Dermal fillers are one of the most well-known cosmetic treatments available today. They are a great treatment that can enhance certain features of your face and reverse bothersome signs of ageing.
As with any cosmetic procedure, things don’t always go to plan, and there are a number of reasons why you might decide to reverse your dermal filler. Some of the reasons why people choose to remove their dermal filler include persistent lumps and swelling, migration, in preparation for upcoming surgery in the area where dermal filler has been placed, or if the result just isn’t what you wanted. While issues with dermal filler can happen in even the most experienced hands, mistakes made by inexperienced practitioners, and the natural variability in how your skin reacts to the filler are the most common causes.
If you’re anxious about your dermal filler result and are thinking of reversing them, here’s your step-by-step guide to reversing dermal filler.
Step 1: Identify the issue
Before rushing in to taking action, the most important first step is to stop, assess and identify the issue. What is it that is making you want to dissolve your fillers? Does the result look uneven? Is the result too significant? Has the filler moved or migrated from its original position? It is important to consider when the treatment was done. It can take a few weeks for things to fully settle, so it is critical not to act too soon. If you feel like something just isn’t right, then get in touch with your injector to discuss things further.
Step 2: Try massaging the filler
Lumps that form after treatment with dermal fillers as well as mild asymmetry can sometimes be treated with massaging and gentle manipulation. This can help to break up the lump and smooth out the treated area. However, it is important to be gentle and avoid applying too much pressure, as this could cause the filler to migrate to another area or create more lumps. If massaging and gentle manipulation do not resolve the problem, your healthcare provider may recommend other treatment options, such as injecting an enzyme called hyaluronidase to dissolve the filler. Always consult with your injector before massaging your filler, as it may compromise the result if things have not fully healed from your treatment.
Step 3: Consider dermal filler dissolving
If massaging did not work or was not appropriate to address your concerns, then you can discuss the option of dermal filler dissolving with your practitioner. Only certain types of filler can be dissolved, and the approach may vary depending on the specific issue. Sometimes micro-dissolving can reduce lumps and over-corrected areas without compromising your result. On other occasions, injecting more filler may be appropriate to improve symmetry and contour. A further option is to simply wait for the body to start breaking down the filler. This has the advantage of having no risk and no additional need for treatment.
Step 4: Undergo dermal filler dissolving with Hyalase
If after discussing the options with your practitioner you want to dissolve your dermal filler then it is imperative that you choose someone you can trust. Dissolving dermal filler can be very painful and even dangerous in the wrong hands. With experience, dermal filler dissolving can be almost painless, and done with such precision that only the problematic dermal filler is removed, leaving the rest untouched. Hyalase works by breaking down the dermal filler molecules into small chains, allowing the body to process them at a much faster rate.
Step 5: Wait for the results to settle
While dermal filler dissolving with Hyalase works immediately, it does take a few days to see the final result. This is because it has a duration of action of 24-48 hours, and any treatment-related swelling must be given time to settle. You can speed up the healing process by applying a cold-compress to the injected area immediately after your treatment.
Step 6: Assess and revisit if required
Once fully healed you can assess the area and see if the issue has resolved. Sometimes multiple injections of Hyalase over a number of sessions may be needed. This is often the case where the filler has been placed in a large lump, or if you have been getting dermal filler regularly for years. Over-injecting Hyalase should be avoided, as it can increase the risk of the procedure, and so if you do need additional sessions of filler dissolving, don’t be disheartened.
