Tyndall Effect
Pronunciation: TIN-dul ih-FEKT
A bluish discolouration of the skin caused by the scattering of light through superficially placed hyaluronic acid filler, considered a complication of improper injection technique.
Full Definition
The Tyndall effect in cosmetic dermatology describes the optical phenomenon whereby hyaluronic acid filler placed too superficially in the skin scatters short-wavelength (blue) light, producing a visible bluish or greyish hue beneath the skin surface. It is named after physicist John Tyndall who described light scattering by colloidal particles. It most commonly occurs in thin-skinned areas such as the tear troughs and lips when filler is injected into too shallow a tissue plane. Treatment involves dissolution of the filler with hyaluronidase. Editors should capitalise 'Tyndall' (proper noun) and note that this term is specific to the aesthetic injectable context; it must not be confused with the same phenomenon described in physics or ophthalmology.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalise 'Tyndall' as it is an eponym. Do not confuse with bruising or vascular occlusion—all three may present as discolouration but have distinct causes and treatments.
In Context
- "The patient returned with a bluish tint under both eyes, consistent with a Tyndall effect from superficially placed filler." — Complication management note
- "The editor flagged that 'tyndall effect' was written in lower case throughout; 'Tyndall' must be capitalised as a proper eponym." — Editorial correction log