Dear Dr. Seckel, I had Restylane injected under my eyes to treat dark circles under the eye 1 year ago. I had dark circles but I did not want a blepharoplasty. My eyelids got swollen + puffy + discolored like black + blue. My doctor said it would go away, it has not. Will it go away? Every 3 months I go to the doctor, she cannot figure it out. I feel like I am getting the run around. Please help me!!!!!!!!! Thank you, what should I do? Thank You, Janis, New York, NY
Dear Janis,
I am sorry to hear of your experience after filler injection around the eyes. Most likely the injection with the needle ruptured blood vessels and caused bleeding. The blood underneath the eyelid caused the black and blue.
Usually the black and blue goes away in 3-6 weeks. However the eyelids are so thin even tiny amounts show through the skin. Also after time the blood cells break down and convert to Hemosiderin a pigment that has a dark color.
Rarely this dark pigmentation can be permanent and after a year I would worry that this may be the case for you.
For now I would use covermark or Jayne Iredale make up. You may also try a homeopathic remedy called Arnica Montana, which comes as a cream and is supposed to help bruising.
There is no laser peel, laser skin rejuvenation technique, IPL, photo facial, or surgical therapy that I am aware of that can accomplish pigment removal if this is deep hemosiderin pigment. I recommend consulting a different board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for an opinion. I do not inject fillers around the eye for eyelid rejuvenation or to remove dark circles under the eyes.
For more information on fillers, dark circles under the eyes, puffy eyes, eye bags, eyelid rejuvenation, and non-surgical facial rejuvenation read Save Your Face or contact me.
Sincerely,
Boston, Massachusetts