Can filler be dissolved? Hyaluronidase explained

One of the reassuring things about modern dermal filler is that, in most cases, it can be dissolved. Many people feel more relaxed about trying filler once they know this.

Here is a plain guide to how dissolving works and when it might be needed.

Which fillers can be dissolved

Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved. These are the most widely used fillers for the lips, cheeks and chin. They are made from a substance that occurs naturally in the body.

Some other types of filler are designed to stimulate collagen or are permanent. These cannot be dissolved in the same way. This is one reason it is so important to know exactly what product has been used in your face.

What is hyaluronidase

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme. Your body makes its own version which slowly breaks down natural hyaluronic acid. The medical version works much faster and can break down hyaluronic acid filler within hours to a couple of days.

It is a prescription-only medicine. It should only be used after a proper face-to-face assessment by a trained prescriber.

Why filler might be dissolved

There are a few common reasons:

• The result is uneven or lumpy
• Filler has moved away from where it was placed
• A bluish tinge shows through thin skin, often under the eyes
• Old filler has built up over years and looks unnatural
• The person simply does not like the result
• A medical emergency such as a blocked blood vessel

The last reason is rare but serious. Any practitioner offering filler should be trained to recognise it and act quickly. This is part of why choosing a qualified and insured practitioner matters so much.

What dissolving is like

The area is cleansed and the enzyme is injected into or around the filler. It can sting for a short while. Some people need more than one session, especially if there is a lot of filler or it has been there for a long time.

A patch test is sometimes recommended beforehand because a small number of people can react to hyaluronidase. Allergic reactions are uncommon but possible.

After dissolving

Expect some swelling for a day or two. The area may look a little flatter than you expect at first because the enzyme can also affect some of your own natural hyaluronic acid. This usually recovers over a few weeks.

If you plan to have filler again, it is usually best to wait at least two weeks so the tissue can settle. Starting afresh with a small amount often gives a softer, more natural result.

A safety net, not a reason to rush

Knowing filler can be dissolved is reassuring. It should never be a reason to choose a practitioner lightly. The best approach is a careful treatment from the start, using a reputable product and a clear plan.

At your consultation I will always explain what product I use and what would happen if anything needed correcting. If you have filler from elsewhere that you are unsure about, we can talk through your options and I can point you in the right direction.

If you have questions about filler or would like an honest opinion on your current results, I would be glad to help. Book a free consultation with Lucy in Addlestone and we can chat it through.