Dissolving dermal filler –  What does that mean?

At Luxe Appearance we often have first time clients come in who are very nervous about having Dermal filler. They are nervous because they are bombarded by social media posts that have over inflated lips. Or large looking cheeks that don’t look natural or they have been in other clinics and come out with a less than natural look. Even world’s most marketed lips have long been associated with filler treatments so this begs two questions: Why would you WANT to dissolve dermal filler? And HOW do you dissolve dermal filler?

We have written this blog to inform you of the details and everything you need to know about why we dissolve fillers and lip fillers.

Can you dissolve ALL Dermal fillers?

This may seem like a contrary statement, however the reason it is asked is not all dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid. Hence those that are not, cannot be dissolved. Hyaluronic is a naturally occurring substance in the body, and a good percentage of dermal fillers are made of a synthetic version of this, including Juvederm, Boletero and Restylane fillers. The fillers integrate into the tissue over time enhancing the bodies own natural collagen production. The product is then flushed naturally out of our system.

Key point Remember to ask your practitioner if the product they are using on you is made up of Hyaluronic Acid.

Why would you WANT or NEED to dissolve Dermal filler?

There are a few reasons:

1. You will NEED to have filler dissolved immediately if have an occlusion. Occlusions occur due to either the filler being injected into a blood vessel or compressing the blood vessel. If this happens, the blood supply to the lip and other parts of the face may become compromised. IF this happens there will be extensive swelling, bad bruising, skin discolouration and most times substantial pain.
You will NEED to dissolve this lip filler because if you don’t the lack of blood supply to the area will cause the tissue to die.

2. You may WANT to filler dissolved if lumps that have formed either from product displacement

3. You will NEED to have filler dissolved if the lumps form due to infection

4. You will WANT to have filler if you don’t like the look of filler due to an unnatural look. Note, dermal filler takes 4-6 weeks to fully settle, it is important to attend follow up prior to this time with your practitioner to discuss your results.

What is used to dissolve Dermal fillers.

A prescription only product called hyaluronidase.
Hyaluronidase (brand name Hyalase) is used to dissolve and reverse the results of a of a hyaluronic Acid treatment. When injected directly into the dermal filler it dissolves the product very quickly, however it can take up to two weeks to see the full results.
Hyaluronidase is a very powerful enzyme and is on the prescription only list of pharmaceutical products. It is important to make sure that your practitioner carry’s this product on them at all times in case of an occlusion. It is prescription only product available to medical practitioners and is primarily used to dissolve dermal fillers.

Key point: Ensure your practitioner does a patch test before using the hyalase. Some people are severely allergic (causing anaphylaxis) to bees and can therefore be allergic to hyalase, they have similar properties. Also ensure that your practitioner has done this procedure before you have dermal filler with them. Dissolving fillers is a technically challenging procedure requiring training and skill. It can only be performed by a health care practitioner trained in its use.

What you NEED to know prior to having filler dissolved?

Why go back to the same practitioner?
It is of benefit to go back to the same practitioner that injected you, they have the exact record of what was injected, where and what volume. This is very important as per points below.

How long ago was the initial treatment?

This will help the practitioner adjust more precisely how much of the dissolving product they inject.

Where exactly was the filler placed and how much?

This will determine how much of the dissolving product is injected, the filler reversing agent should ideally be injected into the middle of the dermal filler wherever it was injected.

What was the brand of the filler used?

This is important because it will determine how potent in concentration the practitioner will make the hyaluronidase.

Key point: Always go to a reputable practitioner who has experience in managing the complications of dermal fillers and who carry hyalase on site or with them .