Tear trough fillers: why these brown lines across my cheeks? (Photo)

Question

Dear Doctors, I am French & have had fillers done by "experimented" doctors. However, these injections end up causing brownish lines across my cheeks (see pictures attached). I am extremely depressed as I look more tired than before. IWhy do these lines appear? What should I do to get rid of them. I reached out to my doctor whose answer is : "apply Eucerin corrector to help camouflage". Thanks Ps. I never had those lines prior to injections.

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

I'm not sure what is the brownish line you're talking about exactly, but that filler needs to be dissolved, it should not look like an obvious ridge like that.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

I can understand how upsetting this must feel, especially since you didn’t notice these lines before the treatment. What you’re seeing could be related to the way the filler was placed — sometimes product that sits too superficially or interacts with the thin under-eye and cheek skin can create visible changes like lines, shadows, or even a mild discoloration effect. This is sometimes called the Tyndall effect when the filler reflects bluish or brownish through the skin.

The good news is that these issues aren’t usually permanent. Options include gently dissolving the filler with hyaluronidase (if it’s a hyaluronic acid filler), adjusting the area with additional careful placement, or using other treatments like laser or microneedling if pigment changes remain. Camouflaging with creams won’t really address the cause — they just mask the symptom.

You’re not alone in this, and these side effects can often be corrected. With the right approach, your skin can return to a more natural and refreshed appearance.

Shanthala Shivananjappa, MD · Answer

Thank you for reaching out. Based on the photographs, it appears that the fillers have been placed superficially, causing a Tyndall effect, which is common after under-eye fillers, especially if they are not placed in the correct plane. Additionally, some fillers are hydrophilic, meaning they absorb water and swell up, contributing to the appearance of these lines. The type of filler and its placement significantly impact the results. While some patients may benefit from under-eye fillers, many need surgery for optimal outcomes. Not everyone is an expert in this procedure. If your fillers are hyaluronic acid-based, they can be removed using hyaluronidase, as using correctors like Eucerin will not resolve the issue. This is a treatable and reversible side effect, not a serious complication. I hope you achieve the best results and are happy after the reversal.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An exam would be needed to know for sure, but it appears from the submitted photos that your fillers were placed too close to the skin's surface.  This resulted in the filler causing these shadows of the face.  You can consider having the filler dissolved which should improve the shadowing.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

It is quite common for patients who have had hyaluronic acid fillers injected into the tear trough area to have the same problems just like you do. My personal opinion: no one should have hyaluronic acid filler placed into the lower eyelid or tear trough area. Only fat grafting should be performed into this area. My advice, if you are not happy with the outcome of the current procedure, is to have the hyaluronic acid dissolved and follow up with fat grafting. I hope this helps and good luck from Leonard Grossman MD organic Plastic Surgery.

Tear trough fillers: why these brown lines across my cheeks? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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