Dermal fillers are great because they’re quite long-lasting, aren’t they? That’s one of the reasons why we find them so appealing. But, there might be times when you end up with a result from a filler treatment that doesn’t quite match your expectations, or perhaps you had lip fillers and you’ve simply grown weary of that look and don’t really fancy living with it for a year. Or maybe, you want to change your look entirely.
There could also be other reasons you’re considering dissolving your filler. For instance, the product might have moved from where it was originally placed, or you’ve noticed some irregularities like lumps or bumps. In rare cases, you might be experiencing an adverse reaction such as an infection.
No matter what your reasons are for wanting to dissolve your filler, we believe it’s important that you’re armed with all the necessary information. So, here are a few crucial points we think you should be aware of.
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What is Hyaluronidase and How Does It Work?
There seems to be a fair amount of confusion surrounding the process of dissolving fillers. It’s important to know that only hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers can be dissolved, and this is done using an enzyme known as hyaluronidase.
So what is hyaluronidase exactly and how does it function? Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that, when injected into the areas where you’ve had filler, breaks down the bonds that hold the hyaluronic acid together. This stimulates your body to naturally reabsorb the HA, a process that would eventually occur anyway over a longer period. In simple terms, hyaluronidase just speeds up this process.
Now, there are fillers on the market that are not based on HA, such as Radiesse and Sculptra. These fillers will eventually dissolve by themselves over a timeframe of about one to three years, depending on which filler you had injected. However, these can’t be dissolved instantly in the same way as fillers based on hyaluronic acid can be.
So, if you’re contemplating getting a filler treatment, it’s crucial that you know what exactly is being injected into your skin and the duration for which it lasts. Always feel free to ask your practitioner for this information before undergoing any treatment.
Will My Filler Dissolve Immediately?
If left to its own devices, a hyaluronic acid filler can take anything between six to twelve months to dissolve completely. Hyaluronic acid is actually a substance that naturally occurs in our bodies, providing hydration and moisture to our skin. This is why our bodies eventually naturally break down and absorb HA-based fillers.
If you decide to speed up the process by having hyaluronidase injected to dissolve your filler, the effects can start to take place immediately. This means you might even see some changes right there and then. However, in most cases, you’ll need to allow a span of 24 to 48 hours for the hyaluronidase to fully work its magic.
Do bear in mind that some patients may experience a bit of bruising and swelling as a result of the hyaluronidase treatment itself. Therefore, don’t be disheartened if you don’t see your final results right away.
It’s also important to note that you may need more than one session to completely dissolve your filler. This leads us to our next topic of discussion.
How Many Hyaluronidase Treatments Will I Require?
It’s fantastic that fillers can be dissolved and that hyaluronidase is highly effective in doing so. However, it’s not always a straightforward process. In some cases, the dissolving process needs to take place over several sessions, and there are various reasons for this.
One reason is that facial fillers can accumulate over time, especially if you’ve had multiple filler treatments. These fillers can integrate quite well into your tissue, and in some instances, the results look so natural that it becomes challenging to determine the precise location of the filler.
Furthermore, there’s a wide range of hyaluronic acid fillers available on the market. Some fillers are more durable than others, particularly those with higher HA concentration levels. This means the HA can be more difficult to break down.
In certain cases, a biofilm (a type of infection) can form around the filler product. This is a risk associated with all filler treatments. It can occur even with the most skilled injectors and the most careful patients. However, the presence of a biofilm can make the dissolving of HA filler particularly tricky.
When you choose to have your filler dissolved at Centre for Surgery, we’ll arrange a follow-up appointment for you to assess how your body has responded to the hyaluronidase treatment. Following this, we can provide a more accurate estimate of how many more treatments, if any, you’ll need.
Do Hyaluronidase Injections Cause Pain?
No, the procedure of injecting hyaluronidase typically doesn’t cause pain and is quite fast. Your healthcare professional will use a very fine needle or cannula to inject the hyaluronidase into the area where you previously received the filler.
Patients often report feeling a tingling or warmth in the treated area, but they generally don’t describe it as painful. The sensation you’re feeling is the immediate action of the enzyme as it begins to break down the filler product. So, rest assured, this process is usually tolerable and not known for causing significant discomfort.
Are There Any Risks with Hyaluronidase?
Just like getting filler, there are certain, albeit rare, risks associated with having hyaluronidase injected. Alongside the expected side effects such as discomfort, swelling, bruising, and redness, there’s also a slight risk of an allergic reaction. This is why we always start with small doses of hyaluronidase and gradually increase if necessary.
Another potential risk is over-dissolving, which could leave you with less volume in the treated area than you had originally. Patients also need to be ready for the possibility that the filler might dissolve unevenly. In such cases, you may need to have more filler injected to balance out the area that’s been affected.
It’s important to remember that these risks are relatively low, and the benefits of hyaluronidase treatment often outweigh these potential downsides. However, we always make sure our patients are fully informed and comfortable before proceeding with any treatment at Centre for Surgery.
Why Choose Centre for Surgery for Dissolving Filler?
At Centre for Surgery, we prioritise your safety, comfort, and satisfaction above all. We understand that choosing to have filler dissolved is a significant decision, so we make sure to provide a supportive and informative environment to guide you through this process. Here’s why you should choose us for dissolving your fillers:
- Expertise and Experience: Our team is made up of highly skilled aesthetic practitioners who are experienced in the use of hyaluronidase for dissolving fillers. We have handled numerous such cases with success, showcasing our proficiency and reliability in this field.
- Customised Approach: We understand that every patient is unique, so we develop customised treatment plans for every individual. This means we consider your specific needs and desired outcomes before deciding on the best treatment approach.
- Patient-Centric Care: We focus on creating a patient-centric atmosphere where you are encouraged to express any concerns or queries. Our team is always available to provide clear answers and offer reassurance, ensuring you are comfortable throughout your journey with us.
- Thorough Follow-Up: After the hyaluronidase treatment, we schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. This helps us ensure the treatment is working effectively and gives us a chance to decide if further sessions are needed.
- Safety Standards: At Centre for Surgery, we adhere to the highest safety standards. We use state-of-the-art equipment and proven methods, ensuring that the risks associated with the procedure are minimised.
- Holistic Approach: Finally, we don’t just treat a single issue; we take a comprehensive look at your facial aesthetics to deliver the best possible results, enhancing your overall appearance.
So if you’re considering having your filler dissolved, Centre for Surgery offers a trustworthy, patient-focused approach that will put your mind at ease and deliver the results you desire.
