Fillers have a huge fan base thanks to their ability to contour and rejuvenate the face. But what happens if your filler results aren’t what you expected? Or what if, after the swelling has gone down, you’d like just a little less? Should you wait it out or take action? That’s where filler dissolver comes in!
At MFI, we use an injectable enzyme called Hylenex® (hyaluronidase) to dissolve hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, such as JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, and VOLUMA, for a variety of reasons. While it’s not a magic wand, Hylenex is a powerful tool for treating overdone, misplaced, or extra filler. But does all the hype around hyaluronidase leave you wondering what’s a myth and what’s a fact? In this post, we dissolve the myths and fill you in on the facts about dissolving fillers with Hylenex.
Hylenex to the Rescue: Debunking Filler Dissolving Myths
Because every patient’s anatomy and treatment history are unique, successful filler correction requires careful assessment, realistic expectations, and expert guidance. Let’s explore some of the most common myths and misconceptions surrounding Hylenex and filler dissolving.
Should I Just Wait for My Filler to Go Away?
Myth: If you don’t like your filler, you should wait for it to go away.
Truth: Waiting isn’t always necessary. While HA filler will eventually break down over time, filler can last much longer than many people realize—sometimes for years, depending on the product and treatment area.
However, it’s important not to make decisions too quickly after treatment. We generally recommend allowing 6 weeks for swelling to resolve and filler to settle before deciding whether correction is needed.
If you’re unhappy with your results after this initial healing period or experience persistent or problematic delayed swelling, dissolving may be an option. The best next step is a professional assessment to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Does Hylenex Affect My Body’s Natural Hyaluronic Acid?
Myth: Hylenex permanently dissolves your own tissue.
Truth: Hylenex is designed to break down hyaluronic acid, including both filler and some of the hyaluronic acid naturally found in your body. However, your own supply of hyaluronic acid is continually replenished.
When used appropriately by an experienced injector, Hylenex remains a safe and valuable tool for correcting unwanted filler.
Is Dissolving Filler With Ultrasound Necessary?
Myth: The best providers always use ultrasound guidance to dissolve filler.
Truth: Ultrasound guidance is a helpful tool in certain situations, but it isn’t a universal marker of a “better” provider—and its absence doesn’t mean lower-quality care. Skilled providers assess each case individually and use ultrasound only when it genuinely adds value.
Dissolving Under Eye Filler Before and After
Can I Choose How Much Filler Gets Dissolved?
Myth: Hyaluronidase injections completely reverse your filler results.
Truth: Like filler injections, your hyaluronidase treatments are fully customized to your needs. We can offer complete filler reversal if that is your intended goal, or we can adjust the volume and placement of the Hylenex to modify rather than erase your filler results. Complete reversal of filler typically requires multiple rounds of treatment.
Can I Dissolve Filler Just To Refine My Results?
Myth: Dissolving filler is just for complications and horrible outcomes.
Truth: Hylenex is often considered the go-to treatment for correcting filler complications, but it’s also suitable for patients who want to reset their filler regimen or for those seeking subtle facial refinements.
What Happens to My Cheeks and Lips After Dissolving Filler?
Myth: Your cheeks and lips will look distorted after filler is dissolved.
Truth: After Hylenex, your treated area returns to how it looked before the filler was placed. You’re in experienced hands with Dr. Mabrie, whose training as a facial plastic surgeon gives him a surgical-level understanding of facial anatomy. He knows exactly where and how to dissolve filler for the most natural-looking results.
Dissolving Lip Filler Before and After
4 Underlying Facts About Filler Dissolver
If you’re still weighing whether to wait it out or move forward with corrective treatment, Dr. Mabrie can help. Here are a few essential facts you should know about dissolving filler with Hylenex:
- Hyaluronic acid fillers are reversible. One of the most appealing characteristics of HA fillers is that they’re reversible with hyaluronidase (Hylenex). Hyaluronidase works on all popular HA fillers, including JUVÉDERM® and Restylane®.
- Hylenex is versatile. Whether you’re unhappy with a prior filler placement, experiencing a post-filler complication such as vascular occlusion, or simply feeling “filler fatigued,” Hylenex can be used to resolve a variety of issues. Dr. Mabrie uses his refined skills and trained eye to customize your corrective treatment, whether that means fully removing the existing filler or dissolving just a few millimeters to achieve your desired results.
- Hylenex works on most facial areas. Hylenex can safely and effectively dissolve fillers in the nose, cheeks, lips, under eyes, and other areas. This includes deflating “duck lips” and treating the Tyndall effect, a bluish tint that forms beneath the eyes when filler is placed too superficially.
- Dissolving fillers is uncomfortable but well tolerated. We have several ways to reduce discomfort during treatment, including nitrous oxide gas and injectable lidocaine. Most patients describe the sensation as similar to the initial filler treatment.
Filler Dissolver FAQs
How much does it cost to dissolve filler?
The cost of dissolving filler varies based on the extent of the treatment needed and your specific goals. You can find detailed, up-to-date pricing on our pricing page.
How long does it take filler dissolver to work?
Hylenex begins working immediately after injection, breaking down the HA filler on contact. However, the dissolving process can continue over the next 12 to 24 hours.
Can all fillers be dissolved?
No, only hyaluronic acid-based fillers like JUVÉDERM and Restylane can be dissolved with Hylenex. Non-HA fillers such as RADIESSE® and poly-L-lactic acid fillers like Sculptra® cannot be dissolved, but they do gradually break down over time.
If you’re worried about your non-HA filler results, Dr. Mabrie can discuss what options may help as you’re waiting.
Should I choose a provider who uses ultrasound guidance to dissolve filler?
Ultrasound can be a helpful tool in certain situations, particularly when evaluating older filler, complex treatment histories, or areas where the location of filler is unclear. However, not every patient requires ultrasound guidance, and successful filler dissolving depends on much more than the technology itself.
The most important factor is choosing a provider with extensive experience in facial anatomy, filler assessment, and filler correction. Dr. Mabrie determines whether ultrasound may be beneficial as part of your evaluation and develops a treatment plan based on your individual needs. Every filler dissolving treatment begins with a thorough facial assessment and a personal approach to care.
Is filler dissolving predictable?
Dissolving can be a safe and predictable treatment option when performed by an experienced injector with a strong understanding of facial anatomy and filler behavior.
As with any medical treatment, however, your results can vary depending on factors such as the type of filler used, where it was placed, how much filler is present, and how long it has been in the tissue.
Some patients may achieve their desired results after a single treatment, while others may require multiple sessions. That’s why a thorough assessment and follow-up evaluation are important parts of the dissolving process.
Will I look worse after dissolving filler?
This is one of the biggest and most understandable patient fears, but the good news is that filler dissolving is a process, not the final outcome. Once filler is dissolved, the volume that was previously present no longer provides support to that area.
As a result, some patients may feel they look worse after the first 24 hours, particularly if they have become accustomed to seeing themselves with filler or if the underlying concern that prompted their initial treatment is now more visible.
Follow-up evaluation allows your injector to assess the results, determine whether additional dissolving is needed, and discuss whether further treatment may be beneficial.
Does skin tone affect filler dissolving or recovery?
There is no established evidence that skin tone changes how Hylenex breaks down HA filler. However, patients with darker skin tones can be more susceptible to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation following skin inflammation or injury. A provider experienced with diverse skin tones and types can take these considerations into account when planning treatment and aftercare.
We’re Here for You
Dermal fillers can smooth fine lines, restore lost volume, and enhance natural contours. But when the results don’t go as planned or you’re ready for a reset, Dr. Mabrie is here to help you make things right.
Restore your look and regain your confidence by reaching out to our team today for corrective Hylenex treatment. Request a consultation online or call us at (415) 445-9513.
Hi,
I hope you don’t mind me reaching out for some advice.
I had a Seventy Hyal treatment at another clinic on 1 August, and the next day I noticed a lump in my upper cheek. Since then, it has stayed the same size and shape and doesn’t seem to have changed at all.
I went back to the clinic yesterday to have it checked, and I was told that it looks like product sitting in the tissue and that it should eventually go away on its own. I was also told that dissolving it is an option, but I’d really prefer to avoid that unless it’s absolutely necessary.
The only thing that’s left me feeling a bit concerned is that my injector mentioned she had never seen this happen before, it made me wonder how certain we can be that it will resolve by itself.
I was just wondering if you have any advice or thoughts on the situation, or if this is something you’ve come across before.
I’d be more than happy to send over some photos if that would be helpful.
Many thanks for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards
Thank you for reaching out. We can certainly understand why an unexpected lump after treatment would cause concerns, particularly when it hasn’t changed as you expected.
Because you were treated at another practice and we haven’t examined you in person, we wouldn’t want to speculate about what you’re seeing or recommend whether it should be observed, treated, or dissolved. There can be a number of reasons for a persistent area of fullness or a lump following an injectable treatment, and the appropriate next steps really depends on what is causing it.
It’s good that you’ve already returned to your treating clinic for an assessment. If the area persists, changes, becomes painful, develops skin discoloration, or you simply remain uncomfortable with the explanation you received, we would recommend following up with your treating provider or seeking an in person evaluation with an experienced medical injector who can properly assess the area.
We hope everything settles beautifully for you, and thank you for reading our blog.