Which Filler Should You Get To Avoid the Tyndall Effect?

Cosmetic doctors can choose among hyaluronic acid, poly-L-lactic acid, and collagen injections to use for dermal filler treatments. Each filler product is unique in their composition and the substance they’re made from can have side effects that may alarm the patient.  That’s why in choosing which filler injection to use, it’s best to be aware of the possible complications that can occur. A common complication that comes with getting lip fillers is the Tyndall effect, which is a bluish discoloration of the skin when injecting a hyaluronic acid dermal filler. 

So which filler should you get to avoid the Tyndall effect? Belotero, Juvederm Volbella and Ultra XC, and Restylane Silk are some of the good filler options for smile lines and lip injections without getting the Tyndall effect. . For best possible results, it’s good to consult a reputable aesthetic practitioner when choosing which filler has the most benefits and the least drawbacks based on your profile and body chemistry.

Learn More: Are Fillers a Risk Factor for  Autoimmune Reactions?

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What Is the Tyndall Effect in Dermal Filler Treatments? 

Swelling, bruising, and tenderness are some of the common side effects of the injections but very rarely, some patients report seeing discoloration on the areas injected with dermal fillers. This occurrence is better known as the Tyndall effect and it’s best defined as the appearance of a bluish hue on the skin. 

Hyaluronic acid fillers contain tiny amounts of particles and when light is reflected upon them, it can scatter them in varying wavelengths which causes visible discoloration.. Some patients can mistake this discoloration for a bruise since the treatment area can appear unevenly raised or lumpy due to the filler placement. 

The Tyndall effect is most likely a harmless complication and it’s usually an aesthetic concern for wrinkle treatment, lip injections, and under eye fillers. Here are some factors that can cause this effect to happen: 

  • Poor injection technique - Superficial placement of the fillers just beneath the skin can cause light to be easily reflected on the material and result in discoloration. It’s important that your injector knows the proper injection technique to avoid this complication. 
  • Skin is too thin - There are certain areas of the face such as the tear trough or eye area and around the mouth where the skin is thin. If these areas are injected with fillers, it’s likely for the Tyndall effect to happen. 
  • Choice of product - The greater the particles in the dermal filler, the more light is scattered which makes discoloration more noticeable. HA fillers with large particles like Restylane Lyft or Juvederm Voluma are more likely to cause Tyndall effect when placed improperly.

Best Dermal Fillers to Avoid the Tyndall Effect 

There’s no denying that dermal fillers have become a gold standard in correcting signs of facial volume loss and diminishing collagen in the skin. It’s widely used for addressing unsightly forehead wrinkles, fine lines, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and tear trough creases or lower eyelid dark circles. Fillers are also great for re-plumping thinning lips and improving vertical lip lines. 

Here are some of the common filler injectable treatments for lips and smile lines that can lessen the likelihood of the Tyndall effect:

1. Belotero 

Belotero is an injectable filler material with a hyaluronic acid base. However, there is less concentration of hyaluronic acid in this filler type and it’s composed of thinner particles that are evenly spread out in the gel filler so there are fewer incidences of the Tyndall effect to happen. 

There are different products in the Belotero family of fillers including Belotero Balance, Belotero Soft, Belotero Intense, and Belotero Volume. These fillers can be used for reducing fine lines and laugh lines, correcting dark creases under eyes, enhancing lips, and cheek and jawline facial contouring. Most results of Belotero injectables can last for 6 up to 18 months. 

2. Juvederm Volbella 

Juvederm Volbella is another soft tissue filler made of hyaluronic acid and like Belotero, it has relatively smaller molecule sizes and a lower HA concentration compared to the other fillers in the Juvederm line. It’s a clear gel filler material that’s ideal for lip injections to restore fullness, shape, and correct vertical lip lines or lipstick lines. 

The injection of the Volbella fillers is often mixed with lidocaine gel to minimize the pain and discomfort during the procedure. Juvederm Volbella can provide results that can last for about a year. 

3. Juvederm Ultra XC 

Juvederm Ultra XC is a dermal filler that has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of facial wrinkles and lip augmentation. Like Volbella, Juvederm Ultra XC has a small molecule size which is perfect for superficial lines. It’s typically injected for smile lines that develop around the mouth area and can help improve lip fullness and shape. 

When injected into the treatment area properly, it will not cause any Tyndall effect. Juvederm Ultra XC results can last anywhere from six months to a year. 

4. Restylane Silk 

Restylane is a well-known line of hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers and each product in its family is made of different HA compositions with specific cosmetic purposes. Restylane Silk is a product that’s designed for lip enhancement and elimination of wrinkles and fine lines surrounding the mouth. 

Restylane Silk is also said to lessen the complication of the Tyndall effect because it contains smaller gel particles compared to other Restylane fillers. With its smoother gel consistency, Restylane Silk is more preferred for treating smaller areas that need precise filler injections such as the lips. Its lip plumping and line-smoothing effects can last from 6 months up to a year. 

Read More: How Long Do You Have to Keep Your Head Upright After Botox and Fillers?

Will the Tyndall Effect Go Away on Its Own? 

While it’s possible that the discoloration can disappear once the hyaluronic acid filler is depleted, this can take months or years depending on how quickly your body absorbs the dermal filler. So in most cases, it’s hard for the Tyndall effect to go away on its own. Thankfully, there are treatments that can help solve the Tyndall effect and these are: 

1. Massaging the Area 

A firm facial massage can help disperse or flatten the poorly injected dermal filler. This works best if the unwanted discoloration effect is noticed immediately since the filler has not yet completely set in. Massaging will be less effective to remove the Tyndall effect if more than a few days have passed since the filler injections. 

2. Stab Excision 

Excision refers to the actual removal of the soft tissue facial filler. This is usually done as a last resort for severe filler complications and must be performed by certified aesthetic or medical professionals. The procedure for stab excision will require a needle to pierce open the skin and take out the dermal filler. 

3. Dermal Filler Aspiration 

An aspiration is a method for dermal filler removal that’s done with a needle and syringe. The needle will be pressed to the area with the filler and the material will be drawn out from the skin via suctioning with the syringe. It’s a safe approach for filler removal with minimal chances of post-treatment scarring. 

4. Hyaluronidase Injections 

Hyaluronidase is a substance that can assist the breakdown of hyaluronic acid fillers. When injected to the affected area, it can lead to the faster dissolution of the dermal filler and can provide complete removal of the filler within 24 hours. Hyaluronidase is popular for correcting complications and bad filler injection results. You should only get the hyaluronidase treatment from experienced injectors to assure safe injection and avoid nicking a blood vessel. 

How Can You Avoid the Tyndall Effect? 

To minimize the risk of having the Tyndall effect, you should make sure to get your dermal filler treatments from reputable cosmetic clinics. The success of your treatment will all depend on the skill and techniques of the injector since they have to be careful on placing the filler product too superficially under the skin. It’s also important that you get a consultation so they can assess your skin health and condition and choose which filler product is right for you. 

Read More: Can My Upper Lip Get Swollen After Bellafill Filler and PRP Injection?

Complication-Free Lip Filler Treatments at  Aesthetica 

woman receiving a dermal filler injection in her lip

The effectiveness of dermal filler injections for smile lines and lip augmentation depends on many factors like the kind of filler you’ll get or your own bodily reaction to the filler, but the most important thing to consider is the injector’s skill. Here at Aesthetica, our trained practitioners and staff can help you get the best possible  results without any complications like the Tyndall effect. 

We offer a wide range of dermal filler treatments, and our team of experts will specifically create a plan that matches your profile and help you choose the best filler to address your specific skin and body concerns. You’re a step away from getting supple and sculpted lips without any complications. To know more about your options for lip fillers, you may visit our website or book an appointment today to get started.

Discover Your Beauty Potential with Aesthetica

Aesthetica can assist you with all your beauty needs, helping you achieve your maximum beauty and aesthetic potential. Call or contact us today to learn more about our cosmetic services.

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