Fillers have become a very popular and standard treatment for lower eyelid dark circles and hollows.  The two most common filler used for this purpose are Restylane and Juvederm.  On occasion after the filler is placed a bluish color to the area can occur.  This is called the Tyndall effect – and is named after the 19th century physicist John Tyndall.  The Tyndall effect is caused by light reflection from particles in a clear material (suspension).  These fillers (Restylane and Juvederm) are clear materials with many particles within them.  When light is scattered from these particles the bluish color (Tyndall effect) can result.

While a Tyndall reaction can occur in the best of hands it is minimized by appropriate placement of the filler around the eyes.  This means deeper placement in small amounts.  Before treating this problem it is best to wait a few weeks to assure that the color change is not due to late effects of bruising.

The blue color can be removed with injection of hyaluronidase (Vitrase) which dissolves the filler – removing it in part or total – depending on patient needs.  This is what is nice about fillers for the lower lids.  They accomplish their task – filling hollows – yet are reversible so that problems are easily overcome.  This is in stark contrast TO SURGERY which often times can lead to permanent issues.

While fillers are routinely injected to the lower lids by many cosmetic doctors it is best to have this done by an eyelid specialist.

For any questions regarding lower lid fillers or the Tyndall effect you can contact Dr. Guy Massry, Beverly Hills ophthalmic plastic surgeon, at his office (310) 453-8487 or at his website https://drmassry.com