Tyndall Effect
Pronunciation: TIN-dul
A bluish discolouration of the skin caused by the superficial placement of hyaluronic acid filler, resulting from the scattering of light by filler particles near the skin surface.
Full Definition
The Tyndall effect in aesthetic dermatology refers to an adverse outcome of dermal filler injection, where light scattering by filler particles placed too superficially causes a visible bluish or greyish hue under the skin. It is most commonly observed in the periorbital region following tear trough treatments. The term derives from physicist John Tyndall and is always capitalised. Editors should note that 'Tyndall effect' is not synonymous with bruising or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and should not be used interchangeably with these terms in clinical writing.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalise 'Tyndall' as it is a proper noun (eponym). Do not conflate with bruising or hyperpigmentation.
In Context
- "The patient presented with a bilateral Tyndall effect following superficial placement of filler in the tear trough region." — Complication case report
- "Hyaluronidase was administered to dissolve the misplaced filler and resolve the Tyndall effect." — Clinical procedure note