How to Safely Dissolve and Reverse Facial Fillers: Everything You Need to Know

Dissolving fillers is a procedure commonly sought after by individuals who wish to reverse the effects of dermal filler injections.

This may be due to various reasons such as overfilled areas, lumps or bumps, filler migration, dissatisfaction with the results or complications arising from the initial procedure. In such cases, it is important to understand the methods used in dissolving fillers along with their effectiveness, safety, and limitations.

The most commonly used method for dissolving fillers is through the use of hyaluronidase (hyalase). Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid, the main component in most dermal fillers. This enzyme works by dissolving the filler molecules, allowing them to be metabolised and absorbed by the body as water. The use of hyaluronidase is considered to be both safe and effective and can be injected directly into the area where the filler was originally injected.

Prior to injecting the hyalase it is important to determine:

1. When was the filler injected?

2. What type of filler or brand was used?

3. To see the area and analyse if filler can be seen or felt

4. Have you had any dissolving or hyalase in the past?

5. Do you have any allergies?

It is worth noting that not all fillers can be dissolved using hyaluronidase. This method is only effective for hyaluronic acid-based fillers.

Example of overfilled lips being dissolved by The Manse clinic, Australia.

Other types of fillers, not approved in the UK such as calcium hydroxylapatite and poly-L-lactic acid cannot be dissolved using hyaluronidase and will require other methods for removal.

Another method for dissolving fillers is through the use of ultrasound technology, if the filler is hard to detect or causing complications.

This method is particularly useful for dissolving fillers that have been injected into deeper layers of the skin. It involves the use of a handheld device that emits high-frequency vibrations. These vibrations are able to break down the filler molecules, allowing them to be metabolized and removed by the body.

Consultation prior as well as patch test or observation period post treatment with hyalase are important to manage any allergies.

When having the procedure for hyalase the medical practitoner will want to ensure that hyalase will help dissolve the filler. A patch test or prolonged observational period post treatment is carried out to ensure safety and any allergic reactions to be dealt with.

The filler is dissolved in 12-48 hours post treatment with minor swelling and bruising being common side ffects for the first 1-2 days.

In some cases, surgery may be required to remove fillers. This may be the case for non-hyaluronic acid-based fillers that cannot be dissolved using hyaluronidase or ultrasound technology. Surgery involves making an incision and removing the filler manually. This method is typically reserved for more severe cases or complications arising from the initial filler injection.

Demi Moore, having had fillers and looking overfilled then dissolved the fillers and had natural cosmetic injections.

In conclusion, dissolving fillers require a thorough understanding of the methods available along with their effectiveness and safety. The use of hyaluronidase is the most common method for dissolving fillers and is considered safe and effective. Other methods such as ultrasound technology and surgery should be considered for more severe cases or non-hyaluronic acid-based fillers. It is recommended to consult with a qualified and experienced medical professional to determine the best course of action for dissolving fillers.