Can a round bump in the tear trough area post-restylane ever be swelling? If anything IS wrong is it too late to fix at 2 wks?

Question

I had restylane for the eye hollows several days ago by a very experienced plastic surgeon. One eye has a small round bump and both eyes still have exaggerated horizontal creases. Both tear trough areas just aren't smooth. Can bumps ever be swelling and even out in a couple weeks? I get mixed answers here. I will be shocked if it's Dr error. If it does turn out to be a bump(s) that needs to be dissolved, is it possible that the Dr could have injected correctly but my body didn't respond well?

Monika Kiripolsky, MD · Answer

Hi Zozuna,

With restoring lost volume to the areas under the eyes ("tear troughs"), I always educate my patients that we aim for correction, not perfection. The results can be AMAZING, if the physician is very experienced in doing this particular procedure (many are not). Regardless, if you look at a human skull, the areas under the eyes do not have underlying bone to limit swelling (like other parts of the face do). Thus, filling the areas under the eyes is prone to more swelling than would be expected in other areas of the face.

It sounds as if it has only been a few days since you had your injections. I'd give it a good two weeks to even out. We tend to sleep on one side (which makes that side prone to more - temporary - swelling), and, we physicians often tweak different areas under the eyes with slightly different amounts of the filler, depending upon how much volume loss you have and where exactly the correction is needed. Thus, it is entirely normal for the swelling to look a bit "lumpy" or asymmetric at first (the areas that didn't need as much - if any - filler for correction will not swell as much as the areas that did). Try not to look at yourself in the mirror too closely for the first week or two, because you can only cause yourself unnecessary stress and anxiety.

That said, if any irregularities persist more than two or so weeks, we can inject tiny amounts of the "antidote" (hyaluronidase), that will break down any areas of concern. The key is to do "baby steps" in ever step of tear trough correction. For example, we could inject a few drops of hyaluronidase into areas of concern, wait a few days, and then reevaluate the area to see if more hyaluronidase is needed (versus "blasting it" with too much hyaluronidase and creating a new problem).

Always keep in mind that - we only have one face :) Thus, choose who performs any procedures to your face very carefully. When I inject the tear troughs, it may appear "easy" to someone watching. However, I'm continuously watching and evaluating subtle nuances, avoiding blood vessels and other potential "danger areas", being careful to inject into the correct tissue plane (injecting too superficially can result in a lumpy, blue appearance), and using my favorite of all of the available fillers for this particular portion of the face.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

Dr. Kiripolsky

IG: DoctorMonika

Kyle Coleman, MD · Answer

The tear trough area is one of the more difficult areas to be treated by most physicians.  Even an expert injector can have difficulty in some patients.  Lumps or bumps in the area can be related to swelling or superficial filler placement.  At 2 weeks, it is most likely not swelling.  Thankfully, it can be reduced in a matter of hours with hyaluronidase.  Small amounts can be used to spare wanted fillers.  Best of luck.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

There is a possibility that lumps and bumps after filler to the tear trough can be due to swelling. However, if this is unchanged after 2 weeks then it's more likely the actual filler. Experienced injectors use techniques that minimize these issues, but, sometimes even in the most experienced of hands things can happen. If you trust your physician then you may want him/her to dissolve the filler with Hyaluronidase and try a more superficial product like Belotero. Hope this helps answer your question.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It could still be swelling. I recommend speaking to your Dr. and if you're unhappy with your results you can decide to have it dissolved and try a different technique next time. Injecting with cannulas help give a better result and prevent issues. hyaluronidase can be used to reverse the filler if you are unhappy. Best, Dr. Emer

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

The tear trough is one of the hardest areas to inject on the face and the most fickle. Bumps do occasionally happen, sometimes from the injector's technique, filler choice, depth of injection, or because the filler (a gel), moves a bit, or the person's body binds too much water to the hyaluronic acid. In the first 2 weeks, if there is any firm bump, then its worth massaging/pressing it firmly to bring it down. If its still there after 2 weeks, likely a little bit of hyaluronidase should be injected into it to bring it down more quickly (although it will go down on its own after a few weeks or occasionally months later).

Can a round bump in the tear trough area post-restylane ever be swelling? If anything IS wrong is it too late to fix at 2 wks?

Answers (9)

Answer: Knowing What's Swelling

Answer: Knowing What's Swelling

Answer: Restylane bump in tear trough

Answer: Restylane bump in tear trough

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Restylane

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

Can a round bump in the tear trough area post-restylane ever be swelling? If anything IS wrong is it too late to fix at 2 wks?

Answers (9)

Answer: Knowing What's Swelling

Answer: Knowing What's Swelling

Answer: Restylane bump in tear trough

Answer: Restylane bump in tear trough

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Restylane

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