Dissolving Filler 101
Only pure hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, etc.) can be dissolved. Our bodies naturally produce HA, which is dissolved and replaced every few days. HA fillers are made up of HA molecules that have been chemically joined together.
What Is Hyaluronidase Enzyme?
Fun Fact: Our bodies also produce an enzyme called Hyaluronidase, which assists in the natural dissolving process of HA.
The great thing about Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers is that they can be dissolved. This is done by injecting a form of the same enzyme [hyaluronidase] that our bodies naturally use to dissolve our own hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronidase can be used to dissolve any HA filler, whether it is a lip filler, fillers in cheeks or under eyes, among other areas.
How does it work?
Once injected, the hyaluronidase breaks up the HA through a process called hydrolysing, in which the hyaluronidase adds water to the polysaccharide chain within the HA filler, splitting these sugars into small components so they float apart, speeding up the dissolving process that would take place naturally over time.
The Actual Dissolving Procedure
The entire procedure only takes around 15 minutes. Some injectors like to perform a patch test to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction - This involves injecting a small amount of the solution into the patient’s forearm. Once confirmed that the patient is not allergic, the skin is sterilized, numbing cream is applied to the chosen area to reduce pain and discomfort.
The dissolving solution is then injected into the area where the dermal filler was initially injected, getting it as close to the HA filler as possible. The solution is massaged into the skin, with the pressure being applied depending on how much filler the patient wants dissolved. Finally, the area is once again cleaned and after care balm or cream can be applied.
Please note * While the filler may be dissolved in one session, some patients may need to return for more than one session to achieve their desired results. Most people will notice a difference within two days, however, it could take up to two weeks for them to see the full effects of the procedure. The area may also appear fuller at first after the procedure due to swelling and volume added by the dissolving fluid. But don’t fret, the added volume should subside after a few days and the area will go back to its normal state within two weeks.
Lets Talk Possible Risks & Side Effects
Patients may experience bruising, swelling and some discomfort following the procedure. The primary risk associated with dissolving filler is the possibility of an allergic reaction, which is why doing a patch test prior to the treatment is important. However, the chances of a patients having an allergic reaction increase with doses of more than 100,000 IU, with the chances growing to just over 31% for doses of 200,000 IU. Starting with the lowest possible dose is advised to minimize the chances of an allergic reaction.
There is some debate over whether using too much hyaluronidase may result in over-dissolving, which could potentially break down too much filler in addition to the body’s own stores of HA. While this can lead to the patient losing more volume than they want, leaving the area somewhat deflated, the body will eventually replace the loss of any natural HA and the deflated area should go back to its normal volume.
