Complications of dermal fillers have become increasingly common, and the treatment’s popularity continues to rise as the number of unqualified, inexperienced ‘practitioners increases exponentially. Also, other patients resort to Filler Dissolve if dermal fillers provide unsatisfactory results. Luckily, these non-permanent fillers can be readily dissolved using Hyaluronidase’s proper methods.
Since dermal fillers consist of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the body, it can be naturally broken down via metabolic processes. The main protein enzyme in this action is Hyaluronidase, which is naturally produced by the human body. The natural supply of Hyaluronidase usually digests excess or old HA molecules, but they can also break down most HA-based fillers.
What Is Hyaluronidase Used For?
Filler Dissolve uses Hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid and has been used in medical applications for over 60 years. Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, Hyaluronidase has been used for the following indications:
- Subcutaneous fluid infusion (hypodermoclysis).
- As an auxiliary to accelerate the absorption and dispersion of drugs in subcutaneous tissue or to manage extravasation.
- As a supplement to promote the absorption of contrast media in urinary tract angiography (subcutaneous urography).
On the other hand, hyaluronic acid has become frequently used for cosmetic purposes. It can be dissolved using Hyaluronidase when results are unsatisfactory or generally used to treat severe complications associated with hyaluronic acid filler injections like tissue necrosis and blindness or to treat bad cosmetic outcomes such as lumps and bumps. Lately, Hyaluronidase treatment is being requested to reverse the good and sought-after effects of hyaluronic acid fillers to promote a natural look and self-confidence.
In addition, Hyaluronidase may be needed when the filler is misplaced or when there is the migration of the hyaluronic acid product, which, at least to some extent, is to be expected as time goes by.
How Does Hyaluronidase Work?
Hyaluronidase breaks down dermal fillers by hydrolysis, where water is used to break down larger molecules into 2 or smaller constituents. As enzyme reactions are precise, the surrounding tissue is unaffected by this action. Because of this, most HA-based filler procedures are easily reversible because Hyaluronidase readily digests HA.
By carefully injecting controlled amounts of Hyaluronidase into the correct areas, HA-fillers in undesirable areas can be permanently dissolved, effectively reversing unsatisfactory results or responding to emergencies where dermal filler has been accidentally injected into blood vessels.
What Happens During A Filler Dissolving Treatment?
Step One – Consultation and Consent
It is important to understand that, while dermal fillers are not prescription-only medicines, one way to dissolve them is using Hyaluronidase. Since the anatomy of the face is complex, it is advisable to allow medically qualified practitioners only to carry out filler treatments and filler dissolving treatments.
Step Two – The Treatment
The treatment will take about an hour, possibly longer.
The first part of the treatment will be administering an anesthetic to make the treatment as comfortable as possible.
Step Three – The Check-Up
It is good practice for the practitioner to offer a free check-up two weeks after the treatment. For the reason that it allows them to check that the dose they administered was appropriate for the agreed outcome.
Step Four – The Repeat Treatment
Whether the existing filler has been completely dissolved, additional dissolving treatment may be necessary. The practitioner will advise regarding when a patient may require a repeat treatment.
How To Prepare For A Filler Dissolving Treatment?
Before the treatment, avoid taking aspirin (unless prescribed by a doctor), ibuprofen, vitamin E and C, and fish oil supplements. These may increase bleeding and bruising, but the patient can take paracetamol.
However, it is a must to inform the practitioner of any prescription medications taken. Also, the patient should not have any anti-wrinkle injections 48 hours before or 48 hours after filler dissolving treatments.
What Are The Side Effects Of Dissolving Fillers?
Immediately after injecting Hyaluronidase into the area, the patient may experience potential bruising and visible swelling. These side effects will be resolved within 48-72 hours, depending on the area and how much filler must be dissolved. However, it will take two weeks to dissolve all filler and settle back naturally.
Also, a patient may experience initial pain such as a stinging sensation when the Hyaluronidase is injected and potential mild discomfort from the bruising and swelling. However, the patient will no longer experience further pain in the area after 24-48 hours. Other risks include tenderness and redness around the injection site, which may take 2-7 days to vanish completely, especially around the lips where little flesh and skin are tender.
Before undergoing new dermal filler treatments, a patient should wait at least 2 weeks. The reason for this is to ensure that any swelling and bruising have subsided. In case of any upcoming treatments scheduled soon, Hyaluronidase will dissolve the new filler.
How Many Treatments Are Needed To Dissolve The Filler?
Patients need to note that the corrective and revision process may take time, requiring multiple treatments. More sessions may be necessary for certain types of dermal fillers due to the way the molecules in the filler are cross-linked. The previous volume of dermal filler injected and how long the filler has been present can also impact treatment success.
Larger volumes of filler injected years ago may need 3 to 4 sessions of dissolving before full resolution. Often, dissolving fillers can be performed at two weekly intervals. In most cases, almost full resolution and dermal filler removal usually happen after one or two sessions.
The Bottom Line
Since not all patients will love the results of their fillers, the good news is that there is a medication that can be injected to dissolve the filler directly. Enhance Medical Aesthetics offers Filler Dissolve using Hyaluronidase, an enzyme that naturally exists in the body, while the hyaluronic acid filler breaks down and is safely eliminated by the body. At Enhance Medical Aesthetics, they believe that you deserve treatments performed with safety as the highest priority, leaving you with naturally beautiful results.
