By Dr. TRACY MOUNTFORD, MBBS MBCAM
In the excitement of receiving dermal filler treatment, dermal filler removal is probably the last thing on your mind however it is still important to understand and know about it. Having dermal fillers administered is considered a safe, minimally invasive treatment with a low-risk profile and no downtime – but is this process reversible, and what happens when you want to dissolve the filler later on?
WHY DO PEOPLE NEED FILLER REMOVAL?
There can be several reasons why patients may need to get their filler dissolved. A few reasons include:
- Dermal Filler Infection
It is possible for the injection site to become infected if the area hasn’t been given the aftercare required post treatment.
- Unwanted results
When you are not satisfied with the results of your treatment.
- Dermal Filler Lumps or bumps
Texture that is lumpy or irregular and does not respond to massage.
- Excessive swelling after Dermal Filler
Several days after swelling began, it has not reduced.
- Filler migration
The filler moves from the treated area to another area.
- Vascular Occlusion
When blood cannot pass through a blood vessel in the treated area, this is a very rare side effect of dermal fillers.
CAN DERMAL FILLER BE DISSOLVED?
Watch Dr Joanna Christou talk about dissolving filler and when it is recommended to do so
CAN LIP FILLERS BE REVERSED OR DISSOLVED?
The wait of six to 24 months is a long time if you decide you don’t want lip fillers anymore. While the body breaks them down naturally over time, injections of hyaluronidase speed up the process.
Hyalase (which contains the active ingredient hyaluronidase) is a prescription-only drug for specialist dermal filler removal use. The body naturally produces hyaluronidase to break down fillers, so by injecting more, the lips regain their natural shape faster.
The Cosmetic Skin Clinic highly encourage those who want dermal filler treatment, to double check that the clinic they choose also offers dermal filler removal. It should be noted you should ensure your practitioner is a medical professional, as only they can prescribe this treatment to you. Therefore, it is highly recommended that during your dermal filler consultation you always ask about filler removal treatment options.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Hyaluronidase is a concentrated synthetic version of the naturally occurring enzyme in our body. The hyaluronidase (Hyalase) will dissolve fillers when injected near them. Upon injection, it accelerates the dissolving process of breaking down the filler, which the body reabsorbs through a completely natural process.
Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers have been dissolved with hyaluronidase for almost 20 years, but its medical uses predate fillers. Hyaluronic Acid fillers can be dissolved in cheeks, under the eyes, and anywhere else.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR FILLERS TO DISSOLVE?
Immediately after the treatment, you will notice a reduction in volume, however swelling is common, so it is hard to see the full filler removal effects of the treatment so quickly. Our advice to patients is to allow 72 hours for the full effects of the treatment to kick in.
HOW LONG DOES DERMAL FILLER REMOVAL TAKE?
Initially at your consultation, our practitioners will assess whether your dermal filler concerns and whether the best step is to dissolve it. Once given the go ahead, you can expect your dermal filler removal treatment to take around 30 minutes.
HOW SOON AFTER MY DERMAL FILLER TREATMENT CAN I DISSOLVE IT?
For cosmetic reasons, it is recommended that you do not dissolve dermal filler for 14 days after your initial treatment, since swelling makes it unlikely that you will see the final results.
This excludes rare cases where there is vascular occlusion (a blood vessel has been compromised with filler); it is recommended Hyaluronidase is administered immediately without delay.
WHICH LIP FILLERS CAN BE DISSOLVED?
Juvederm, Restylane, Teosyal and Belotero are the only hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers that can be dissolved. Why? Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar found in the body, particularly in our connective tissues. It works to keep skin hydrated and plump. In hyaluronic acid fillers, the HA is a synthetic version which can be reversed.
Which filler treatment areas can be dissolved?
There are many places where you can have dermal filler removed using hyalase, including:
Book a consultation at our clinics in London and Buckinghamshire
HOW SAFE IS DISSOLVING FILLERS?
Due to the use of a naturally occurring bodily material in dermal fillers and hyaluronidase, this treatment is very safe. However, you need to be aware that there is a very small risk of an allergic reaction to the injected hyaluronidase.
DISSOLVING FILLERS AT THE COSMETIC SKIN CLINIC
With The Cosmetic Skin Clinic, you can be sure that you are receiving the highest standard of care when it comes to filler dissolve treatments. To determine if injectable treatment is right for you, you will need to book a consultation with our expert practitioners. During this consultation, we will assess the area of concern, answer any questions and explain our bespoke treatment plan for you.
At The Cosmetic Skin Clinic, we have experience in treating patients for their dissolving filler needs they have had at other clinics. They are impressed with our caring and efficient service and attention to detail that they decide to have dermal filler treatment with us. It is The Cosmetic Skin Clinic’s top priority to consistently maintain high standards of expertise and safety when it comes to your concerns.
If you want to dissolve filler, request a consultation with our expert practitioners or call our London and Buckinghamshire clinics on 0371 454 2413.
