THE MOST COMMON REASONS FOR DISSOLVING FILLER
- Filler migration
Filler migration occurs when the cosmetic filler injected into your face begins to spread from its original position. This can happen due to several reasons, including lack of skills or knowledge in injection techniques, incorrect product use or frequent retreatment at short intervals. Filler migration also happens if too much product is used, resulting in an uneven appearance as it migrates away from where it’s been placed. You’ll most commonly find migration after excessive lip filler.
It’s important to be aware of the risk of filler migration so you can inform yourself before considering any type of aesthetic procedure.
- Lumps and bumps
Occasionally, dermal fillers can create a bit of a hiccup – in the form of lumps or bumps. It’s like having unexpected speed bumps on a smooth road! Typically, they result from the filler not spreading evenly under the skin, but the good news is, most times, they resolve on their own over time. However, if they’re a bit more stubborn, and they don’t disappear on their own, then dissolving the filler can be a viable option.
- Emergency Reversal
The journey to enhancing our looks using dermal fillers is generally very smooth. But, just like any trip, unexpected detours can occur, and sometimes, they can be urgent. Picture this: you’ve just had your fillers done, but then you start experiencing intense pain, discoloration, or a decrease in vision. These are all very rare, but they can happen, and when they do, they’re a sign of something serious, such as vascular occlusion, which is when the filler inadvertently enters a blood vessel. It’s critical to get in touch with your healthcare provider immediately.
DO FILLERS START TO DISSOLVE ON THEIR OWN?
Let’s begin by asking, “Does filler dissolve naturally?” Certainly, if we’re talking about hyaluronic acid filler.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) based dermal fillers are designed to gradually degrade over time depending on the thickness or molecular weight of each brand used. Generally speaking, thinner products will typically last between six and nine months while thicker HA fillers can last upwards of two years in some cases.
On the other hand, non-hyaluronic acid based fillers tend to last significantly longer than HA products because they are composed of calcium hydroxylapatite particles suspended in a water base solution. These particles remain intact until slowly broken down by macrophages in the skin over time; usually lasting around 12-18 months before needing any additional injection treatments.
WHAT IS HYALURONIDASE AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Hyaluronidase is essentially an enzyme, kind of like a very specific set of scissors that can cut through hyaluronic acid which is the primary ingredient in many dermal fillers. So, when we talk about dissolving fillers, it’s hyaluronidase that’s our hero.
How does hyaluronidase work?
When injected into the area where the filler is, it breaks down the hyaluronic acid in the filler, helping to dissolve and absorb it into the body. It’s like a magic eraser for unwanted filler! This process can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days.
IS DISSOLVING FILLER WITH HYALURONIDASE SAFE?
It’s important to note that it is safe to dissolve filler with hyaluronidase when performed by a healthcare professional with the required expertise, this is vital! But, even in the safest of hands, there are still a few possible concerns, depending on the treated location. The risks and adverse effects of dissolving fillers include:
Bruising and or tenderness: Small bruises at the injection sites are the most common side effect. These typically fade within a few days.
Swelling: You may experience some swelling at the injection points. This is usually minor and resolves within 24 to 48 hours.
Redness: The injection site may appear red immediately after the treatment. This is a normal reaction and typically subsides within a few hours.
Volume loss or skin laxity: In rare cases, hyaluronidase can dissolve your body’s natural hyaluronic acid along with the filler’s. This can lead to volume loss in areas where you didn’t want it.
Allergic reaction: A small percentage of patients have been found to have an anaphylactic reaction to hyaluronidase which if untreated can have serious consequences. If you have a known allergy to bee or wasp stings then there is a chance that you may be allergy to hyaluronidase and would need to discuss this with your practitioner prior to considering filler treatments.