Dark purple under eye circles after tear trough filler

Question

Deep purple under eye circles after getting tear trough filler 3 months ago. I got tear trough filler 1.5 yrs ago and it completely resolved my dark circles. I recently got a touch up of filler and soon after developed very dark purple circles under my eyes. The PA has no idea why this happened or how to treat. What could this be? It’s not blue like Tyndall but very dark purple

Tanya T. Khan, MD · Answer

Hello, what you are seeing is your actual eyelid skin with some hyperpigmentation or darkening. This is very common in the lower eyelid region and oftentimes once the volume has been adjusted and improved, the demarcation line between the darker eyelid skin and lighter cheek skin is even more evident. Would consider topical skin treatment to lighten and brighten the tear trough and infraorbital region skin.

James M. Economides, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing this unexpected outcome after your recent filler treatment. Dark purple under-eye circles after tear trough filler can be concerning, especially since you had a successful experience previously. Here are a few possibilities for why this may have occurred:

1. Vascular Issues:
The tear trough area has many blood vessels, and if the filler was placed too close to a vessel or caused minor bruising, it might have resulted in a purple discoloration. Even after bruising heals, some blood products can remain trapped under the skin, causing long-lasting discoloration.
2. Hemoglobin Breakdown:
If there was any mild trauma during the injection, hemoglobin from red blood cells could have leaked into the surrounding tissue. When the body breaks down hemoglobin, it can leave behind pigments that cause purple or brown discoloration, which might explain the color you're seeing.
3. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH):
Trauma to the under-eye area during the filler injection may have triggered PIH, especially in individuals with sensitive skin or a predisposition to pigmentation issues. This can appear as a dark, purplish hue under the eyes.
4. Shadowing:
Depending on how the filler was placed, there could be shadowing that exaggerates the appearance of dark circles. If the filler wasn’t placed deep enough or was uneven, it might create a shadow effect under certain lighting, giving the illusion of dark circles.
5. Blood Vessel Compression:
In rare cases, filler can press against blood vessels, reducing circulation in the area. This can lead to a darkened appearance, particularly if the skin is thin.

Dark purple under eye circles after tear trough filler

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Dark purple under eye circles after tear trough filler

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

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