If you’ve ever had dermal fillers, you know they can work wonders, adding confidence and smoothing out wrinkles. But what if things don’t go as planned?
Maybe your lips ended up plumper than you’d like, or those laugh lines seem anything but natural. The good news is that most fillers aren’t permanent, and there’s a solution – dissolving fillers.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of dissolving dermal fillers, helping you decide whether it’s the right choice for you.
Why Are Filler Dissolving Treatments Becoming More Popular?
In recent years, the popularity of fillers has skyrocketed, with people using them to enhance their features. Social media and celebrities have played a significant role in this trend.
Overfilling, especially when it comes to lips, has become somewhat normalized, resulting in unnatural looks and the rise of terms like “duck lips,” “trout pout,” and “pillow face.” But who’s to blame for this trend? It’s not always the practitioner or excessive treatments.
Many people who undergo filler procedures forget what they looked like before, leading to “filler blindness.” They believe they need a top-up while the filler is still present, resulting in an overfilled appearance.
Recently, however, influencers and some celebrities have begun challenging this trend, questioning the value of excessive fillers. Of course, sometimes you just don’t like how your filler turned out, and you want the process reversed.
The Most Common Reasons for Dissolving Filler
Filler Migration: Filler migration occurs when the injected filler spreads from its original position. This can happen for various reasons, including improper injection techniques, incorrect product use, or frequent re-treatment at short intervals. Excessive lip filler is a common cause of migration.
Lumps and Bumps: Occasionally, dermal fillers can create lumps or bumps under the skin. This can result from uneven filler distribution. These issues are often resolved independently, but if they persist, dissolving the filler may be an option.
Emergency Reversal: While enhancing your appearance with dermal fillers is usually smooth sailing, unexpected complications can occur. These rare but severe symptoms, such as vascular occlusion (when filler enters a blood vessel), require immediate attention from a healthcare provider.
Do Fillers Start to Dissolve on Their Own?
Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are designed to degrade over time gradually. Thinner products typically last six to nine months, while thicker ones last up to two years. In contrast, non-hyaluronic acid-based fillers last longer, usually around 12-18 months.
Are All Fillers Reversible?
Some dermal fillers can be dissolved with a special enzyme, while others cannot be reversed at all. The most common reversible filler is hyaluronic acid (HA), which constitutes the majority of injectable treatments.
Other temporary fillers like calcium hydroxylapatite and polymethylmethacrylate microspheres may also respond to reversal treatments if complications arise. However, once injected, permanent facial implants like Gore-Tex and silicone cannot be reversed. Procedures to reduce their appearance over time may be considered.
What Is Hyaluronidase, and How Does It Work?
Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that specifically breaks down hyaluronic acid, a primary ingredient in many dermal fillers. When injected into the area with filler, hyaluronidase dissolves and absorbs the filler into the body. Think of it as a magic eraser for unwanted filler. The process can take a few hours to a couple of days.
Is Dissolving Filler with Hyaluronidase Safe?
Dissolving filler with hyaluronidase is safe when performed by a qualified healthcare professional. However, there are potential concerns, depending on the treated area.
Possible side effects include:
- The most common is bruising and tenderness, with minor bruises at the injection sites.
- Swelling, which is usually minor and subsides within 24 to 48 hours.
- Redness at the injection site which typically fades within a few hours.
- In rare cases, volume loss or skin laxity, as hyaluronidase can dissolve filler and your natural hyaluronic acid.
- Allergic reactions in a small percentage of patients can have severe consequences if untreated.
The Filler Dissolving Procedure: What to Expect
Before your filler dissolving procedure, thoroughly understand the process and ask your practitioner any questions you may have.
Avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin or ibuprofen for at least a week before the treatment to minimize the risk of bruising. Stay well-hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to support your skin’s healing process.
On the day of the procedure, a tiny needle injects hyaluronidase solution into the areas with filler. The practitioner may gently massage the tissues to aid in filler breakdown. Topical numbing cream is often applied to minimize discomfort.
After the treatment, follow your practitioner’s aftercare instructions, including avoiding extreme temperatures, refraining from strenuous exercise, and using ice packs or pain medication as needed.
Remember to carefully research your clinic and practitioner, inquire about qualifications, experience, and product use, and ensure they use hyaluronic acid-based fillers for safe and natural dissolving. When in the right hands, your journey to reversing fillers can be smooth and satisfying.
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