What You Need to Know About Dissolving Fillers: A Complete Guide

Dermal fillers have taken the beauty world by storm in recent years. These incredible treatments can plump up your lips and restore volume under your eyes. They can even turn back the clock on fine lines! 

As more people embrace fillers, there's also more interest in dissolving them. You might already know that fillers naturally dissolve over time. That's why we recommend regular touch-ups. But what if you need them removed right now? The good news is there's a solution. An antidote, if you will.

At DLK on Avenue in Toronto, we offer a safe and efficient filler dissolving procedure. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about it, from how it works to what you can expect during the process.

What Is Filler Dissolving?

Let's start with the basics and explore how filler dissolving works. Most modern fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA). It is a natural substance that your body produces to keep your skin hydrated and plump. Scientists discovered that an enzyme called hyaluronidase could effectively break down this acid.

Hyaluronidase works by breaking up the bonds that hold the HA molecules together. As such, this solution works anywhere you have fillers. Whether they're in your cheeks, lips, or lower eyelids, it can get the job done.

But where does all that dissolved filler go? Don't worry – your body naturally processes and eliminates the dissolved material. As it does, your features will gradually return to their pre-filler appearance.

Does Hyaluronidase Work for All Fillers?

Hyaluronidase is specifically designed to work with HA fillers. It helps your body reabsorb these molecules through a natural process it already knows how to do. However, not all fillers can be dissolved this way. Silicone fillers, for instance, can't be broken down using this method.

Even with HA fillers, the speed and effectiveness can vary. Remember, the goal is to break down the filler into single molecules that your body can easily absorb. Yet, some fillers are more stubborn than others!

For example, fillers used in cheekbones and noses often have a thicker consistency than those used for tear troughs or fine lines. They might take up to 48 hours to break down and sometimes need multiple treatments.

A Note on Over-Dissolving

We should mention that you should always visit a medical expert when you want to remove fillers. Hyaluronidase is a powerful substance that does the job it was meant to do. It doesn't pick and choose between the filler you got last month and the natural HA in your face.

If too much hyaluronic acid gets dissolved, you might end up with a sunken, deflated appearance. Your lips could become thinner than before, showing fine lines and sagging. While this isn't permanent, it's best to avoid it. Only trust a medical professional for all your filler treatments.

Why Do People Dissolve Their Fillers?

Your body, your choice! There are many reasons why people choose to dissolve their fillers. Every reason is valid, and our team will support your decision and guide you every step of the way. If you're still on the fence, here are some common reasons people make this choice.

Migration

Perhaps the most common reason for dissolving fillers is migration. Migration is the name we use in the event the dermal filler moves from its original position. Everyone's anatomy is different, so unexpected things can happen after injection.

Fillers follow the path of least resistance. Let's say you have cheekbone fillers. If your internal cheek tissue pushes the filler in one direction, you might end up with a lumpy appearance instead of the smooth contour you wanted.

Sometimes, migration happens because of patient behaviour, too. The filler remains relatively soft and moveable for the first 48 hours after treatment. If you apply too much pressure or rub the area during this time, you could accidentally cause it to shift.

Placement

Unfortunately, we've sometimes had to fix other practitioners' mistakes. When filler is placed incorrectly from the start, there's often little choice but to dissolve and start fresh. Filler injection requires precise skill and deep knowledge of facial anatomy. Inexperienced injectors might create lumps or bumps by placing filler in the wrong spots. The result is a distortion of your natural facial features.

Overfilling

Remember how we mentioned that everyone's anatomy is unique? The amount of filler that looks natural on one person might look overdone on another. That's why we always start conservatively and add more filler gradually if needed.

Still, overfilling can happen. When it does, the results can look quite dramatic. We often see it when patients want to dissolve lip fillers. Think of that "fake" appearance where features look more like balloons than natural contours. In some cases, we might be able to remove just part of the filler to correct overfilling.

Bumps

Think of bumps as a combination of overfilling and migration. They happen when too much filler collects in one spot, creating what we call boluses. These lumps can be both unsightly and uncomfortable, especially in visible areas like the lips and under the eyes. Thankfully, filler correction usually takes care of these bumps quickly.

Change of Heart

There's nothing wrong with trying new things and admitting that you don't like them! Sometimes, dissatisfaction with fillers isn't about technique or placement. It's simply about personal preference. As we age, our aesthetic goals often shift. What looked amazing in your 20s might not match your desired appearance in your 40s.

Some patients realize their results don't align with their vision. Others might want to return to their natural appearance. In these cases, filler correction offers a fresh start. It allows you to either try a different approach or embrace your natural features.

Emergency

In severe but rare cases, fillers can cause complications like vascular occlusions or infections. When this happens, dissolving the filler becomes medically necessary. We do it to prevent further complications and protect your health & the affected area.

How Does the Dissolving Process Work?

If you've decided to dissolve your fillers, you might feel nervous or curious about what comes next. Rest assured, it's a relatively quick and straightforward procedure. At DLK on Avenue, we prioritize your comfort and safety throughout the entire process.

Consultation

First things first: we always start with a consultation, even if you're eager to dissolve your fillers immediately. While this might seem unnecessary when you've already made up your mind, it's actually crucial for several reasons.

During this meeting, we'll provide important guidelines. You might need to avoid certain medications that could increase bleeding, like aspirin and some vitamins. We might also recommend pausing smoking to help with healing.

You might find it funny that we also ask you if you're allergic to bee stings. That's because bee venom contains hyaluronidase. If you're allergic to bee stings, you could experience anaphylaxis – a potentially life-threatening reaction. We take your safety seriously!

Numbing

On procedure day, we start by making sure you're comfortable. We'll apply a numbing cream that acts as a local anesthetic. It only takes a few minutes to start working and helps minimize any discomfort during the injection.

Injection

Now for the main event! Your practitioner will inject hyaluronidase using a very thin needle. The enzyme starts working almost immediately to break down the filler. For larger areas or thicker fillers, we might gently massage the area. Doing so helps the hyaluronidase spread evenly and work more effectively.

Post-care

With the hard part behind you, it's time to focus on recovery. Don't worry if you experience some swelling, bruising, or tenderness. These side effects are normal and temporary, usually disappearing within a few days.

Sometimes, we might recommend corticosteroids or antihistamines to help manage swelling. Gentle massage might speed up the process, though results vary from person to person.

Your doctor will provide specific guidelines about what to avoid, including:

• Excessive heat or cold
• Strenuous exercise
• Certain medications

If you experience discomfort in the days following the procedure, you can apply ice packs to reduce swelling.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Here's some excellent news: the actual procedure is quick and painless! Most treatments take just 10-15 minutes. However, if you have a large amount of filler or stubborn nodules, you might need more than one session. While you might notice some immediate changes, full results typically appear within two weeks.

Does Dissolving Fillers Hurt?

Like any injection, you might feel some discomfort. That's why we use numbing cream! You might experience a slight stinging or burning sensation after the injection, but this usually lasts just a few minutes. If you have severe pain or swelling that persists beyond a few days, contact us right away.

Is It Safe to Dissolve Fillers?

When performed by experienced professionals like our team at DLK on Avenue, filler dissolving is a very safe procedure. Most patients experience only minor side effects, all of which are temporary and completely normal.

Before we proceed with any treatment, we perform a small patch test on your arm to check for allergic reactions. While allergies to hyaluronidase are rare, we take this extra precaution to ensure your safety.

Then, once the filler dissolves, your body naturally processes and eliminates the material. There's no need to worry about harmful substances lingering in your system. Plus, you won't need any downtime. Most patients return to their regular activities right after the procedure.

Can I Refill After Dissolving?

If you're feeling discouraged because your fillers didn't turn out exactly as you hoped, don't worry! This doesn't mean you'll never achieve the look you're dreaming of. You absolutely can try fillers again – we just need to time it right.

Hyaluronic acid takes about two weeks to break down completely. To ensure the best results for your subsequent treatment, we recommend waiting at least 14 days before getting new filler injections. This waiting period allows any swelling to subside and ensures the area is ready for fresh filler.

How to Choose the Right Clinic for Dissolving Fillers

As you've seen throughout this guide, your choice of clinic matters tremendously. Both for getting fillers and dissolving them. Here's what to look for when selecting a clinic.

First, look for practitioners who know both sides of filler treatments. Your provider should have solid experience giving fillers and taking them out. The best injectors do these treatments regularly. They also have special training in using the dissolving solution. As such, they should be able to tell you exactly how many procedures they've done and show you examples of their work.

Next, make sure your chosen clinic has the proper licenses and credentials to do these treatments. A good clinic belongs to professional medical groups and only uses treatments that health authorities have approved. The Canadian Board of Aesthetic Medicine is an excellent place to gather information on the topic.

Finally, don't forget to check what other patients have to say. Read reviews from real people who've had their fillers dissolved at the clinic. Look at their before-and-after photos to see the actual results. Many good clinics can even connect you with past patients who are happy to share their experiences. Check independent websites for honest feedback about the clinic and its team.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

So-called "botched fillers" are certainly an unfortunate occurrence. However, remember that they're not permanent, and a reliable solution exists. Don't let this temporary setback affect your confidence – you're taking the right step by seeking professional help.

At DLK on Avenue, we understand that deciding to dissolve your fillers can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you receive safe, effective treatment that helps you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Ready to discuss your options? We're here to help. Contact DLK on Avenue today to schedule your consultation.