Using Restylane Under The Eyes – What to expect

Last Updated On: October 15, 2024

The under-eye area is a crucial focal point in facial aesthetics, as it can significantly impact a person’s overall appearance and self-confidence. As individuals age, the delicate skin under the eyes may experience changes, such as the formation of fine lines, hollowing, tear troughs, and dark circles. These concerns can make a person appear tired, aged, or unwell, leading many patients to seek effective solutions.

Restylane, a brand of hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers, provides the solution for under-eye rejuvenation and natural-looking results. Restylane helps with dark circles, correcting the volume of the lower eyelid, smoothing out wrinkles around the eyes, and filling in the gaps formed by the lacrimal furrow.

How Restylane Works for The Under-Eye Area

To understand Restylane’s efficacy in under-eye rejuvenation, it is essential to comprehend its mechanism of action.

Restylane’s main component, hyaluronic acid, is a natural substance that retains moisture and provides volume. When injected into the under-eye area, Restylane fillers replenish lost volume, smoothing out hollows and fine lines.

They also promote collagen production, improving skin texture and elasticity over time.

The combination of these effects results in a rejuvenated, refreshed, and youthful appearance for patients seeking under-eye enhancements.

Restylane filler under the eyes primarily focuses on volume restoration and contouring, but it also addresses issues related to skin quality, such as fine texture or pigmentation concerns. In such cases, complementary treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy can also be used to improve skin texture and tone.

The most popular products for this delicate area are the original Restylane filler and the new Restylane Eyelight, created specifically for the under-eye zone.

While Restylane fillers offer remarkable benefits for the under-eye area, not everyone is an ideal candidate for this treatment. Careful patient assessment is crucial to determine eligibility and suitability for the procedure.

Contraindications for Restylane injections under the eyes:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• Low blood coagulation, taking anticoagulants;
• Diabetes;
• Oncology;
• Autoimmune disorders;
• Epilepsy.

The session should be postponed if the patient has a cold, the flu, a fever, or skin infections in the area of the intended injections. 

Procedure 

Administering Restylane under the eyes requires a delicate and precise injection technique to achieve natural-looking results without overfilling or causing undue stress to the sensitive area. An in-depth understanding of facial anatomy is essential during injection to avoid critical structures, such as blood vessels and nerves. Proper anatomical knowledge prevents potential complications and ensures safe and effective treatment.

During the initial consultation, medical professionals must thoroughly assess the patient’s under-eye concerns, overall facial anatomy, and medical history. It is vital at this stage to manage patient expectations and provide detailed information about the procedure, including the potential benefits of using Restylane under the eyes.

Based on the information gathered during the preliminary consultation, the doctor creates a customized treatment plan, selecting the filler from the Restylane product range or combining several to achieve the desired results. Precise volume estimation ensures that the correct dose of filler is used to achieve optimal results.

Topical anesthesia may be used before the filler application to enhance patient comfort. A gentle and gradual injection technique further minimizes discomfort.

Fillers are typically injected using fine-gauge needles or blunt-tip cannulas, depending on the physician’s expertise and the patient’s specific needs. Precise, small, incremental injections in the subcutaneous or supraperiosteal planes ensure natural and symmetrical results.

The doctor may employ the layering technique to distribute the filler evenly and achieve a smooth, seamless integration with the surrounding tissues.

Tear trough deformities should be addressed by strategically placing Restylane along the groove to soften the transition between the lower eyelid and the cheekbone.

Potential Complications

Even though Restylane under-eye fillers are considered safe, as with any medical procedure, doctors must be prepared to manage potential adverse events.

Mild bruising and swelling are common after Restylane injections, particularly in the under-eye area, but they are temporary and will resolve within a few days.

While rare, allergic reactions to hyaluronic acid can occur. Doctors must monitor patients for any signs of an allergic reaction, like redness, itching, or swelling, and if needed, be prepared to administer appropriate treatment promptly.

Post-Treatment Care

After administering Restylane under the eyes, provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to the patient. Advise them of the following measures:

• Refrain from touching, rubbing, and massaging the treated area to prevent unintended filler migration;

• Use cold packs or ice packs to minimize swelling and discomfort;

• Protect the skin from sun exposure and use sunscreen with high SPF to safeguard the delicate under-eye skin from UV damage.

Follow-up appointments will help to assess the results and address any concerns the patient may have. Monitoring the progress of the effects allows for timely adjustments or additional treatments if necessary.

Conclusion

The delicate nature of the under-eye area demands a cautious approach, precise injection techniques, and a thorough understanding of facial anatomy. Restylane offers transformative and powerful solutions for addressing under-eye concerns and achieving natural-looking results.

By employing the potential of these innovative dermal fillers, doctors can provide their patients with renewed and refreshed appearances, enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life.

FAQ

How long will Restylane last under the eyes?

The duration of Restylane filler under the eyes can vary depending on many factors, including the patient’s lifestyle, the specific Restylane product used, and the amount of filler injected. Restylane fillers generally last anywhere from 6 to 18 months under the eyes.

The natural aging process and individual differences in metabolism can affect how long the filler remains effective in the under-eye area. Some patients may experience longer-lasting results, while others may notice the effects fading earlier.

Restylane treatment under the eyes is non-permanent, so patients might need to schedule maintenance treatments to extend the results.

Additionally, patients are advised to follow post-treatment care instructions and adopt a healthy lifestyle to optimize the filler’s longevity and support overall skin health.

Which Restylane is best under the eyes?

The best Restylane product for under-eye rejuvenation depends on the specific concerns and goals of the patient, as well as the doctor’s assessment of the patient’s anatomy and needs. Restylane Eyelight may be considered the best Restylane filler for under-eye rejuvenation, specifically targeting undereye hollows or dark shadows.

Restylane Eyelight’s use of NASHA Technology, which closely resembles the body’s natural hyaluronic acid with minimal crosslinking, makes it an ideal option for the delicate under-eye area. Its firm gel texture, resistant to water absorption, provides a safe and natural-looking solution for volume loss under the eyes.

Key benefits of Restylane Eyelight for under eyes include:

• Restylane Eyelight is specifically formulated to address undereye hollows and dark shadows, common concerns in the under-eye region.

• With the effect lasting up to 18 months, Restylane Eyelight offers a long-lasting solution for under-eye rejuvenation, reducing the need for frequent touch-up sessions.

• Restylane Eyelight is FDA-approved, demonstrating its effectiveness and well-tolerated nature.

While traditional Restylane filler remains a popular choice for under-eye rejuvenation due to its small particle size and smooth texture, Restylane Eyelight’s unique formulation and specific focus on addressing under-eye hollows make it a compelling option for medical professionals and patients seeking natural-looking and long-lasting results in the under-eye area.

Is Restylane or Juvederm best for under eyes?

Restylane and Juvederm, both, are HA-based dermal fillers commonly recommended by specialists for under-eye rejuvenation procedures. The choice between the two depends on a variety of factors, including the patient’s particular health or cosmetic concerns, the level of expertise the specialist has, and individual patient preferences.

Some reasons why Restylane for the eyes area may be considered the better option:

• Filler’s small particle size allows for precise application in the delicate under-eye area, making it ideal for addressing fine lines and subtle volume enhancement.

• Restylane integrates smoothly with the surrounding tissues, providing natural-looking results and enhancing the overall appearance of the eyes.

• Restylane fillers are formulated to minimize post-treatment swelling, which is particularly advantageous for the sensitive under-eye region.

• The composition of Restylane is specifically designed for use in areas where a soft touch and refined approach are necessary.

While Restylane is a popular choice for under-eye rejuvenation, some doctors may prefer using certain Juvederm products for specific under-eye concerns. Some considerations for using Juvederm for under eyes include:

• Versatility – Juvederm offers a range of products with varying consistencies, making it suitable for addressing different under-eye concerns, including fine lines and volume loss.

• Some Juvederm products may have a more prolonged action duration than Restylane, potentially meaning less frequent touch-up sessions.

• Juvederm’s selection of products allows for customized treatments based on the patient’s unique needs and anatomy.

Ultimately, the choice between Juvederm and Restylane for under the eyes should be made during a comprehensive consultation with a patient based on their goals, anatomy, and doctor’s expertise.

References

Diwan, Z., Trikha, S., Etemad-Shahidi, S., Alli, Z., Rennie, C., & Penny, A. (2020). A Prospective Study on Safety, Complications and Satisfaction Analysis for Tear Trough Rejuvenation Using Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, 8(4), e2753. https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000002753.

Raspaldo, H., Chantrey, J., Belhaouari, L., Saleh, R., & Murphy, D. K. (2015). Juvéderm Volbella with lidocaine for lip and perioral enhancement: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, 3(3), e321. https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000000266.

What to Know About Under-Eye Fillers. WebMD. June 2021. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what-to-know-about-under-eye-fillers.

Somji, M. Tear trough rejuvenation using Restylane Eyelight. Journal of Aesthetic Nursing. November 2022. 

https://www.aestheticnursing.co.uk/content/product-focus/tear-trough-rejuvenation-using-restylane-eyelight/.

Are Tear Trough Fillers Effective for Undereye Bags? Cleveland clinic. January 2022. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-tear-trough-filler-safe/.

Urdiales-Gálvez, F, Farollch-Prats, L. Management of Tear Trough with Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: A Clinical-Practice Dual Approach. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2021;14:467-483https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S301117.