Restylane injection - black eye. The surgeon did not use a cannula. Should she have?

There is always the risk of bruising after dermal filler injections but these things may help:1. Ice during and after the proceure2. No aspirin, alcohol, high-dose vitamins, herbal medications or teas a week before the procedure3. Arnica??? (not proven)And I prefer needles.Hope that helps!

Thank you for the good question. Unfortunately, bruising is not unusual with placement of fillers near the eyes whether a needle or cannula is used. Every doctor who has treated many patients has caused bruising. Make sure an experienced eyelid expert is the physician performing the placement of the filler in this risky location. The bruise will resolve within 10 days without treatment. Good luck. 

I am sorry to learn about your bruising.  It is not uncommon for bruises to appear on one side and not the other.  There is no scientific proof that cannulas are safer or cause less bruising than needles.  It sounds as if the treatment you received was entirely appropriate.  Lasers can be used in many cases to help clear up bruising which occurs following injection, trauma, or surgery.  The laser treatments are safe and tend to be highly effective.  You may wish to discuss this option with your physician.

Hi Carter.  We use needles exclusively for under eye injections because it allows us to be more exacting for where the filler is placed.  Because the needle goes through the dermis rather than injecting into it (we inject under the muscle), we very rarely have bruising with this type of injection.To see examples of a under eye injections using needles and Restylane for our Los Angeles patients, click on the link below.

I only use cannulas to tear trough to prevent bruising and swelling but with any injections you can get bruising.  It is common to use needles and expect bruising there.  I suggest seeing someone in the future who only uses cannulas if you are concerned.  Best, Dr. Emer.