Dissolving facial fillers

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filler dissolving treatment

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Dissolving hyaluronic acid filler is a procedure that removes unwanted facial or lip filler using a special enzyme, which can improve appearance by correcting lumps, overfilling, or uneven texture. This treatment is quick and effective, helping to restore a natural look.

Key Information

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Time of procedure

30 mins

Downtime

48 hours

Discomfort level

3 out of 5

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What is filler dissolving?

Filler dissolving is a treatment designed to reverse the effects of hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. Individuals dissatisfied with their filler results often seek this procedure, experiencing issues such as overfilling, lumps, or an uneven appearance.

By breaking down the filler material, hyaluronidase allows the body to naturally absorb and eliminate the filler, helping to restore a more balanced and natural look.

Many patients choose this procedure to address complications such as excessive filler in the lips, under-eye areas, or cheeks. Filler dissolving is particularly effective in treating problems like unwanted volume, asymmetry, or the formation of nodules under the skin.

The treatment is minimally invasive, quick, and usually offers results within a few days, making it an ideal solution for those seeking to correct or adjust their appearance.

At The Ezra Clinic, we specialise in providing expert filler-dissolving treatments tailored to each patient’s needs. Contact us today to learn more about our filler dissolving treatments. Our expert team will help you to achieve your desired results with care and precision.

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What is hyaluronidase and how does it work?

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme used in cosmetic treatments to break down hyaluronic acid-based fillers, such as those used for lip augmentation or dermal fillers in the face.

It is used mainly in cases where patients are dissatisfied with their filler results or experience complications like overfilling, lumps, or asymmetry. Hyaluronidase is highly effective in reversing filler treatments and restoring a natural appearance.

In the filler dissolving process, hyaluronidase is injected into the areas where the unwanted filler is present. The enzyme interacts with the hyaluronic acid molecules in the filler, breaking them down so the body can absorb and eliminate the filler naturally. This treatment is widely used for dissolving lips, dermal fillers, and other facial areas where corrections are needed. It offers a quick, safe, and efficient way to resolve issues related to dermal filler treatments.

How does hyaluronidase work?

Hyaluronidase breaks the chemical bonds between the hyaluronic acid molecules in dermal fillers. Once injected, the enzyme rapidly degrades the filler by targeting the hyaluronic acid, turning it into smaller particles that the body can naturally absorb and remove.

The process usually takes effect within a few minutes to hours, and patients usually see results within 24 to 48 hours.

The enzyme’s ability to break down hyaluronic acid makes it the ideal solution for dissolving fillers, particularly in areas where too much filler has been used or where lumps or unevenness have developed. Hyaluronidase injections are minimally invasive and provide a fast and effective way to correct filler-related issues, ensuring the treated areas return to a more balanced, natural look.

At The Ezra Clinic, our treatments are designed to address filler complications comprehensively, ensuring that your appearance reflects your inner confidence and vitality. With our expert team and a commitment to personalised care, we aim to refresh and restore your look in a natural and refined way. 

What our patients say

“Prof Ezra and his team provided exceptional care and professionalism throughout my surgery, inspiring confidence and making the experience highly positive.”

– Ann l

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What are the benefits of dissolving dermal filler?

Dissolving dermal filler offers numerous benefits for patients unhappy with the results of their cosmetic procedures or who have experienced complications. The key benefits include:

Eliminate filler migration
Safely removes migrated filler to ensure it stays in the intended areas, restoring a more natural look.

Corrects complications 
Dissolves filler that has created lumps, bumps, or asymmetrical results, effectively addressing any poor placement that may have occurred due to migration.

Enhance symmetry and alignment 
Dissolves excess filler to improve facial harmony and alignment, helping achieve a more balanced appearance.

Support healing from allergic reactions
Clears filler material to aid recovery from allergic responses, minimising discomfort and inflammation.

Quick results
The effects of hyaluronidase injections are usually noticeable within 24-48 hours, offering a fast solution for those looking to correct or adjust their appearance quickly.

Address vascular occlusion and prevent necrosis
Removes filler that may have blocked blood vessels, reducing the risk of tissue damage and supporting healthy skin recovery.

Facilitate recovery from infections
Removes problematic filler, allowing for faster healing and a more comfortable recovery from infections.

Restores natural appearance
Provides a complete reset to restore the face’s natural contours and appearance, allowing patients to regain a balanced and refined look.

What are the typical reasons why filler needs to be dissolved?

Dermal fillers are popular for addressing various aesthetic concerns, and complications can sometimes arise, requiring filler dissolving treatments. These complications may occur either immediately after the procedure or develop over time. In most cases, filler dissolving with hyaluronidase can reverse these issues, restoring a more natural appearance.

The most common complications that lead patients to seek dissolving treatments at The Ezra Clinic include:

Swelling
Persistent or abnormal swelling around the injection site that does not subside with time.

Granulomas 
Hard lumps under the skin are caused by the body reacting to the filler material.

Overfilling and facial distortion
Too much filler can cause an exaggerated, unnatural look, especially in areas like the lips or cheeks.

Filler migration 
Fillers can move from their original placement, causing unevenness or lumps in other areas.

Blue discoloration (Tyndall effect) 
When filler is placed too superficially, it can cause a blueish tint under the skin.

Contour irregularities 
Uneven filler distribution can create bumps, lumps, or other contour issues.

Infected filler 
In rare cases, filler injections can become infected, requiring immediate treatment.

Serious complications
More severe complications, such as vision loss or skin necrosis, though rare, may occur and require urgent attention.

If you’re experiencing complications or are unhappy with your filler results, contact The Ezra Clinic today to schedule a consultation. Our experts are ready to help you achieve the natural, balanced look you desire through safe and effective filler dissolving treatments

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Before and after of filler dissolving treatment on the lips

What does the filler dissolving treatment involve?

Before the procedure

Before undergoing a filler dissolving treatment, an in-depth consultation is essential to determine the best approach for each patient. During the consultation, your practitioner will carefully assess the areas where the filler is present, discuss your aesthetic goals, and create a customised treatment plan. In some cases, imaging with an MRI scan may be recommended to understand the filler’s placement and quantity clearly.
It’s important to ensure the skin in the treatment area is free from active infections, irritation, or rashes. Our specialists will provide detailed instructions to prepare for the procedure, ensuring optimal safety and effectiveness. 

During the procedure

The filler dissolving procedure is straightforward and minimally invasive. After the initial consultation, the specialist will clean the treatment area. Once the area is cleaned, hyaluronidase is injected directly into the targeted areas where the dermal filler needs to be dissolved.

The number of injections and the amount of hyaluronidase used will depend on the amount and location of the filler. The enzyme immediately starts breaking down the hyaluronic acid in the filler, allowing the body to absorb and metabolise it naturally. The procedure usually takes between 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the extent of the treatment required.

Most patients experience mild discomfort during the injections. You may feel slight stinging or pressure at the injection sites, but this usually subsides quickly. Once the injections are complete, you will be given instructions for aftercare and may be asked to return for a follow-up appointment to assess the results.

Aftercare

Following aftercare guidelines to ensure optimal results and reduce the risk of complications is crucial after your filler dissolving treatment.
We advise you to:

  • Avoid touching the treated areas for at least 6 hours to reduce the risk of infection.
  • Refrain from applying makeup on the treated area for 6 to 8 hours post-procedure, as this can irritate the skin or introduce bacteria.
  •  Avoid intensive exercise for 24 hours, as physical activity may increase swelling or bruising in the treated areas.
  •  Stay away from extreme temperatures for 7 days. Avoid sun exposure, steam rooms, sunbeds, and saunas, as heat can aggravate swelling and cause irritation to the treated areas.
  •  Avoid blood-thinning medications, including aspirin, for 48 hours unless prescribed by your doctor, as these medications may increase the risk of bruising.

It’s normal to experience mild swelling, redness, or tenderness in the areas treated. These symptoms usually subside within a few days. Applying cold compresses in short intervals for the first 24 hours can help reduce swelling.

Most patients start seeing results within 24-48 hours after hyaluronidase injections, but the full effect may take a few days. If you experience prolonged discomfort, swelling, or signs of infection, contact the clinic for further advice.

At The Ezra Clinic, we ensure you receive personalised aftercare instructions tailored to your treatment. You may also be scheduled for a follow-up appointment to assess the outcome and determine if additional sessions are needed. Our expert team is dedicated to guiding you through the recovery process, ensuring the safest and most effective results.

What our patients say

“Thank you to Daniel Ezra and his team for such a positive experience. From start to finish the level of care I received was first class.”

– Daniela Stoller

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What results can you expect?

After a filler dissolving treatment, the results will become noticeable within the first 24 to 48 hours. While the hyaluronidase enzyme begins breaking down the filler almost immediately, the full effects may take up to two weeks to become apparent. In cases where large amounts of filler need to be dissolved, or the initial results are not entirely satisfactory, additional treatments may be necessary.

We take a conservative approach to filler dissolving when there is a significant volume of filler. In such cases, 2-3 sessions may be required to dissolve the filler safely and effectively, ensuring optimal results while minimising risks.

What is the post hyaluronidase syndrome?

The term “posthyaluronidase syndrome” refers to a set of changes that can occur in the skin following treatment with hyaluronidase. Some patients may experience hollowing, volume loss, reduced skin elasticity, or changes in pigmentation after the filler is dissolved. This can happen because fillers, especially if they have been in place for a long time, may stretch or relax the skin. When the filler is removed, the skin might appear loose or less firm than before. This condition is not very common, but it is important to be aware of the potential for these changes when considering filler reversal. At your clinic appointment, the doctor will assess your personal risks for developing these issues after filler dissolving and guide you through the process.

Filler dissolving before and after

At The Ezra Clinic, we have helped numerous patients reverse unwanted filler effects. Whether dissolving lip fillers or addressing more complex cases like filler migration or facial distortion, our highly skilled team ensures that each treatment is tailored to achieve the best results.

process of filler dissolving on a woman's eye area. It shows the before and after in three steps: assess counsel, disolve and rebuild.

These images above, illustrate issues arising from filler dissolving. The patient initially had swelling around the eyes due to filler injections from years ago. Dissolving the filler resulted in significant hollowing around the eyes. To address this, lower lids were reconstructed with lower blepharoplasty, and mid-face elevation and fat redistribution were performed. This case highlights that in a small subset of patients, appearance post-filler dissolving can be worse than before treatment. Hence, filler dissolving should be carried out by skilled experts capable of managing potential complications.

Woman with complications from a filler in the before image and with healed skin after filler dissolving

As experts in oculoplastics, The Ezra Clinic is best placed to manage even the rarest and most severe complications. This before image demonstrates large abscesses caused by filler injections. The abscesses were not treated or recognised by the original practitioner. The patient required urgent surgical debridement and dissolving of the filler, with excellent results 9 months later.

woman face before and after dissolving facial fillers

These images demonstrate a patient attending with significant facial overfilling over many years with filler injections. This has given an unnatural appearance with a widened mid segment (cheeks). In addition, several other areas including the brow fat pads, lips, chin, and jawline, have all been over filled contributing to the unnatural appearance. This patient had a full MRI scan to evaluate the extent of the filler injections and subsequently had targeted dissolving injections provided safely and effectively.

Before and after image of filler dissolving procedure

In these photos, this patient presented with grossly overfilled cheeks and tear troughs having created a convex look to the eyes and cheek. The filler was assessed using ultrasound and targeted filler dissolving applied to restore the natural contour of the face with a much more natural appearance.

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FAQ

Is the filler dissolving procedure painful?

Most patients tolerate the filler dissolving procedure well. You may feel a slight stinging or pressure during the procedure, but it is usually brief. Any discomfort after the procedure is mild and resolves within a few hours to a day.

How long does it take for filler to dissolve with hyaluronidase?

Results from hyaluronidase injections usually begin to show within 24-48 hours. However, the full effect of the treatment may take up to two weeks as the filler is gradually broken down and absorbed by the body. In some cases, multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired result, especially if a large amount of filler needs to be dissolved.

How long after dissolving filler can you refill?

It is recommended to wait at least two weeks after dissolving filler before considering a refill. This allows the tissue in the treated area to heal fully and ensures that all the unwanted filler has been appropriately dissolved before the new filler is applied.

What if I am unhappy with my filler dissolving results?

If you are not satisfied with the results of your filler dissolving treatment, your practitioner will work with you to explore additional treatment options. This may include further dissolving sessions or a discussion about refilling with a more conservative approach to achieve the desired look.

How much does dissolving filler cost?

The cost of filler dissolving varies depending on the amount of filler to be dissolved and the complexity of the treatment. For a personalised quote, we recommend scheduling a consultation at The Ezra Clinic, where our experts will assess your needs and provide detailed pricing information.

How many sessions are needed?

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.

Do fillers ever fully dissolve?

Yes, hyaluronic acid-based fillers fully dissolve when treated with hyaluronidase. However, in some cases, particularly where a large volume of filler has been used, multiple treatments may be required to dissolve the filler completely.

When can I get back to my regular activities after dissolving filler?

Most patients can resume regular activities within 24 hours after a filler dissolving treatment.

Hyaluronidase side effects and potential complications

Though hyaluronidase injections are generally safe, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. Common side effects include mild swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site. Rarely, patients may experience an allergic reaction to hyaluronidase. More severe complications, such as infection, are extremely rare, mainly when experienced specialists perform the procedure.

Do you have more questions about filler dissolving, or are you concerned about side effects? Schedule a consultation with The Ezra Clinic today. Our expert team will guide you through the process, address any concerns, and help you achieve your desired results with safe, effective treatment. 

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