If you have been thinking about trying dermal fillers for the first time, you may have heard about celebrities recently choosing to have their fillers dissolved. And you may also be curious about whether you’ll be able to “undo” your fillers if you don’t like your results. An experienced and skilled aesthetic physician will always take great care to make sure you are thrilled with your results the first time around – no removal necessary. However if you do want to remove or reduce them, this procedure is available and super easy to do.
In this article, we’ll discuss dermal filler removal and what it involves.
What is filler removal, and how does it work?
Dermal filler removal involves an injection of the enzyme hyaluronidase, which dissolves hyaluronic acid (the main ingredient in most filler formulations) in a matter of hours, essentially starting immediately upon injection. It can be done at any time, allowing you to change your treatment results whenever you choose. Other than some redness or swelling you may notice around your injection sites for a few hours, there is no recovery time required.
Hyaluronidase only works on hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvederm, Restylane, and Teosyal. Other dermal filler formulations, based on different key ingredients, cannot be dissolved and must naturally dissipate on their own, which usually takes between 6 and 18 months.
Why would someone remove their filler?
The most common reasons for filler removal are usually the result of improper injection technique. These reasons include:
- Undesired aesthetic results – Overfilling and asymmetry are among the most common cosmetic pitfalls of imperfect filler treatments. They can happen when an injector doesn’t take facial proportions into consideration, or fails to discuss the drawbacks of excessive volume with you. This leads to a look that is unnatural and not as flattering as you may have envisioned.
- Hard lumps and prolonged swelling – these are among the most common complications, and they can be resolved with filler removal. In very rare cases, injections can be placed too close to a blood vessel and interfere with blood flow – a condition called vascular compromise. Filler removal can help in this case also.
- A change of heart – When filler results don’t look the way you had hoped, or you don’t like the way the results look on your face, filler removal can reverse them very quickly. This treatment outcome can occur from time to time, but ideally can be avoided through a detailed and honest pre-treatment consultation.
How can you prevent the need for filler removal?
The science of dermal filler injections is ever-evolving. Today’s top injectors have many years of experience and advanced knowledge of anatomy that empowers them to create precise results safely, the very first time. Some aesthetic physicians are even utilizing advanced techniques to plan their injections, including using a handheld ultrasound machine to visualize the anatomy prior to injections. In addition, experienced injectors have treated so many patients that they have developed ‘artistic eyes’ for flattering and attractive filler results, that also align with each person’s personal goals for their final look.
Wrapping Up
Bottom line – filler removal remains a valuable element in an injector’s toolkit. Hyalurandase-based formulas such as Liporase are must-haves in any aesthetic practice. Liporase enables injectors to fine-tune their injections to truly deliver a fantastic treatment. It’s for that reason that filler removers are an invaluable resource to aesthetic doctors looking to rejuvenate their patients skin and help them achieve their cosmetic goals.