Hello, this is Hayden from #TheLabClinic.
Just as many people choose to get dermal fillers to enhance their appearance, there are also those who opt to dissolve their fillers due to dissatisfaction with the results or a desire for retouching. Today, let's dive into the details of filler-dissolving injections and what you need to know before considering this option.
How Does Filler Dissolving Injection Work?
Hyaluronidase injections are administered directly into the area where the filler was placed, breaking down the filler particles into a liquid form. This process helps to dissolve the filler evenly and efficiently.
After dissolving the filler, it's normal for the treated area to swell. This swelling occurs because the filler is breaking down into a liquid, and the volume of the injected hyaluronidase adds to the area. Typically, the swelling subsides within a week, although the degree of swelling may vary depending on the individual.
In some cases, depending on the type and amount of filler remaining, a second session of hyaluronidase treatment may be necessary. However, most people find that a single treatment is sufficient to achieve their desired results.
This detailed approach ensures that the filler is dissolved effectively and that your treatment experience is as smooth as possible.
Side Effects and Precautions
The most common side effect of hyaluronidase is an allergic reaction. According to studies, the statistical occurrence of allergic reactions to hyaluronidase is less than 1%, indicating that they are relatively rare. However, in rare cases, severe allergic reactions like anaphylactic shock have been reported.
At The Lab Clinic, to ensure your safety, we always conduct an allergy skin test before proceeding with the treatment. We inject a small amount of the substance into the skin on your arm to check for any adverse reactions. Only if the test results show no issues do we proceed with using hyaluronidase for your treatment.
Understanding Filler Types: Why Hyaluronic Acid Matters
Dermal fillers come in various types, depending on their ingredients, but the most commonly used and dissolvable fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA). The key to dissolving fillers lies in the ingredient hyaluronidase, an enzyme that specifically breaks down HA-based fillers.
To dissolve your filler with a hyaluronidase injection, the filler must be a hyaluronic acid-based product. These types of fillers are widely known for their safety and the ability to reverse their effects, which is why they are often referred to simply as "dissolvable fillers."
Popular hyaluronic acid fillers include:
Belotero, Juvederm, Restylane, and Elravie, among others.
On the other hand, non-dissolvable fillers include:
Ellanse, Radiesse, collagen fillers, and calcium-based fillers, which cannot be broken down by hyaluronidase.
What Happens if You Don't Use a Hyaluronic Acid Filler?
Using non-dissolvable fillers can present challenges if complications arise, such as irregular shapes, volume issues, or inflammation. In these cases, surgical removal may be the only option, which can be costly and time-consuming with no guarantee of complete filler extraction. For these reasons, we always recommend choosing high-quality hyaluronic acid fillers to ensure peace of mind and flexibility for adjustments.
Where Does the Dissolved Filler Go?
One of the most frequently asked questions we get is, "What happens to the filler once it's dissolved?"
Referring to a study published in 2013, which compiled data from previous experiments and was nearly textbook-ready, we can explain that even without filler treatments, the human body naturally contains hyaluronic acid. In fact, a 70 kg adult typically has around 15 grams of hyaluronic acid in their body, with approximately 5 grams of it naturally regenerating and breaking down every day, regardless of whether you've had filler treatments.
When hyaluronic acid encounters hyaluronidase, it breaks down into smaller components called tetrasaccharides. These are further metabolized by the liver, muscles, and kidneys, and eventually converted into energy. The final by-products, water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2), are then safely excreted from the body through urine.
This natural process ensures that your body handles the dissolved filler efficiently, just as it does with the hyaluronic acid that is naturally present in your system.
Will Hyaluronidase Affect My Natural Hyaluronic Acid?
A common concern is whether hyaluronidase might also dissolve the naturally occurring hyaluronic acid in your body or damage your skin.
The good news is that hyaluronidase is a targeted treatment—it only affects the area where it's injected, without impacting the natural HA levels throughout your body. Even if a tiny amount of natural HA is broken down, your body quickly replenishes it within a day or two, so there's no need for concern.
Best Practices for Re-Treatment
After using hyaluronidase to dissolve a filler, we recommend waiting at least two weeks before getting a new filler injection. Re-treating too soon could lead to the new filler being affected by any remaining hyaluronidase. It’s best to consult with your medical provider to determine the right timing for your next treatment.
What to Expect After Filler Dissolving
Post-treatment, it's normal to experience some swelling and bruising, which typically subsides within a week. While the treated area might look slightly swollen initially, this will gradually diminish, so there's no need to worry.
At The Lab Clinic, we take extra precautions to ensure your safety and satisfaction. We use advanced ultrasound technology to assess your filler placement and provide a thorough consultation.
Additionally, we conduct a patch test to check for any allergic reactions before proceeding with the hyaluronidase treatment, ensuring a safe and smooth experience.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, feel free to reach out to us at The Lab Clinic. We’re here to help you achieve the best results!
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