Is it dangerous to get your lip filler dissolved?
Lip fillers have risen in popularity over the last ten years. With more and more celebrities and social media influencers openly discussing their aesthetic treatments, lip fillers (along with other injectables, like cheek fillers) have become increasingly popular. But, more recently, it seems things may be starting to change, with many people now choosing to dissolve their lip fillers altogether or have them refilled more subtly and harmoniously.
For those who regret having lip fillers, are experiencing complications like migration, or simply just want a natural look, it’s possible to get fillers dissolved. But how hard is it to reverse lip fillers? Is it safe? And how does it work? This is everything you need to know.
Why might you have your lip fillers dissolved?
People explore having their fillers dissolved for many reasons, but increasingly it is becoming common to want to have a more natural look and reverse the long-term effects of overfilling, which can lead to the filler spreading beyond the lip border or creating isolated lumps within the lips due to poor product placement.
Other reasons include not liking their new look after treatment or a poorly performed treatment that has resulted in an unnatural appearance. For example, when filler migrates above and beyond the vermillion border, it’s usually down to overfilling or inexperienced placement as the gels in modern products are less likely to spread if used correctly by adequately trained practitioners.
How long after getting filler can you get it dissolved?
If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your lips after clinic, it can be tempting to ask to have the procedure reversed straight away. But there will be considerable swelling and even bruising in the days following your treatment. It can take 2-3 weeks for the product to settle within the tissue and for the swelling to subside, at which point, you will probably be much happier with their appearance. So don’t be in a rush to get your lips dissolved.
If you’re still unhappy after a couple of weeks have passed, and your lips have entirely settled, most practitioners will be happy to arrange a review appointment to discuss solutions.
What happens when you get fillers dissolved?
Most fillers these days are made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring skin compound that is broken down naturally in the body over six to twelve months. If you want to speed up the natural dissolving process, it’s possible to reverse the treatment by injecting the area with Hyalase, an enzyme (hyaluronidase) that breaks down hyaluronic acid.
During the procedure, the Hyalase is injected into the desired area. The treatment can take multiple injections and may need repeating, depending on the specific filler product. It will get to work immediately and start to dissolve the weakest of the HA molecules, continuing to work for several hours, but it can take up to a fortnight to judge the full effect due to swelling and bruising, which will need time to settle.
Is it safe?
Because, like the fillers themselves, this treatment uses a naturally occurring bodily material, filler dissolving using hyaluronidase is widely available to patients and is regarded as a safe way to break down hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers. But, as with any medical procedure, it is not without risks. Hyaluronidase can break down healthy lip tissue, as well as the filler. If it’s not done correctly, it can leave patients with irregular-shaped lips and even cavities. Amateur lip filler dissolving can be just as dangerous – if not more dangerous – than amateur lip filling.
But don’t let this put you off. It is a very safe option when used in the right hands. And our approach of combining the Hyalase with Ultrasound (LINK), so we can determine precisely what’s happening beneath the skin, ensures that we are targeting the filler very specifically with minimal effects on the surrounding tissues.
Can you get the area treated again with fillers afterwards?
Dissolving your dermal filler doesn’t mean you’re opting out of the treatment forever. It’s becoming increasingly popular for those who have been receiving lip fillers for years to dissolve their results and start from scratch. This is an excellent option for those who are unhappy with the shape or level of volume that has been achieved in previous treatments and would prefer a more natural-looking appearance.
If you’d like to learn more about lip filler dissolving, click here to book a consultation.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.
