Understanding the Tyndall Effect and Its Impact on Dermal Fillers

Dermal filler complications are something that occurs after almost every treatment, but the best thing about these products is that adverse effects typically don’t last long. Skin irritation is a normal thing because the body needs to get used to the solution, plus there is minimal damage caused by the needle insertion.

However, patients don’t only experience regular redness, itching, and other local side effects. Sometimes they can notice more unusual symptoms, such as the Tyndall effect. Today’s article is dedicated entirely to this issue, covering its causes, signs, areas most commonly affected, and treatment options. The problem is not that scary if it’s taken under control on time. Today, we would like to demonstrate exactly that.

The Definition of the Tyndal Effect after Filler Injections

The Tyndall effect is named after the physicist from the 19th century – John Tyndall. He described the phenomenon when the light scatters as it passes through particles on its way. In the aesthetic medicine sphere, on the other hand, this term describes the bluish discoloration beneath the skin after hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers.

The scientific explanation is quite simple:

Blue light has a shorter wavelength than red light, and scatters approximately 10 times more when passing through small particles. When dermal fillers are placed beneath the skin too superficially, light catches these particles and creates bluish marks on the skin. It doesn’t mean there are bruises or that the skin is damaged. Just a little physics because of blue wavelengths.

Fun fact: Sky appears blue exactly because of this reason.

The Main Causes of the Problem

There are three main reasons for people experiencing the Tyndall effect after an injectable aesthetic treatment:

1. Superficial placement of the filler. The fillers are meant for deeper injections, so when the gel is placed in the superficial layer of the face, it may cause the Tyndall effect;
2. Large bolus deposits. If filler is injected strictly in one area in large amounts, it’ll create more particle density for the light scattering;
3. Dermal filler selection. Some injectables (especially hyaluronic acid ones) have larger HA particles, which increases the chance of experiencing the Tyndall effect even if a specialist uses a good injection technique.

Even though this side effect is rarer than typical bruising or swelling, it is still important to know about it to spot it on time and take the issue under control, thus avoiding unwanted complications.

High-Risk Areas That Must Be Treated with Caution

In order to provide a positive experience with dermal fillers, specialists must use a proper injection technique, select either an HA-based or a non-HA filler, take a closer look at their particular facial anatomy to calculate the treatment’s steps properly, and consider all the risks. Minding the area is crucial to prevent the Tyndall effect, so let’s remind ourselves of those:

• Tear troughs. The under-eye area has extremely thin skin with minimal fat beneath to protect it, so being gentle and careful during the filler administration is crucial;
• Perioral region. Fine lines around the mouth are also known as smoker’s lines, and sometimes those may worsen with facial movements;
• Nasolabial folds. This issue is less common, but sometimes, inexperienced specialists may place the gel too superficially.

There are also some other factors that may increase the risks, including age-related skin thinning and compromised skin quality. That’s why specialists conduct facial assessments before the session to calculate all the risks and create the best treatment plan for one’s case.

What If I Spotted a Blue Tint Around the Area?

Many people confuse the Tyndall effect with bruising after the treatment, and that’s fair because the outlook of the issue is quite similar. However, unlike bruising, the Tyndall effect doesn’t fade away within a few days. The blue-gray discoloration on the skin’s surface may worsen with lumps and bumps in the place where the product was originally administered. On top of that, the condition may become visible immediately or develop within a few days or even weeks. It may even last for a year if not taken care of on time.

The Tyndall effect is not the end of the world. Dissolving the filler is always an option; hyaluronidase injections are perfect for such issues, so we recommend discussing this variant with patients beforehand, so they know all the possibilities with this type of treatment.

How to Prevent the Issue After the Procedure?

The key to a successful treatment is planning and using a proper technique. Here are a few pieces of advice to keep in mind before the procedure:

• Small infusions. Using big injections in areas with thin skin may cause the Tyndall effect;
• Proper injection depth. It is important to administer deeper in the high-risk areas;
• Proper product selection. It is always better to use a less dense filler for the areas with thinner skin;
• Patient’s skin evaluation. Calculate all the nuances of the treatment to come up with the best formula for the procedure.

All potential complications should be discussed with patients to ensure they have a clear understanding of the process and are aware of all the post-treatment instructions and recommendations. They should also get in touch with you as soon as they notice any warning signs or the start of complications.

Treatment Options After the Hyaluronic Acid Filler Injection

If patients encounter complications, several treatment methods are available based on the severity of the issue and its timing. If the Tyndall effect is noticed immediately after the treatment, specialists may try a firm massage to disperse the superficial filler. In some cases, they may try to release the gel by stabbing the area with the needle gently and pressing lightly on it. Needle aspiration is also a good option.

However, sometimes massaging alone is not able to deal with the issue. If that’s an issue, a specialist may try to dissolve the gel with hyaluronidase. There may be a need to schedule a second appointment to correct the results. Still, the Tyndall effect is something that can be taken under control if you react fast.

The Bottom Line

The Tyndall effect is a rare condition that may occur after a dermal filler injection session. Although it’s rare, it is still important to inform patients about it to ensure they understand all the risks and know when to consult a specialist. Using high-quality products is also crucial, so don’t underestimate the power of a good supplier of cosmetic injectables!