How Do You Get Rid of Restylane "Track Marks?"

Question

A client had Restylane injected into her nasolabial folds 3 years ago.  Although the product is gone, she still has blue "track marks" where the product was injected. Why is this and how can we get rid of the marks?

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

It sounds like the bluish track marks you are describing are associated with a phenomenon called the Tyndall effect (see another Realself answer - http://www.realself.com/question/What-to-do-about-Restylane-bruising-Bruising-is-very-common-in-the-lower-eyelids). 
The Tyndall effect is caused when the Restylane is injected too superficially. We have successfully treated this effect with q-switched Nd:Yg lasers (even years after it has become apparent).

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The blue marks may be from filler placed very superficially. This can either be treated by hyaluronidase injection or removal by small incision at the site of the track mark.

David C. Mabrie, MD · Answer

Blue track marks represent the Hyaluronic acid (Restylane, Juvederm, etc.) placed very superficially in the skin.  If left alone, this will persist for up to years after the injection, because the product is not metabolized at this level.

	Fear not, the treatment is easy.  Using a needle to prick the skin, the product may then be expressed, much like a black head, or in this case, blue head.

	Your physician should be able to do it for you, if not, you can call around and ask for doctors who can treat the Tyndall effect.

	For more information on fillers to the eye area, please click the link below.

Joshua Zeichner, MD · Answer

A bluish track mark represents restylane placed superficially in the skin. While most of the product is removed by the body after several months, in some patients product may persist for longer. In this case, even after years. The product, and the bluish color, may be removed with hyaluronidase, or possibly direct expression through the skin after creating a small opening with a needle.

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

There are many ways to correct the effects of Restylane injections. The most important criteria is the depth that the Restylane was injected and the volume that was used. Keep in mind that Restylane will dissolve on its own in approximately six months. If the effects of Restylane are very obvious and it necessitates immediate correction, it may be possible to inject hyaluronidase into these areas for quicker resolution of these symptoms.

How Do You Get Rid of Restylane "Track Marks?"

Answers (7)