Still have lumps 1 year after Restylane injections in tear trough. Will they ever go away? (Photo)

Question

I received Restylane injections a year ago in my tear troughs/upper left cheek). 2 syringes over 2 separate visits. Ever since I've had a large lump that is hard to the touch and creates unnatural shadows on the top of my cheek + another lump on the corner of my eye when I smile (see photos, although it's more noticeable in person). I hope I'm wrong, but I've heard the body can encapsulate filler if it mistakes it as a foreign body and then filler can last for many years.

Alexander Rivkin, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question. Believe it or not, Restylane can last a very long time in the tear troughs. Most likely, the lumps you are noticing is an accumulation of product or chronic swelling due to water absorption. The good news is that this is easily reversible with a simple injection of Hyaluronidase, an enzyme that dissolves hyaluronic acid (the main component of Restylane). In order to make sure that you dissolve only the lump and not the filler that is still in your tear troughs, be sure to find an experienced injection specialist. Hope that helps.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @Iruinedmyowneyes! I recommend dissolving the product with Hyaluronidase. Best of luck, Dr. Nima!

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your concerns. If the bump was caused by injection of Restylane, it can be dissolved with Hyaluronidase. Make sure your treatments are performed by experienced specialists. Good luck,

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

These filler can last years. This needs to be adjusted with the enzyme hyaluronidase.  It is a bit of an art form so it pays to go to someone who knows what they are doing.  In the photos your skin does demonstrate evidence of prior scaring and that may have some bearing on why the prior injector had difficulty placing a satisfactory filler treatment.Still, filler with the hyaluronic acid is the best treatment for your under eye area.  Do your home work to find the right injector.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hello I.  Sorry to hear about your situation.  The good  news is that you do have options.  The first is Hyaluronidase.  If product is still left under the eyes, Vitrase injections should reverse it.  Your concern of hard bumps is related to "granulomas".  Yes, granulomas can occur with dermal fillers but are not common with Restylane.  If your concern is a granuloma, then it will feel like a very hard lump (marble shaped).  If you do have a lump like this, it should be reversible with a steroid injection.  To see a Juvederm reversal for under the eyes, click on the link below.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

If this is remaining filler, it can be reversed with hyaluronidase. It may take a series of treatments. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. If your lump(s) are due to filler it can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. Believe it or not fillers in the tear trough area can last a long time due to minimal movement in this area. I recommend having a follow up with your injector to address your concerns. Best of Luck!

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

First of all you had way too much injected as 2 cc is at least twice as much as is needed.  At this point see a board certified dermatologist and it may be that you should have hyaluronidase injections

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Still have lumps 1 year after Restylane injections in tear trough. Will they ever go away? (Photo)

Answers (8)

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