After getting filler, you may feel there is too much, there are lumps, you dislike the shape, or it looks unnatural. Many people then start wondering, “Should I have the filler dissolved right away?”
In fact, dissolving filler is not necessary in every case. Early swelling after injection can make the shape look different from the settled result. Decisions should therefore take into account the time since injection, the type of filler, the area treated, and the problems present.
What is filler dissolving?
Filler dissolving generally refers to the use of Hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down Hyaluronic Acid, or HA, allowing HA fillers to break apart and decrease.
Therefore, not every type of filler can be dissolved with Hyaluronidase. For example, some fillers or volumizing substances made from Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) or Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) do not have a dissolving agent like HA fillers do. You should first check which product was injected.
When might filler dissolving be considered?
A doctor may consider dissolving filler in cases such as:
- Too much filler makes the facial contours look unnatural
- Lumps or raised areas of filler in certain locations
- The shape or result is not what was wanted
- Filler has migrated from its original location
- The shape needs correcting before planning new injections
- Certain complications have developed from HA filler
Each problem has different causes, so decisions should not be based on appearance alone.
If I dislike my filler, do I need to dissolve it immediately?
Not always
Soon after filler injections, swelling, bruising, or a shape that has not yet settled can occur. This may temporarily make the area look overfilled or asymmetrical at first.
If there are no urgent abnormal symptoms, the doctor may recommend waiting to assess the area after swelling subsides, then deciding whether correction or dissolving is necessary.
Can all the filler be dissolved, or just specific areas?
Filler dissolving can be planned around each person’s concerns. Some cases may only need filler reduced in a specific area, while others may require correction over more than 1 session.
The result and amount of medication used depend on several factors, including the filler type, amount, location, time since injection, and individual response.
Can I get new filler after dissolving?
New injections can be planned in some cases, but there is no need to rush into reinjecting immediately.
Wait for the doctor to assess the tissue and facial contours after dissolving, to see whether any original filler remains and how much filling the area actually needs.
Sometimes, once the original filler has decreased, it becomes clear that the same amount is no longer needed, or that a different technique may be more suitable.
Does dissolving filler have side effects?
Temporary symptoms after dissolving may include:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Stinging or irritation at the injection site
- Bruising from needle marks
- More loss of volume in the area than expected
Allergic reactions are also possible, although uncommon. Treatment should therefore be performed by a healthcare professional who can assess and manage complications.
So, “Is dissolving filler a good idea?”
The answer is: it depends on each person’s problem.
If the original filler has no problems and was injected recently, waiting for swelling to subside may be enough. But if there are issues with the shape, lumps, migration, or the doctor determines that correction is needed, dissolving is one option for HA filler.
The important thing is to first know what type of filler was injected, where it was injected, how much was used, and how long ago it was injected, so the doctor can plan an appropriate correction.
Unsure whether to dissolve or wait?
Bring the product details or before-and-after injection photos for the doctor to assess and plan whether monitoring, correcting specific areas, or dissolving the existing filler is most suitable for your case.