Is swelling/bruising normal 3 weeks after Restylane injections under the eye? (photos)

Question

3 weeks ago I had restylane under the eyes, with major swelling and bruising. They are still not recovered. The doctor said my right eye is still swollen. (And discolored) Is this normal? I am worried it will not get better. Is there anything I can do? Thank you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This is likely something called Tyndall effect and is due from superficial placement and swelling from the filler in that area.  I suggest getting another evaluation, and having the enzyme hyaluronidase injected to reverse the filler.  Most often I have found this resolves the issue in just a few hours.  If you are to get injections again, you will need much deeper placement of the filler.   At best, it may just be swelling/bruising but that is typically resolved by 3 weeks. Best, Dr. Emer.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @Susanne1! There are a few reasons for this swelling. One being that the filler was not placed in the proper tissue plane. Most facial filler products that are injected into this area should ideally be placed in the tissue plane directly on top of the bone, or at least underneath the eyelid muscle layer. If a facial filler product is placed too superficial in the skin, or on top of the muscle layer, the product may settle in with an abnormal appearance and can look to be lumpy, swollen, or irregular. Another reason for the prolonged swelling can be due to the fact that too much facial filler product was used. The filler products that are preferred to treat this area will have some degree of affinity for water molecules so all of these products will exhibit some degree of hydration and swell once injected into the body. Hyaluronic acid facial filler products that were previously injected into an improper tissue plane can be dissolved by hyaluronidase injections. Best of luck, Dr. Nima!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Swelling and bruising are common side effects of under eye injections and can take approx. 2 weeks to resolve. A small population of people take 3 weeks to heal from swelling and bruising. Some people have increased swelling with under eye injections - you may want to schedule another follow up with your injector and have the product dissolved. Best of Luck.

Jessica Lattman, MD · Answer

After 3 weeks the swelling and bruising should all be resolved.  Some people develop fullness under the eye from restylane which is does not go away until the product is removed.  I would consider having the restylane removed with an injection of vitrase.  This should solve the problem.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

It is rare for swelling to persist for this duration. If you trust your injector, then heed his or her advice. You may want to consider reversing the effects of the restylane with hyaluronidase. Request to see your injector again, and ask about this possibility.

Is swelling/bruising normal 3 weeks after Restylane injections under the eye? (photos)

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Answer: Restylane under the eye

Answer: Restylane under the eye

Answer: Swelling/bruising 3 weeks post treatment

Answer: Swelling/bruising 3 weeks post treatment

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Is swelling/bruising normal 3 weeks after Restylane injections under the eye? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Restylane under the eye

Answer: Restylane under the eye

Answer: Swelling/bruising 3 weeks post treatment

Answer: Swelling/bruising 3 weeks post treatment

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Restylane

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.