While the probability of going blind from Restylane treatment is extremely low, the risk is not zero. Indeed, every medical procedure including the very safest ones comes with some level of risk. With any procedure, the key is in weighing the potential risk against the benefits of surgery. Dr. Steinsapir only advises treatments that he considers to be very safe, and he further recommends the most minimally invasive approach that addresses your needs. In this way risk is minimized but can never be made absolutely zero.
The total number of published cases of visual loss associated with injectable hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane can be counted on a single hand and this is over approximately 10 year of clinical use. Weigh this against greater than 10 million treatments in this same time frame to understand the rarity of visual loss associated with a filler service. Because of this rarity, many injecting physicians do not feel it is realistic to even mention this potential risk. This position is understandable. If you are reading this article, you are probably searching for information on this very subject. Will you feel reassured understanding that these numbers are very low or more concerned that yes visual loss has actually happened after this type of treatment? Like many decisions we make, this often comes down to personal comfort level and choices. Most individuals will understand that the risk is so small that the likelihood of the event does not really weigh into practical considerations.
Restylane is a very useful filler around the eyes because it works well with the thin and delicate nature of the skin in this area, and provides nonpermanent, natural-looking results that can be altered with the enzyme hyaluronidase. To get the best treatment result, it’s crucial that your doctor possesses exceptional expertise in the anatomy of the eyelid and its surrounding areas. A skilled injector will be able to place Restylane with precision and control, while avoiding any areas of greater risk. It’s absolutely critical that your injector possesses intimate surgical knowledge of any anatomy being treated; for in respecting the anatomy of the treatment area, complications can be avoided or minimized. If you seek treatment from a lay-filler or nonspecialist, you’re at greater risk for complications. The wrong injector may inject filler intravascularly, which can substantially increase the risk of a potential complication. You are also much more likely to be satisfied with your results when you undergo treatment with a cosmetic surgeon who specializes in fillers, eyelid anatomy, and facial aesthetics.
Dr. Steinsapir has developed and published a very safe procedure called Deepfill Restylane, which places Restylane in the undereye hollows to correct volume deficiencies there. He is a physician consultant to Galderma, the distributor of Restylane, and is among the top 3% users of these hyaluronic acid fillers. He values clear communication, gives straightforward answers, and closely monitors follow-up care and to ensure that you heal well, are satisfied with your results, and that any arising complications can be addressed immediately. To learn more about the safety and benefits of Restylane placements customized for your particular goals and unique anatomy, call us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Steinsapir.
About Dr. Steinsapir
Dr. Steinsapir of LidLift is a board certified eye surgeon and fellowship-trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Los Angeles where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology. Dr. Steinsapir has a private practice and also serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert in cosmetic surgery, which can be a vital part of your evidence-based treatment plan.
Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment. No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician or surgeon and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success. Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.