What is the Tyndall effect?

Dermal fillers Charlotte

Nonsurgical cosmetic treatments have become more and more popular in recent years. Many people are attracted to the powerful results that these treatments can achieve, without requiring a recovery period as surgical procedures do. 

Dermal fillers are one of the most popular and versatile treatments. They can be injected under the skin, in order to add volume to particular areas. This can help to reverse the visible signs of aging, or restore balance to the facial features. This treatment offers immediate results, with no downtime. In general, dermal fillers are very safe, with a low incidence of side effects.

However, like any treatment, fillers do carry a risk of certain unwanted effects. One of these is known as the Tyndall effect, which is a rare side effect of filler injections. Although some people do experience this, it can usually be avoided, and there are also ways to treat it if it does occur. What is the Tyndall effect, and how can it be prevented?

The Tyndall effect is a blue tint to the skin

The Tyndall effect refers to the way that light is scattered. When light passes through a liquid containing particles, the blue light (which has a shorter wavelength) is scattered more than the red light (which has a longer wavelength). The Tyndall effect explains why the sky is blue – in the atmosphere, the blue wavelengths of light are scattered more, so they bounce down to you and you see them.

A hyaluronic acid (HA) filler consists of a clear liquid containing particles of HA. Because of this, it scatters light in the same way that the atmosphere does. When light passes through an HA filler, the blue light is scattered more than the red light. This makes an HA filler look somewhat blue.

In certain cases, the HA filler may be visible through the skin. This causes the area to have a blue tint, because of the way that the HA filler scatters light. In the field of cosmetic medicine, when we’re talking about the Tyndall effect, this is what we’re referring to. The blue color can make the area look like it’s a little bruised.

How can the Tyndall effect be avoided?

The Tyndall effect will only occur if the filler is visible through the skin. In general, this will only occur in areas that have very thin skin. The area under the eyes is the most likely place for the Tyndall effect to occur.

In addition, the filler is generally only visible through the skin if it’s injected into the upper layers of the skin. When the filler is injected deeper, then the skin will generally cover it up, and the Tyndall effect will not occur. However, if it’s injected shallowly, then the Tyndall effect is more likely. In addition, when larger amounts of the filler are used, then there’s more scattering of light, and the Tyndall effect becomes more likely. 

This is why good injection technique is extremely important. Make sure to choose someone you trust, to ensure that they use good technique to avoid potential complications like the Tyndall effect. As long as they use the right doses of filler and inject into the correct layer of the skin, the Tyndall effect should not occur.

Can the Tyndall effect be reversed?

The Tyndall effect is due to the structure of the filler itself. Therefore, it will last as long as the filler does. It won’t simply go away on its own after a few days, like a bruise would do. (This is one way to tell the Tyndall effect apart from bruising – it won’t fade over time.)

The only way to reverse the Tyndall effect is by dissolving the filler. This can be done with injections of an enzyme known as hyaluronidase. This enzyme quickly breaks down the filler, which reverses the Tyndall effect. If you later choose to get new filler injections, make sure that you choose an experienced injector, to avoid having it happen again.

Dermal fillers Charlotte

Here in our office, we use meticulous technique to avoid the Tyndall effect. Dr. Miles is committed to ensuring the best quality treatment for every single person who comes into our office. We also offer hyaluronidase injections to help those who have unfortunately experienced the Tyndall effect due to fillers injected somewhere else. 

If you’re interested in getting filler and want to minimize the chances of side effects, or if you’ve had filler injections and now the Tyndall effect is making you look bruised, please schedule an appointment in our office, so we can let you know how we can help. Simply contact our front desk to schedule your appointment.