Many people find hyaluronic acid fillers appealing because, in most cases, the procedure can be reversed or dissolved if needed.
However, there is something every patient needs to know before the procedure: not all dermal fillers can be dissolved.
Whether the filler can be reversed depends primarily on the type of filler used.
If you are planning to get hyaluronic acid fillers in North Bay, it is essential to know what can and cannot be dissolved.
Can Dermal Filler Be Dissolved?
Yes, hyaluronic acid fillers can usually be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase.
This enzyme breaks down hyaluronic acid, helping the body remove the filler slowly.
Several studies indicate that hyaluronidase can be used to dissolve excess deposits of HA filler and treat some of the side effects of filler injections. Nonetheless, the amount and effectiveness depend on the particular product, injection site, and amount of filler injected.
Reversibility depends primarily on the material used and the clinical situation.
The ability to dissolve hyaluronic acid fillers makes these products popular in cosmetic facial procedures.
According to Health Canada, hyaluronic acid products are among the most popular dermal fillers used in Canada, with many HA fillers approved for use in the country.
What Is Hyaluronidase?
Hyaluronidase is a substance that works to break down hyaluronic acid. When introduced into a region where HA filler is present, it can help reduce or remove the HA filler.
Its use can be motivated by various factors, such as:
- Correction of incorrectly placed filler
- Reduction of overfilled areas
- Treatment of bumps and irregularities when necessary
- Correction of asymmetry
- Management of certain HA filler-related complications
Hyaluronidase should not be treated as a simple “undo button” or as something to use casually whenever a patient changes their mind.
Why Would Someone Want Their Filler Dissolved?
It is important to note that most patients who get filler injections do not intend on getting rid of them. There are, however, several reasons a patient may want to dissolve filler after some time.
The Outcome Appears Overfilled
This could mean that too much filler was injected in the first place, or that significant swelling occurred initially.
In some cases, a skilled practitioner may recommend a partial correction instead of dissolving all the filler.
The Outcome Appears Uneven
Filler may appear uneven or asymmetrical once the initial swelling has gone down.
Lumps or Irregularities
Small bumps may sometimes develop following filler treatment. Not all bumps require complete dissolution.
Some may be related to swelling or filler settling, while other cases may require professional assessment.
The Patient Dislikes the Outcome
Personal preferences can change. Sometimes a patient decides they do not like the way the treatment looks and wants to return closer to their pre-treatment appearance.
Complications and Why Medical Expertise Matters
Hyaluronidase is also useful for medical purposes. One of the most serious complications associated with filler procedures is vascular occlusion, which occurs when filler enters a blood vessel or blocks its opening, reducing blood flow.
The FDA warns that accidental injection into a blood vessel may cause serious complications, including tissue damage, vision problems, blindness, or stroke, although such complications are rare.
This is one reason injections should be performed only by a properly qualified healthcare professional.
Can Filler Be Partially Dissolved?
Absolutely. Not all filler dissolving means removing everything. Sometimes, a provider may use a lower dose of hyaluronidase to reduce one part of the treated area while leaving another area unchanged.
Some reasons why someone might choose to partially dissolve filler include:
- Uneven distribution of filler between both sides
- Overfilling of one particular area
- Presence of a small lump
- An unfavorable contour caused by filler
- Refining previous treatment before additional filler is injected
Research regarding hyaluronidase indicates that different HA fillers may dissolve differently depending on their composition and structure.
Does Hyaluronidase Remove Your Natural Hyaluronic Acid Too?
Hyaluronidase does not only differentiate between filler and naturally occurring hyaluronic acid. It may temporarily degrade some of the natural HA present in surrounding tissues.
However, hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by the body, so this does not mean the area permanently loses its natural HA.
The goal is to address the specific issue rather than use more hyaluronidase than is clinically appropriate.
Choosing Hyaluronic Acid Filler in North Bay
One advantage of hyaluronic acid filler in North Bay is the flexibility it provides compared with some more permanent filler types.
Hyaluronic acid filler naturally breaks down over time and, when medically appropriate, may also be reduced through the use of hyaluronidase.
However, this does not mean filler treatment should be approached casually. Even when a product is reversible, complications are still possible.
A conservative, medically guided treatment approach remains important.
Dermal Filler Dissolving FAQs
Are all dermal fillers dissolvable?
Not all fillers are dissolvable. Hyaluronidase is mainly used for dissolving hyaluronic acid fillers. Fillers made from other materials, particularly permanent fillers, can be difficult or impossible to dissolve and may require another treatment approach.
Can I get rid of lip filler if I am not satisfied with the results?
If the lip filler contains hyaluronic acid, it may be possible to dissolve it using hyaluronidase after consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
Will my face go back to the way it looked before getting filler?
The result depends on factors such as how much filler was injected, how long it has been present, and the overall condition of the skin. In many cases, dissolving HA filler can move the appearance closer to its pre-treatment state.
