Afraid of Tear Trough Filler Blindness risk. Any suggestions?

Question

Hello, I am suffering from tear troughs and would love to get dermal filler in this area. I live in London. I am very afraid of the risk of blindness from the filler. Is it right that a blunt cannula avoids this risk? I've found a nurse who does it with a cannula. A lot of the surgeons I've spoken to seem to use needles. Is this complication with any area of the face injected with filler or higher risk in the tear trough? Thanks Darren,

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This area is easily treated with fillers, lasers, microneedling and prp. I suggest you see an expert.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Todd C. Miller, MD · Answer

It is true that blindness is a possible complication from placing filler in the tear trough. However, it is an exceedingly rare complication. Techniques such as using a blunt cannula can reduce the risk of vascular penetration thereby decreasing the risk of a catastrophic complication such as blindness. Follow up with an experienced injector.

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

You are correct - blindness has been described as a very rare risk of filler injection.  There are injection techniques that will reduce the risk.  Using a micro-cannula will reduce the risk of penetrating a blood vessel because the tip is not sharp like a needle.  This will also reduce your risk of bruising.  I prefer to use micro-cannulas for most of my filler injections to the tear trough.  I suggest that you find an experienced doctor who uses micro-cannulas to inject this delicate area.

Chris Thiagarajah, MD · Answer

Blunt cannula may reduce the risk marginally but the reality is that there is no way to reduce the risk to completely zero. Though it is rare, it is possible. It's like driving a car...every time you get in and drive there is a risk of dying in a car accident. The only way to completely avoid it would be to never drive. Just like that with filler or any other procedure...though the risks are not high, the only way to avoid them is not do the procedure.

Afraid of Tear Trough Filler Blindness risk. Any suggestions?

Answers (4)

Answer: No way to avoid risk

Answer: No way to avoid risk

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Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

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

Afraid of Tear Trough Filler Blindness risk. Any suggestions?

Answers (4)

Answer: No way to avoid risk

Answer: No way to avoid risk

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

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