Restylane under eye is making me look like I'm covering up a burst or black eye. Is this normal? What should I do? (Photo)

Hi Liz.  When injecting under the eyes, we use a procedure that uses a technique where we inject "under the muscle".  If you inject hyaluronic acid based fillers too superficially under the eye, you can get an outcome called the Tyndall effect that looks like a blue-grey color under the skin.  Not sure if this is what you have, but if the product is injected near the surface of the skin, you can also get bags like the one in the photo you posted.  Doing deeper injections helps to avoid bruising, the Tyndall effect and also lumpy injections.  You can also have the product dissolved with an enzyme named Vitrase and this should take care of the bruising color and the lumpiness.To see examples of other Los Angeles patients that have had under eye injections for Restylane, click the link below.  

Hi @Liz_Woods! Hyaluronic acid facial filler products that were previously injected into an improper tissue plane can be dissolved by hyaluronidase injections. I recommend seeking treatments from expert injectors who have the skill and experience to precisely inject fillers into treatment areas and avoid risks and complications. Best of luck, Dr. Nima!

HI Liz,Sorry to hear about your poor experience with injections of Restylane under your eye by your PA.  The lower eye lid area is an extremely delicate and unforgiving area for injection and should be done by only the most experienced physician injectors.  The lump under your left eye may be dissolved with hyaluronidase, and then some time later you may have Restylane reinjected in the proper place.  You should not get "bags" be removing the Restylane and then replacing it.  It is important to choose your injecting physician most carefully.  Good luck and be well.Dr. P

Probably best to wait a few more weeks before doing anything else as there is still bruising/swelling present. If it does end up being to full or discolored on the right side (tyndall effect), then the Restylane can be removed.  See an oculoplastic specialist.

The hardest area to fill with the most problems here on Realself is the eye/tear trough area. This won't get better without it being dissolved with hyaluronidase.  Future fills should be done by a more experienced MD, not a PA.  No, there are no side effects with removal, and no, you won't get eye bags.

Please see your injector for assessment.  Too much filler such as Restylane injected too superficially can cause puffiness and a blue discoloration.  It can be dissolved with hyaluronidase but more Restylane may need to be injected afterwards to even out the area.