9 days after Restylane treatment and my under eye bags (tear trough) look worse than before treatment, is it normal? (photo)

Question

Went to a real plastic surgeon,not an injection clinic.Said upon consultation to change my lifestyle and come back in 3 months if I still wanted it. I found this odd, but complied. Returned and wanted treatment, now it's been 9 days and it looks worse.Can't tell if the bags are bigger or it's the bruised line that makes it appear that way. Tried to conceal the bruising with makeup, bags still appear bigger. Is this normal? Used 1/2 syringe,kept the rest&told me to return if I wanted corrections.

Kyle Coleman, MD · Answer

The tear trough is a location that is often treated incorrectly with injection being carried out too superficially or in the wrong location.  Filler placed to superficially may create visible product.  If too much filler is used, swelling of the lids can occur.   Bruising after fillers can occur and depends on many factors such as the patient, the injection technique, blood-thinning medications, and the area treated.  Major bruising can be treated by a vascular laser if done effectively.  Unfortunately, if not treated early, bruising can be long lasting and unsightly.  Make sure to seek out expert injectors when considering facial injectables; it will save you time and money in the long run.

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

Thank you for sharing your question. Since you are unhappy with the results of Restylane injections in your tear troughs, have an experienced Oculoplastic Surgeon dissolve the material and reinject you or discuss possible surgical options with you. Good luck,

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This is common, if you are unhappy reverse the filler and find a different injector and a diffetent product such as voulma or belotero.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

Best to wait at least 1 month before re-evaluating and considering further treatment. Swelling can last a while after filler injection in the under eye area. See link below for more details.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi URLM.  From the photos it looks like there may be two areas in question.  The tear trough is the indented area directly below the eye.  The nasojugal groove is the darkened linear depression that extends from the inner corner of the eye to the upper cheek.  In the before photo, it looks like the nasojugal groove is more pronounced than the tear trough which would indicate an injection technique that would be below the tear trough.  If this sounds like what you are feeling, then take a look at the photos at the link below to see someone that had both concerns fixed with Juvederm (Restylane).  She was treated at our Los Angeles County office.

9 days after Restylane treatment and my under eye bags (tear trough) look worse than before treatment, is it normal? (photo)

Answers (8)