication such as blindness from a retinal occlusion are extremely low. In order for that to happen, the injection needs to be done directly into a blood vessel.
I have started using a non-cutting needle for injecting into that area, mainly because I believe it eliminates any bruising. Since bruising is also caused by sharp needles cutting tiny blood vessels, it should be safer, too, in terms of the rare potential for retinal occlusion.