Dissolving Fillers
The importance of knowing that you may need to start over
Dermal fillers are a long-lasting solution for restoring lost volume and smoothing away unwanted facial lines and wrinkles. They can also be used to plump the lips or reduce the signs of aging in the hands. After treatment, fillers last for an average of six to 12 months before they are broken down and eliminated by the body, but this timeline can vary depending on which formula was used and where the product was injected.
With the increasing popularity of dermal fillers, the demand for safe and effective removal options has surged. However, not all fillers can be dissolved. Fortunately, many brands such as Juvéderm, Restylane, Belotero and the RHA collection are made with hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance that helps keep our skin firm, plump and youthful. Hyaluronic acid can be easily broken down with hyaluronidase, an enzyme that works to speed up the dissolving process that would otherwise happen over a longer period of time.
Choosing a skilled provider is crucial when getting dermal fillers. At the Appearance Care Center, our team of injectors has years of experience and utilizes a tailored approach to ensure natural, subtle results that are always balanced. Nonetheless, we understand that sometimes fillers need to be dissolved for a variety of reasons. If you’re looking to remove your filler and start over, we can wipe the slate clean so you can achieve a look you’ll love.
If you’d like to schedule a consultation to have your fillers dissolved at the Appearance Care Center in San Francisco, click here to book your appointment or call us today at 415-567-7200.
How Does Filler Dissolving Work?
Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the body. It’s mainly found in connective tissues and helps to keep our skin soft, supple and smooth. Hyaluronidase, the enzyme used to dissolve fillers, works by immediately breaking HA down into simple sugars (monosaccharides) that can be quickly absorbed and eliminated from treated areas.
Some fillers are easily removed by hyaluronidase, but those with more cross-linking may require higher doses or more time to dissolve completely. Other factors that increase a filler’s durability, such as particle size and HA concentration, also take longer to break down. According to a 2018 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, Belotero responds to hyaluronidase the quickest, while thicker formulas used for deeper folds and creases, such as Juvéderm Voluma and Restylane Lyft, take the longest to dissolve.
At the Appearance Care Center, our skin care experts will determine the right dose of hyaluronidase depending on which type of filler was used and how long ago it was injected.
When to Consider Dissolving Your Filler
While fillers help us achieve that youthful look, there can be instances when they might not sit quite right. Opting to have fillers dissolved, although often unanticipated, is a personal decision that can arise from situations such as overdone results, migration or evolving preferences.
Filler Has Migrated
Ideally, once injected, fillers stay put. But sometimes, they can move unexpectedly from the primary injection site, leading to unexpected results. This might happen due to overfilling, poor injection techniques or rubbing the treated area too soon after the procedure, causing lumps or irregularities as the filler moves into adjacent tissues. If your filler has migrated, getting it dissolved can correct the issue and restore a balanced, symmetrical appearance.
Filler is Overdone
Fillers restore lost volume where it’s needed most, but achieving an ideal outcome hinges on precision. Too much filler, or filler injected without a discerning eye, can tip the balance and lead to an overdone, distorted or exaggerated appearance. If you’re not feeling like yourself after treatment, getting your fillers dissolved lets you hit the “reset” button and start over.
Filler Starts to Pull the Face Instead of Lift It
Some individuals experience a surprising outcome after getting fillers: instead of providing a lifted, rejuvenated appearance, the filler begins to exert a downward pull on the skin, counteracting the desired effect. This typically happens if too much product has been used or it was injected in areas that are unable to handle the increased volume. If your fillers are acting more like anchors rather than buoyant support, dissolving them can break down the excess and help you avoid looking “weighed down.”
Your Preferences Have Evolved
If your decision to get fillers stemmed from an aesthetic trend, your needs and preferences might have changed since then. If you’re no longer happy with your results or they don’t align with your aesthetic goals anymore, getting your fillers dissolved lets you update your look now instead of waiting several months for them to degrade on their own.
Complications or Side Effects
While rare, some side effects and complications may develop after your dermal filler treatment. Issues like allergic reactions, numbness or hitting a blood vessel should be addressed immediately by dissolving the filler to prevent more serious complications like skin necrosis from occurring. Fortunately, complications like this don’t happen often.
Which Fillers Are Dissolvable?
Only HA fillers such as Juvéderm, Restylane, Belotero, the RHA collection and Revanesse can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. Fillers made from other ingredients, such as poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra), calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) or polymethyl methacrylate (Bellafill), will not react to hyaluronidase and cannot be broken down in the same way.
What Can I Do About Non-HA Fillers?
If you’ve been treated with a non-HA dermal filler and aren’t happy with your results, you might have to wait it out. No filler lasts forever, as they degrade naturally over time — which is why regular treatments are needed to maintain your results. However, qualified and experienced providers like those at the Appearance Care Center may be able to address some concerns like lumpiness or asymmetry by injecting more filler to even things out.
What to Expect
If you decide to have your fillers removed, here’s a quick look at what you can expect during the treatment process. Whether you want a clean slate or your aesthetic preferences have changed, getting your fillers dissolved is a relatively quick and straightforward procedure.
- First, our team will consult with you to determine your reasons for dissolving your fillers. Do you want more precise results, or would you prefer to start over?
- Next, the treatment area will be cleansed to minimize the risk of infection. A numbing cream may also be used to ensure your comfort.
- Using a fine needle, our team will inject small amounts of hyaluronidase into areas with HA filler. The enzyme starts to work immediately to dissolve HA molecules.
- You’ll start to see results almost instantly, but it can take a few days or weeks to see full results. More than one treatment may be needed to dissolve durable fillers.
- Afterward, you can return home with no downtime. Some redness, bruising or swelling may appear at the injection site, but this usually subsides within a day or two.
After your filler has been fully or partially dissolved, you can keep your natural look or start fresh with a new round of dermal fillers to help you achieve your desired results.
Ready for a Fresh Start?
If you’re ready to dissolve your fillers for any reason, we can help. As dermal fillers become an even more popular treatment and aesthetic trends shift toward a “less is more” approach, it’s not uncommon for patients to want to hit the reset button and start over. To learn more about getting your fillers dissolved, book your consultation at the Appearance Care Center in San Francisco by completing our online contact form or calling our office at 415-567-7200.
