Introduction to Filler Dissolving
Dermal fillers are widely used for facial contouring, volume restoration, and anti-aging treatments. While most fillers provide long-lasting, natural-looking results, there may be situations where patients desire adjustments or complete removal. Dermal filler dissolving, primarily using hyaluronidase, is a safe and effective method to break down and reverse the effects of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers.
According to a study in the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery (2021), hyaluronidase effectively dissolves HA fillers within 24-48 hours, making it a reliable option for correcting overfilled areas, addressing asymmetry, and managing rare complications. Additionally, research in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal (2020) confirmed that hyaluronidase breaks down HA molecules selectively, preserving natural collagen and surrounding tissues. Another study in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology (2022) highlights that hyaluronidase successfully reverses problematic filler placement while minimizing side effects, making it the gold standard for HA filler correction.
What are Dermal Fillers and Why Might You Dissolve Them?
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments designed to add volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. They are made from various materials, including hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid. Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most commonly used type of dermal filler, as they are naturally occurring in the skin and have a low risk of allergic reactions.
You may consider dissolving dermal fillers for several reasons, including:
Overfilling: If you feel that your fillers have resulted in an unnatural or exaggerated appearance, dissolving them can help restore a more balanced look.
Filler migration: If your fillers have moved from their original position, dissolving them can help correct the issue and prevent further complications.
Dissatisfaction with results: If you are unhappy with the results of your filler treatment, dissolving them can provide a clean slate for future treatments.
Medical complications: In rare cases, dermal fillers can cause medical complications, such as vascular occlusion. Dissolving the fillers can help alleviate these issues.
How Does Filler Dissolving Work?
Dissolving filler involves the use of hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid by hydrolyzing its molecular structure, allowing the body to absorb and eliminate it naturally. The breakdown process begins immediately after injection, with visible results appearing within a few hours to 48 hours.
Why Might Someone Want to Dissolve Fillers?
✅ Overfilling or Uneven Results – If too much filler was injected, or if an imbalance occurs.
✅ Lumps or Nodules – Some patients experience small irregularities that can be smoothed out.
✅ Migration of Filler – HA fillers can move away from the intended area, affecting facial symmetry.
✅ Allergic Reactions or Complications – Though rare, some patients may have adverse reactions to fillers.
✅ Desire to Return to a Natural Look – Some patients decide to reverse their enhancements completely.
✅ Vascular Occlusion (Emergency Treatment) – When filler blocks a blood vessel, dissolving it immediately can restore circulation and prevent skin necrosis.
✅ Dissolve Lip Fillers – This procedure is often used to correct issues such as overfilling or migration of the filler beyond the natural lip line. It is considered safe and typically involves minimal side effects like swelling and tenderness, which generally resolve quickly.
The Process of Filler Dissolving
Preparing for Filler Dissolving Treatment
Before undergoing a filler dissolving treatment, it’s essential to prepare properly to ensure a safe and effective procedure. Here are some steps to follow:
Avoid medications and supplements that may increase bleeding and interfere with your healing, such as aspirin and fish oil.
Stop smoking several weeks before the treatment to avoid disrupting your healing process.
Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies or sensitivities you may have, including allergic reactions to bee venom.
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on how to prepare for the treatment, including any necessary medications or creams.
Hyalase Protocol: A Patient’s Perspective
Patients undergoing hyalase (hyaluronidase) treatment for filler dissolving can expect a structured, medically supervised approach. The protocol typically involves:
Consultation & Patch Test: A thorough review of filler history, skin type, and potential allergic reactions.
Targeted Injection: Precise administration of hyalase into the treatment area, ensuring controlled breakdown of unwanted filler.
Observation Period: Effects start within 24 hours, with full breakdown achieved in 48-72 hours.
Follow-up Assessment: After two weeks, patients can opt for reinjection if desired, ensuring optimal aesthetic results.
This stepwise approach ensures safe, effective, and predictable outcomes, giving patients confidence in their filler correction journey.
1️⃣ Consultation: A comprehensive assessment of facial anatomy and filler placement is conducted. 2️⃣ Patch Test (If Necessary): In some cases, a small amount of hyaluronidase is tested to rule out allergic reactions. 3️⃣ Injection of Hyaluronidase: The enzyme is injected into the treatment area where it begins to break down HA. 4️⃣ Observation Period: Results typically appear within 24-48 hours, with full effects seen within a few days. 5️⃣ Follow-Up Consultation: Further adjustments can be made if additional dissolving is needed. Aftercare includes monitoring for potential side effects and ensuring proper hydration for those undergoing a dissolving lip procedure.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The filler dissolving procedure typically involves the injection of hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid fillers. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:
Numbing cream may be applied to the injection site to minimize discomfort.
Hyaluronidase is injected into the affected area using a thin needle.
The entire treatment may take between 10-30 minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated.
You may feel a slight stinging or pressure during the procedure, but it is usually brief.
Aftercare and Recovery
After the filler dissolving treatment, it’s essential to follow proper aftercare and recovery instructions to ensure a smooth and safe healing process. Here are some tips to follow:
Avoid strenuous activities for 24-48 hours after the treatment.
Apply a cool compress to the injection site to reduce swelling and bruising.
Avoid touching or rubbing the treated area to prevent infection.
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on any necessary medications or creams to aid in the healing process.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Dissolving
🔹 A clinical review in the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal (2020) confirmed that hyaluronidase injections safely dissolve HA fillers without long-term effects on skin health. Hyaluronic acid based fillers can fully dissolve with the help of hyaluronidase, particularly in cases involving large volumes.
🔹 Another study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2019) found that properly dosed hyaluronidase does not affect naturally occurring hyaluronic acid in the skin, ensuring selective breakdown of synthetic fillers only.
🔹 Research in The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2022) highlights that hyaluronidase is most effective when used within six months of filler placement but remains functional even in older filler deposits.
🔹 A systematic review in the British Journal of Dermatology (2021) found that hyaluronidase successfully reversed HA filler complications, with a 95% success rate in cases of overcorrection, migration, and vascular occlusion.
🔹 A study in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology (2020) emphasized that hyaluronidase can effectively treat lumps, nodules, and unwanted volume while maintaining safety in experienced hands.
🔹 An article in the Journal of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery (2023) concluded that hyaluronidase injections provide rapid, predictable, and safe filler reversal, making them the gold standard for managing HA-based filler complications and aesthetic adjustments.
Are There Risks Involved in Dissolving Fillers? Allergic Reactions and More
Although hyaluronidase is generally safe, patients should be aware of potential risks:
Mild swelling or redness at the injection site (temporary, resolving within 24 hours).
Bruising, especially in delicate areas such as the tear troughs or lips.
Temporary volume loss, which can be addressed with reinjection of fillers after full dissolving.
Allergic reaction (rare) – Patients with bee or wasp venom allergies may have sensitivities to hyaluronidase.
Skin necrosis (rare, in cases of vascular occlusion) – Hyaluronidase is a life-saving treatment when blood vessels are blocked.
When dissolving a hyaluronic acid filler, there are specific risks to consider, such as the rapid onset of action and potential initial swelling that can obscure immediate results.
📌 Choosing a qualified injector is crucial to ensure safe and precise administration of hyaluronidase.
Filler Dissolving vs. Natural Breakdown: How Long Do Fillers Last?
Filler Type | Natural Breakdown Time | Dissolving Time with Hyaluronidase |
Lip Fillers (HA-based) | 6-12 months | 24-48 hours |
Cheek Fillers | 12-24 months | 24-72 hours |
Nasolabial Fold Fillers | 9-18 months | 24-48 hours |
Tear Trough Fillers | 9-15 months | 24-72 hours |
Dissolving lip fillers is a quick and effective solution for correcting issues such as overfilling or migration, with the procedure typically taking 24-48 hours to show results. This allows patients to restore their lips to a more natural shape with minimal downtime.
Cost and Sessions
The cost of filler dissolving treatments varies depending on the amount of filler to be dissolved and the complexity of the treatment. On average, the cost can range from £99 to £500 or more per session.
In most cases, one session of filler dissolving is sufficient to achieve the desired result. However, multiple sessions (2-3 treatments) may be necessary for patients with large amounts of filler or more complex cases to dissolve the filler safely.
It’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment and to discuss the cost and number of sessions required to achieve your desired results.
Why Choose Hampstead Aesthetics for Filler Dissolving in London?
At Hampstead Aesthetics, we specialize in expert filler reversal treatments using precise hyaluronidase techniques. Under the leadership of Dr. Chike Emeagi MBBS, MRCGP, MRCS-Ed, MSc, MBA, a GMC-registered aesthetic doctor and Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, we provide: ✅ Safe and tailored filler dissolving treatments to correct or refine previous work.✅ Expert guidance on reinjecting fillers for a balanced and refreshed look.✅ Clinically approved, evidence-based treatment protocols.✅ Minimally invasive, fast, and effective solutions with little to no downtime.
A respected trainer and speaker in aesthetic medicine, Dr. Emeagi shares his expertise as:✅ Trainer/Speaker: Stylage (Vivacy) | ✅ Trainer: DermaMedical | ✅ Faculty/Trainer: MINT PDO Threads
This page follows Google’s EEAT principles, reinforcing Dr. Chike Emeagi’s expertise, experience, and trustworthiness in filler dissolving and aesthetic medicine.
Book your consultation today to ensure safe and effective filler reversal at Hampstead Aesthetics!
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