Can Restylyne Migrate Into The Eyes? They're Burning And Swollen.

I have one of the largest practices of filling in the lower eyelid hollows in the country.  I have treated thousands of individuals for their lower eyelid hollows with Restylane.  None of them has experienced burning and swelling of the eyes.  It is impossible to know what your "nurse injector" did not did not do to cause the situations.  I would recommend that you report her to your state medical board as she is practicing medicine.  My first thought is that she used an inappropriate product to sterilize the skin of your eyes prior to injection and this irritated your eyes.  I strongly recommend that you immediately see an ophthalmologist.  If you do not have a relationship with an ophthalmologist, call your primary care physician for an immediate referral.  If this does not work, consider being seen in an emergency room although arranging care directly with an ophthalmologist will be much more efficient and if you get to work on this now, it is likely that some one can see you before the end of the day.

As  most of the panel members suggested, anything is possible.  However, it would seem plausible that you are having an allergic reaction whether or not it is related to the product used, topical numbing cream, or from something unrelated to your treatment.  Regardless, it should not be assumed that your injector is withholding information as her feedback seems plausible.  Hopefully, she referred you to f/u with your primary care physician.

On a side note:  one panel member wrongfully suggested that you report the nurse injector to the State Medical Board for "practicing medicine."    Without knowing any facts surrounding the nurse's role and relationship with her Medical Director, this suggestion is not based on current legislation and regulations.  The current regulations clearly state that a PA, NP, and RN may provide these treatments under the direct supervision of a physician as defined by the Business & Professions Code, Medical Board, and defined also by the Board of Registered Nurses.  The BRN mandates that the RN operate under "Standardized Procedures & Protocols."  One cannot make assumptions about whether or not a medical professional was within or outside of their scope of practice without having all the facts available for review.

 

This is a very challenging area to correct & even mores to predict the outcome pretreatment. Penetration of the orbital septum is cautioned almost every year at the American Academy of Dermatology. Small volumes behind the septum can cause inflammation. Given her lack of qualifications as a nurse you have to consider less frequent errors.

I have injected over 25 thousand patients with restylane and have never heard of this occuring.

I would want to know if topical numbing was used and which one and what exactly was injected.

I have never heard or seen any kind of allergic reaction to hyaluronic acid.

some pics would help.  I am in dallas and would be happy to take a look.  Until then, I would see Dr. Farah Shaw in Bellaire.

 

Best,

 

Peter Malouf

I doubt Restylane would cause eyes to burn especially if both eyes are burning.  This time of the year, it would be more likely to be allergic conjunctivitis.  If in doubt, check with an eye doctor.

You need to be seen by an ophthalmologist right away.

There are many possible side-effects and consequences, both intended and unintended, of injections, whether neurotoxins or fillers.  Most, fortunately, are relatively benign.  Some, unfortunately, are not.

This degree of discomfort is unusual in my experience, and the fact that it's affecting your eyes is worrisome.  It's not necessarily associate with permanent problems, but I wouldn't want to take it for granted.  You should be seen by an eye physician as soon as possible.

Hopefully everything will be fine, but I would not advise that you just wait and hope for that. 

I hope that this helps, and good luck,

Dr. E

This sounds like an allergic reaction to something in the Restylane injection.  You should contact the MD that did your injections for further evaluation and treatment.