Prolonged swelling after under eye fillers. Any suggestions?

Question

I had under eye fillers for the first time 5 weeks ago and still have swelling and bruising under the left eye. What went wrong? What do I do?

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @hambino! Most facial filler products that are injected into this area should ideally be placed in the tissue plane directly on top of the bone, or at least underneath the eyelid muscle layer. If a facial filler product is placed too superficial in the skin, or on top of the muscle layer, the product may settle in with an abnormal appearance and can look to be lumpy, swollen, or irregular. The filler products that are preferred to treat this area will have some degree of affinity for water molecules so all of these products will exhibit some degree of hydration and swell once injected into the body. Hyaluronic acid facial filler products that were previously injected into an improper tissue plane can be dissolved by hyaluronidase injections. Best of luck, Dr. Nima!

Pedy Ganchi, MD · Answer

Hello,Under eye filler injections require expertise and precision as the delicate tissues can bruise and show irregularities very easily.Generally swelling and bruising resolve within 2-4 weeks in most patients.You should consult with your doctor to address your prolonged healing.Regards,Dr. Pedy GanchiVillage Plastic Surgery

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

this can be reversed with an enzyme and reinjected with cannulas to limit complications in the future.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Jesse E. Smith, MD, FACS · Answer

It's best to follow up with your injector.  Pictures here are of great help, but we know that some fillers under the eyes cause a bluish hue and swelling that can last for years.  There are a couple of fillers that are safe under the eyes, but we do not know which filler was used.  It is possible that you could reverse the filler and use one of those that has a better track record under the eyes.

Edwin Ishoo, MD · Answer

Since you have not posted any pictures or disclosed any medical history or information on who performed your treatment, it is difficult to comment on your specific concern. Please always consult a qualified and experienced doctor and not "injectors" especially for under eye treatment.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

While swelling is quite common, it usually lasts a week or two in most individuals.  Unusual for it to last this long. Best to see your injector.

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

I would recommend that you return to see your injector.  Make sure that you are seeing an experienced doctor with a busy injectables practice.  There are some treatments that can be considered to reduce the swelling.  It may be possible to dissolve the filler, if needed.The under eye area is an advanced area for filler injection.  Proper injection technique is important here.  I usually use Restylane or Belotero (not Juvederm) in this area to reduce the risk for swelling.  Most injections should be placed deeply under the muscle, not superficially.  I prefer using a cannula instead of a needle under the eyes to reduce the risk of piercing a blood vessel and causing a bruise.  Choose your injector carefully for any future filler injections.

Rebecca Baxt, MD · Answer

Assuming the filler is made of hyaluronic acid it can be removed  with hyaluronidase injection. Ask your doctor or seek attention from a great board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who has experience in this area.

Robert Sleightholm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

There are specific fillers for injection under the eye that cause little swelling.  The swelling decreases over the course of a week.  Fillers not designated for under eye filling can produce prolonged swelling.  If the swelling is due to the filler,hyaluronidase can reduce the swelling.

Prolonged swelling after under eye fillers. Any suggestions?

Answers (9)

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