Filler injection

Is it dangerous if under-eye filler forms lumps? How can it be fixed?

The filler under my eyes is lumpy.

I see everyone who...Filler injectionThe under-eye area looks brighter and dark circles are reduced. However, when you get under-eye filler injections hoping to add dimension and brightness to your eyes, the results afterwards...Injecting filler under the eyesA strange, unnatural-looking lump appears under the eyes, raising questions about what happened. Why is the filler under the eyes lumpy? Is this lump dangerous? And what are the procedures to correct this? This article from Romrawin has the answers for you.



Is it dangerous if I got lumps after injecting filler under my eyes?

Lumps can form after under-eye filler injections. Whether under-eye filler lumps are dangerous depends on the type of filler, whether it's genuine or counterfeit, and whether it meets FDA standards and is approved. 

If lumps form after under-eye filler injection, it could be due to reasons such as choosing the wrong type of filler for under-eye injection, the doctor's lack of experience, or injecting the wrong amount or location of filler. However, if genuine fillers with hyaluronic acid as their main component were used, the problem can be corrected by dissolving the filler. 

Conversely, using other types of fillers, such as non-biodegradable silicone fillers, fillers not approved by the Thai FDA, or substandard fillers, can lead to complications. These include lumps under the eyes, misshapen fillers, changes in facial shape, and in severe cases, inflammation, infection, or blood clots.


When should you see a doctor if you get lumps after getting under-eye filler?

I had filler injected under my eyes and it's lumpy.

If lumps appear under the eyes after filler injection but there is no inflammation or pain, it may be due to the choice of filler type unsuitable for the under-eye area or the doctor's lack of experience resulting in incorrect injection placement. While these lumps are not harmful to health, they can affect self-confidence as the under-eye area looks unnatural when smiling. Therefore, if you wish to correct these lumps, you can consult a doctor for treatment or to have the filler dissolved.

But in the case that...I had filler injected under my eyes and now there's swelling and redness. Inflammation may also be caused by an allergic reaction to hyaluronic acid in the filler, or it could be due to an allergic reaction to counterfeit fillers containing substandard ingredients. In this case, you must see a doctor immediately for treatment. If left untreated, it can lead to swelling, inflammation, infection, and potentially even tissue necrosis and blindness.


What causes lumps to form after filler injections under the eyes?

Besides improper post-injection care, lumps under the eyes after filler injection can occur due to several reasons, including:

  1. Choosing a filler that is unsuitable for under-eye injection.

Each brand and type of filler has different properties, making them suitable for addressing different problems in different areas. For under-eye injections, a filler that is not too firm is usually chosen because the skin under the eyes is thin. Fillers with large and too firm molecules can easily cause lumps under the eyes.

  1. Injecting filler under the eyes in an area that is not suitable for the problem being addressed.

For example, injecting filler under the eyes to correct sunken eyes, but injecting too superficially, causes the filler to accumulate in the upper skin layer, forming lumps. 

  1. Injecting an inappropriate amount of filler under the eyes.

For under-eye injections, approximately 1-2 cc of filler is used. However, if too much is injected, the filler may overflow, causing a lumpy or raised area.

  1. Using counterfeit or substandard fillers.

Counterfeit fillers refer to fillers that imitate genuine fillers, including those that have not been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). This is due to safety concerns, as counterfeit fillers often contain substandard ingredients. If injected into the skin, they can cause allergic reactions, infections, or lumps. 

Lumps formed under the eyes due to reasons 1 through 3 are often caused by the doctor's lack of expertise or experience in filler injections, leading to errors after the procedure. However, if genuine filler was used, the problem can be corrected by dissolving the filler. 

However, if the under-eye filler becomes lumpy due to the last point, such as fake filler, it may be more difficult to correct. If the filler is non-biodegradable, it may require...Scraping fillerOr you could have surgery to remove the filler altogether.


How can lumps under the eyes after filler injection be fixed?

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There are three main methods used to correct lumpy under-eye fillers:

  1. Injecting to dissolve filler.

If the under-eye filler used is a genuine filler containing hyaluronic acid, it can be dissolved to correct the problem of lumpy under-eye fillers. The drug hyaluronidase has the property of breaking down hyaluronic acid. When injected, it causes the filler to dissolve, and the skin will return to its original state before the injection.

  1. Scraping filler

If under-eye filler lumps due to fake filler, or fillers that don't primarily contain hyaluronic acid, they cannot be dissolved using traditional methods. Instead, filler scraping must be used. However, this method only removes approximately 60-70% of the fake filler.

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In cases where the fake filler is large and very hard, or if scar tissue has formed making it impossible to scrape it out, surgery will be the last resort for removal. However, it is possible to not remove all of the filler, and careful consideration is needed because surgery carries risks.


After treatment for under-eye lumps, are there any side effects?

If under-eye filler lumps are removed using hyaluronidase to dissolve the filler, a specialist may experience very few side effects. This is because the use of filler dissolving medication is primarily to address the problem of filler lumps. However, some individuals may still experience an allergic reaction to hyaluronidase, resulting in redness and swelling at the injection site. 


Self-care after treatment for under-eye lumps.

How should I care for myself after under-eye filler treatment that has resulted in lumps?

  • Initially, there may be some slight swelling, which is a common symptom. Gentle cold compresses can help relieve the symptoms.
  • Avoid touching the area where filler was injected under the eyes if there are lumps.
  • Take antibiotics or other medications as prescribed by your doctor strictly.
  • See your doctor for a follow-up appointment.

Post-injection instructions for under-eye filler to prevent lumps. 

Sometimes, even with genuine under-eye filler injections from highly experienced doctors, lumps can still form due to improper aftercare. Therefore, to prevent under-eye lumps after filler injections, follow these recommendations.

  • Try to stay in cool environments and avoid high temperatures, such as being outdoors or in a sauna, as these can affect the filler's setting process.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise after getting filler injections under the eyes.
  • Never squeeze, massage, pick, or scratch the area where filler was injected under the eyes.
  • Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and help the filler settle better.

How to choose the right under-eye filler to prevent lumps.

To avoid future regrets and the hassle of treating lumpy under-eye fillers, it's best to choose the under-eye filler that's most suitable for you. You can consider the following under-eye filler options:

  • Choose the brand and model of filler that is suitable for your under-eye area problems. However, it is best to have an experienced doctor specializing in under-eye filler injections assess your needs.
  • Choose authentic filler injections from an experienced specialist at a reputable medical facility. Don't be tempted by cheap prices, as this may lead to lumpy under-eye fillers requiring corrective surgery later.

Frequently asked questions about lumpy under-eye fillers.

What are the chances of lumps forming after injecting filler under the eyes?

If you choose to have under-eye filler injections done by an experienced specialist at a reputable clinic using genuine, FDA-approved fillers, the chances of developing lumps under the eyes are not high.

Is there a chance that genuine fillers could cause lumps under the eyes? 

Even genuine fillers can cause lumps under the eyes for several reasons, such as choosing the wrong filler for under-eye injection, inexperienced doctor, inappropriate amount and injection site, and improper post-injection care.

If I've had under-eye filler and feel a lump, what should I do?

If you notice a lump under your eye after filler injection, you should observe it for a while, as the lump may be swelling from the filler or the filler not yet set in the skin. However, if the lump persists after 1-2 weeks, you should consult a doctor to address the issue.

After having filler dissolved, is it possible to get filler injected under the eyes again?

After filler dissolution, it is recommended to wait approximately one week before injecting new under-eye filler to allow the effects of the dissolving agent to wear off.

Should you choose filler dissolving injections or filler scraping?

Filler dissolving injections are only effective for genuine fillers containing hyaluronic acid. For counterfeit fillers, removal through scraping or surgery is required; injectable filler dissolution is not suitable.


In summary, the under-eye filler is lumpy.

Under-eye filler injections should be performed by a specialist or someone with extensive experience in filler injections. Use genuine, high-quality fillers and receive the service at a reputable medical facility. However, if the filler becomes lumpy, it can be corrected by dissolving the filler, restoring the under-eye area to its original condition. If the filler is counterfeit, removal or surgery may be necessary, which often cannot completely correct the problem and may not result in the same aesthetically pleasing under-eye area.


refer

Derkach, K. (2022, December 30). UNDER EYE FILLER: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW. Mabrie Facial Institute.
https://www.yourfaceinourhands.com/blog/under-eye-filler-everything-you-need-to-know/

Dissolving Dermal Filler with Hyalase. (nd). THE MANSE.
https://themanseclinic.com.au/Blog/dissolving-dermal-filler-with-hyalase/