Dissolving Fillers: Your Questions Answered

Practitioners have noticed an increase in filler dissolving procedures which can be attributed to celebrities and influencers being more open about fillers and having them dissolved. Filler dissolving has been a big topic this week. Love Island’s Faye Winter, 26, who is currently living in the famous villa, shared the realities of having her lip filler dissolved on the show on Tuesday - while Geordie Shore’s Sophie Kassei, 31, revealed she recently had her filler dissolved following an ‘addiction’ to them in her younger years.

Demand for filler dissolving is increasing for two reasons,” explains Dr Kaywaan Khan, founder of Hannah London. “Sometimes people get filler from inexperienced practitioners and have complications which need correcting.”

The second reason for a turn in the filler tide is that trends are changing. “As this happens, what people want from fillers changes, resulting in clients wanting theirs dissolved to try something new.”

Indeed, Love Island’s Molly-Mae Hague, 22, had her fillers dissolved in favour of a more natural look earlier this year. “Lots of patients are wanting a more natural result and steering away from volumisation of the face now,” confirms Dr Mahsa Saleki, founder of sas aesthetics.

And while Molly-Mae and Faye are both in their twenties, Dr Kaywaan tell us that it’s mainly clients in their thirties and forties who enquire about filler dissolving. “They may have had filler in the past and want some of this dissolved to opt for a more graceful look.” 

Can all fillers be dissolved?

Fillers with silicone (which are sometimes used in the lips and face, cannot be dissolved). Other semi-permanent fillers such as Scultpra and Radiesse also can’t be dissolved. But temporary fillers, such as Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers can easily be dissolved.

“Some permanent and semi-permanent fillers cannot be dissolved - partly because they’re not intended to be, and partly because we don’t have the different types of enzymes or chemicals that can break them down,” explains Dr Kaywaan at Hannah London.

How are fillers dissolved?

Using Hyalase. This substance contains an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which breaks down hyaluronic acid. This will dissolve your filler - wherever it is in your face / body. It's then reabsorbed by the body.

What’s the fillers dissolving procedure like?

If somebody wants their filler dissolved, the first step is a consultation in which the practitioner aims to understand why the client wants the filler dissolved, why this is the case and what their different options are. “It may be that there is an alternative solution other than dissolving,” explains Dr Kaywaan. 

The procedure starts with the application of numbing cream and a skin prick test to see if there is any risk of allergy. If there is no allergic response, the Hyalase is injected into the desired area.

How quickly do fillers dissolve?

Results are sometimes immediate, though there will be swelling; so it can be hard to tell. After 48 hours when the swelling has decreased, the filler should be visibly dissolved. 

“In some cases where you want to dissolve only a small amount of product (such as a lump) we use smaller amounts of Hyalase. In these cases, if not enough has been dissolved, it may need to be repeated,” explains Dr Kaywaan.

Is it painful to remove filler?

Sometimes there can be a bit of a sting, but numbing cream can provide anaesthetic properties Dr Kaywaan advises.

Does skin look deflated after filler is dissolved?

Generally no, reassures Dr Kaywaan. “After the product is dissolved the lips should return to their previous appearance.”

Dr Mahsa does point out however,  that the longer you’ve had filler; the more likelihood there is that your skin won’t ping back as quickly. “The extent depends on how long the filler has been in place for. The longer the skin has been stretched, the more likely that it will need to either be tightened or in the case of the lips, refilled gently.”

Are there downsides to dissolving fillers?

There may be some redness, swelling and bruising associated with the needle and treatment - and there is a risk of allergic reaction to the dissolving agent; but a skin prick test is carried out to minimise this risk. 

“It is possible that the Hyalase could break down some of your natural hyaluronic acid, causing some skin puckering and unevenness, but this is avoided by using the correct concentrations and dilutions,” says Dr Kaywaan Khan. “If this does happen, the body will also make the hyaluronic acid again naturally to replace any that is lost.”

There can be psychological side effects too, cautions Dr Mahsa Saleki. “It can be difficult for patients to get to grips with their features and self perception during the period of dissolving.”