Can Restylane Injected in the Tear Troughs Cause Blindness?

There is a theoretical risk of blindness when fillers are injected near the eyes, and even between the eyebrows. There are fortunately very few reported cases of this in the last few decades since collagen injections were developed. Slow injections, delivery of filler product during movement of the needle, and watching for any unusual response from the patient, helps the doctor minimize this already extremely low chance of a complication from happening. If a hyaluronic acid is used such as Restylane and Juvederm, theoretically there is a possible treatment that might successfully treat this complication which would be the injection of hyaluronidase into the vessel which could dissolve the filler. if a thicker product is used, there would not be such a possible solution. Make sure you see a board certified dermatologist, plastic, facial plastic or oculoplastic surgeon who is experienced at these injections for a consultation.

There is a theoretical risk of occluding a vessel from restylane injection, however that is very very rare around the eyes, especially if the restyalne is injected via proper technique and correct location/plane.

Dr T.

The blood vessels around the eyes have unique features that make injection into the tear trough and malar region a procedure that should only be done by experienced injectors. The issue is embolization of the filler (any type of filler- no just Restylane) into the blood supply of the retina. This would occur if the injection needle pushed he filler directly into the blood vessel. The mere presence of filler in the tear trough region poses no risk for embolization. The act of injection into this area does. Seek out a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in injection into this region of the face.