Dissolving Lip Injections, Cost, Aftercare & What to Expect When Removing Lip Fillers
Lip fillers made from hyaluronic acid can be safely dissolved by an injectable enzyme called hyaluronidase which breaks down and eliminates the filler. This quick, non-surgical procedure gently restores lips to their natural state.
Have your lip fillers left you with an unnatural “trout pout” or lumpy, uneven lips? Don’t worry – with today’s technology, lip fillers can be safely dissolved and removed!
In this article, we’ll explain what fillers can and can’t be dissolved, plus provide tips to ensure your lip filler dissolution is done properly and safely by a trained professional. Learn all about how to dissolve lip fillers and return your lips to their natural state with minimal discomfort, downtime and optimal results.
What are Lip Fillers?
Lip fillers are a type of injectable dermal filler used to increase the fullness and definition of lips. The most common lip fillers are made from hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the skin that helps provide volume and hydration. When injected into the lips, the hyaluronic acid-based fillers add shape and volume.
Lip fillers are injected using small amounts of filler strategically placed at different depths within the lips. The effects are seen immediately and typically last 6-12 months before the filler is naturally absorbed by the body.
This aesthetic procedure is popular because it offers a non-surgical option for getting plumper, fuller looking lips with minimal downtime.However, some people later wish to dissolve the fillers because they are unhappy with the results, such as overly filled “duck lips,” or they want a more natural look again.
Ask about Bellava MedAesthetics’ selection of expertly administered lip filler options to enhance your pout. Schedule a consultation today
Can You Dissolve Lip Fillers?
Lip fillers made of hyaluronic acid can safely and effectively be dissolved. An injectable enzyme called hyaluronidase is used to dissolve hyaluronic acid fillers. When injected into the lips, the enzyme breaks down the filler molecules, allowing the filler to be absorbed and cleared away.
The dissolver works because hyaluronidase rapidly breaks down hyaluronic acid, which is what most lip fillers are composed of. Within 24-48 hours after injection, the enzyme starts dissolving the filler. Some types of lip fillers, like silicone or PMMA, cannot be dissolved, but these are less commonly used.
The Process of Dissolving Fillers
Dissolving lip fillers is a relatively quick and non-invasive procedure. It is typically performed in a medical spa or plastic surgeon’s office. The process takes about 15-30 minutes.
Here are the basic steps:
- The skin is cleaned and numbed with a topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort.
- Hyaluronidase is injected in small amounts into several points along the lips.
- The filler begins breaking down immediately. Patients may experience some swelling for 1-2 days afterward.
- Follow up appointments may be scheduled to inject additional dissolvers if needed.
- Within 2-14 days the filler should be completely dissolved. Lips return to their pre-injected state.
- Results are seen quickly, but it may take 4-6 weeks for some types of filler to be eliminated from the body.
What are the Dissolving Substances Used?
The primary substance used to dissolve hyaluronic acid fillers is hyaluronidase. This naturally occurring injectable enzyme breaks down and effectively eliminates HA filler material.
There are several brand name hyaluronidase products that may be used:
| Product Name | Description |
| Hylenex | A highly purified form of hyaluronidase derived from an engineered human cell line, providing rapid dispersion and absorption of HA. |
| Vitrase | A purified form of the enzyme specially formulated for injections, quickly dissolving HA fillers. |
| Amphadase | Another brand name for a recombinant human hyaluronidase injection, working within minutes to begin breaking down HA. |
Hyaluronidase has been used safely in medical procedures for over 50 years. When injected to dissolve fillers, potential temporary side effects can include:
- Redness and swelling at injection sites
- Mild bruising or tenderness
- Moderate discomfort or stinging
Proper injection technique, sterilization, and aftercare minimize the risks of these potential effects. In rare cases of allergy, more severe reactions are possible.
Some providers may also supplement the dissolving injections with a small dose of steroid medication like dexamethasone. The steroid helps control localized inflammation, which accelerates the filler breakdown process.
How Long Does It Take for Lip Fillers to Dissolve?
On average, it takes 2-14 days for lip fillers to be completely dissolved after injection of hyaluronidase. However, several factors can influence this timeframe.
- Type and Amount of Filler
Thicker and denser fillers may indeed take longer to break down compared to lighter formulations. The specific characteristics of the filler used play a significant role in how quickly it dissolves.
- Injection Location and Depth
The location and depth of the injected filler can impact how quickly it dissolves. Fillers placed deeper in the tissue may take longer to break down than those injected superficially.
- Enzyme Dosage
The amount of hyaluronidase injected is crucial — a higher dosage can lead to faster breakdown of the filler.
- Age and Metabolism
Younger patients with faster metabolisms may experience quicker dissolution of fillers, as metabolic rates can affect how rapidly substances are processed by the body.
- Inflammatory Reaction
Swelling and inflammation following the injection of hyaluronidase can prolong the dissolution process, as these reactions may temporarily affect how the filler is absorbed.
Most patients typically see a visible reduction in lip volume within 1-3 days, with many experiencing significant changes by 7-14 days post-injection. However, it can take up to 4-6 weeks for all traces of the filler to be eliminated from the body through natural metabolic processes.
Bellava MedAesthetics’ experienced injectors will advise you on a realistic timeline for dissolving your specific lip filler. Start your journey with us
Does Dissolving Lip Fillers Hurt?
Dissolving lip fillers generally involve minimal pain. The process includes injecting small amounts of hyaluronidase just under the skin. Patients may experience a slight stinging or burning sensation during the injection, similar to the sensations felt during the initial lip filler injections.
A local numbing agent is often applied before the procedure, and the lip area may remain numb for up to 2 hours afterward. This helps enhance comfort during the process.
After the injections, common side effects include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Redness
These effects are typically mild and can last for a few days. Most patients find that they do not require pain medication beyond over-the-counter options like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Applying cold compresses can also help reduce swelling and discomfort.
For those concerned about pain, some practitioners may offer a dental block, which numbs the entire lip area for a more comfortable experience.
Can You Dissolve Lip Fillers at Home?
It is not recommended to try dissolving lip fillers at home. The enzyme hyaluronidase is only available through a licensed medical professional. Attempting to dissolve fillers without proper training could result in serious complications, such as ulcerations, uneven results, infection, and permanent damage.
The dissolving injections must be carefully and properly administered under sterile conditions for safety. Seeking professional guidance also ensures you get the right dose and technique tailored to your specific filler and lips.
While some “at-home” lip filler dissolving kits claim to work, they are unregulated and questionable. It is always best to have lip fillers dissolved by an experienced, board-certified provider for optimal results and safety.
Can You Get Lip Fillers Right After Dissolving?
It is recommended to wait at least 2 weeks after having your lip fillers dissolved before getting new filler injected. This allows time for the previous filler to be fully eliminated and for any swelling or inflammation to subside.
Getting lip fillers too soon after dissolving can lead to:
- Inaccurate results: Remaining filler or swelling makes it hard to assess desirable shape and volume.
- Increased swelling: Quickly adding new filler exacerbates swelling and discomfort.
- Difficulty injecting: Residual filler can interfere with evenly distributing new filler.
- Diluted effects: New filler interspersed with old filler impacts aesthetic results.
- Asymmetry: Uneven dissolution may cause uneven or bumpy appearance with new filler added.
- Allergic reaction: Potential greater hypersensitivity reaction to new filler material.
Waiting the recommended 2-4 weeks allows your lips to stabilize and reset to their pre-injected state. This allows our provider to properly evaluate your lips and achieve optimal injected filler placement and results.
Let our Bellava MedAesthetics experts advise you on the ideal timing to receive new lip filler injections after dissolving. Contact us today
What Happens if Lip Fillers Aren’t Dissolved Properly?
Getting lip fillers dissolved by an unqualified provider can unfortunately result in complications like:
| Complication | Description |
| Bumps and Nodules | Hard lumps or nodules may form if lip fillers are not adequately dissolved, which can be felt or seen in the lips. |
| Asymmetry | Inadequate dissolution can lead to uneven results, where one side of the lips may appear over or under-corrected. |
| Discoloration | Prolonged bruising, redness, and swelling may occur due to an inflammatory reaction if the filler is not properly dissolved. |
| Scarring | Poor injection technique can result in scar tissue formation, leading to long-term changes in lip texture and appearance. |
| Loss of Lip Structure | Over-dissolving can lead to excessive loss of natural lip volume, resulting in a flatter appearance. |
| Frozen Upper Lip | Incorrect injection of hyaluronidase may cause paralysis of the lip muscles, leading to a “frozen” appearance. |
| Vascular Occlusion | A serious complication occurs when blood supply to tissues is cut off due to filler being injected into a blood vessel, potentially resulting in necrosis. |
| Infection | An unsterile technique can introduce bacteria at the injection site, leading to painful infections requiring medical treatment. |
| Allergic Reaction | There is a risk of allergic reactions to hyaluronidase, which could lead to increased sensitivity and adverse effects. |
The risks associated with improperly dissolving lip fillers underscore the importance of having the procedure performed by a qualified and licensed provider. Patients should thoroughly research their injector’s qualifications and experience to minimize these risks.
Conclusion
If you are unhappy with your lip filler results or want them dissolved for any other reason, make sure to consult with a trusted plastic surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist. They can advise you if and how your specific filler can be dissolved, any risks or limitations, aftercare, and what to expect during your recovery. With professional help, dissolving lip fillers can help you gracefully return your lips to their natural state.
