Does Filler Dissolve? Why,How & Methods-Natural, Enzymatic, Surgical
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  • International Clinics
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  • 03 February 2025
Cosmetic Dermatology (Cosmetology)

Does Filler Dissolve? Why, How & Methods-Natural, Enzymatic, Surgical

Table of content

Dermal fillers are presented as a rapid, simple, and effective solution for various cosmetic and aesthetic issues affecting different parts of the face and body.

Lip, nose, cheek, and under-eye fillers are among the most popular aesthetic procedures that enhance beauty and restore youthful appearance.

As a non-invasive and safe solution with a very high success rate, dermal fillers maintain their popularity despite the rise of newer cosmetic procedures like Botox, fat transfer, and PRP injection

However, in rare circumstances, you may need to remove these fillers shortly after injection. either for medical or aesthetic reasons.

Can dermal fillers be removed after injection? Do they dissolve naturally or are they permanent?

What interventions can dissolve fillers? Discover the answers in this article.

Does Filler Dissolve

Dermal Fillers: How Do They Work to Rejuvenate Your Youthful Beauty?

Dermal fillers are injectable treatments used in areas such as the lips, cheeks, jawline, and more to restore lost volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours.
With a wide range of substances available, fillers can be easily customized to meet each patient's specific needs.

How Fillers Work: Various Mechanisms Beyond Their Name

  • Filling spaces beneath loose skin, appear due to aging or fat loss from weight reduction. This helps smooth and straighten fine lines on the forehead, under the eyes, and around the mouth.

  • Adding volume to tissues, enhancing areas such as in the case of nose fillers, lips, and cheeks to create a more defined and balanced facial appearance.

  • Stimulating collagen production, as seen with fillers like Sculptra. Collagen, a protein responsible for skin strength and elasticity, contributes to a youthful and vibrant appearance.

1. Hyaluronic acid- HA- filler

HA It is a natural component of your body, it is a gel-like material that can fill and volumize the area into which it is injected.

HA is unabsorbable, meaning that it can not penetrate into the inside of your body, however, an enzyme within your body called hyaluronidase is able to degrade it.

Usually, you can achieve a rapid outcome after a HA injection. These outcomes typically last for 6 to 12 months

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is commonly used as a non-surgical option for facelifts and facial contouring to achieve desired aesthetic results.

2. Poly-L-Lactic acid “Sculptra”

Sculptra filler is a synthetic polymer, which works by enhancing collagen production, it acts slowly and the results may take several weeks to be visible.

However, it is popular due to its subtle, natural results that last for a prolonged period.

3. Calcium hydroxylapatite “Radiesse”

Calcium hydroxylapatite is present naturally in our body, and in the bone, but for aesthetic purposes, it can be safely and effectively injected in various areas of your face to volumize small areas, enhance facial balance, and fill loose skin and fine lines.

It also enhances collagen production It provides significant, rapid, and long-durable outcomes.

4. Silicone Fillers:

Injectable silicone is not approved by the FDA for use as dermal fillers.

These substances can cause serious complications if they migrate from the injection site, or if they are incorrectly injected into a blood vessel or in the wrong location by an inexperienced practitioner. Such complications can lead to severe or even fatal outcomes, including blood vessel blockage or gangrene.

However, some patients take the risk and choose to use silicone injections to enhance the volume of various body areas. Silicone is sometimes used as a buttock filler due to its rapid and significant results.

5. Fat grafting filler

This type of filler is categorized as a more invasive surgical cosmetic procedure as it involves the collection of injectable fat from your own body through a process called liposuction.

Your surgeon can harvest the excess fat from various sites; however, the abdomen and thighs are considered the best donor areas.

As a filler, fat provides both a natural look and feel, and if a sufficient amount of fat cells survives and settles at the injection site, it can create a wonderful and permanent youthful appearance.

Fat transfer is a well-known procedure for breast augmentation and buttock contouring using fat, a procedure commonly known as Brazilian butt lift. Recently, under-eye and lip fat transfer has also gained popularity.

Discover treatments: Facial Fillers Cost Breakdown

Filler Dissolve?

Do Fillers Dissolve on Their Own? Which Are the Easiest to Remove

That is true for some fillers but not for others.

For patients who prefer permanent results, undissolvable fillers such as silicone or the more natural and less risky option of fat transfer may be chosen.

HA and Sculptra are considered more natural, degradable, and temporary fillers. HA dissolves naturally at varying speeds, depending on the amount injected and the concentration of the dissolving enzyme, hyaluronidase.

Sculptra and Radiesse, on the other hand, are polymers that take a longer time to degrade naturally, which is why they last longer than HA. The type and length of the polymer influence the overall time required for degradation and, ultimately, the duration of the results.

As for silicone fillers, they neither dissolve nor degrade. They are permanent and last indefinitely.

This diversity of options is beneficial for meeting various patients' aesthetic goals. However, when you need to remove an unsuitable filler, you'll need to consider reversal options. But do people seek filler removal? Let’s explore this further.

When and Why Should You Remove a Filler?

Dermal fillers are a popular aesthetic procedure designed to enhance facial harmony, and balance, and meet beauty standards.

However, in some cases, filler injections may lead to undesired outcomes, making early removal and restoration of natural appearance necessary.

Reasons to Remove Dermal Fillers

  1. Unsatisfactory outcomes: Issues such as facial contouring irregularities, uneven texture, or formation may arise. These unfavorable results can occur by inexperienced practitioners.

  2. Overfilling: The growing trend of fillers has led some patients to believe that excess filler enhances beauty. However, this can result in an unnatural appearance and unfavorable outcomes.

  3. Filler migration: In rare instances, liquid filler can migrate from the injected area to nearby tissues, leading to uneven or unnatural results.

  4. Medical complications: Complications like allergic reactions, infections, granulomas, filler rejection, or persistent swelling at the injection site may require immediate attention.

If you need to remove fillers quickly and don't want to wait for them to dissolve naturally, consult our expert practitioners at International Clinics for safe and effective removal options. Book a free consultation now to find the best solution and restore your natural look!

How Long Does it Take for A Filler to Dissolve Naturally?

HA filler

6 to 12 months

Sculptra filler

2 to 3 years

Radiesse filler

12 to 18 months

Silicone injection

Non-dissolvable (permanent)

Fat transfer injection

Very poor absorption, often permanent if fat cells survive

Effective Ways to Remove Different Types of Fillers

The approved method for dissolving fillers is the injection of the enzyme hyaluronidase into the targeted site.

This approach is effective for removing hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers only, as other polymers and silicone fillers require surgical intervention for removal.

However, certain aesthetic issues can be addressed through various methods without completely removing the filler.

Fillers

Hyaluronidase: How Does It Dissolve Fillers? Can It Dissolve All?

Hyaluronidase is an injectable enzyme that dissolves hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers by breaking them down into tiny molecules that can be easily absorbed and eliminated by your body.

This is a natural process, as both HA and hyaluronidase are components naturally found in our bodies.

This makes it an easy, safe, and effective way to remove unwanted HA fillers from any area of your body.

Unfortunately, it does not work on polymers such as Sculptra or Radiesse, nor non-degradable materials like silicone.

How long does filler take to dissolve with hyaluronidase?

The time it takes for filler to dissolve with hyaluronidase varies depending on several factors, such as, the amount of filler, concentration of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and your body's natural healing and enzymatic processes but most results are noticeable within 24 to 48 hours after the injection.

In certain cases, surgical removal of filler is recommended for complications involving non-dissolvable fillers, such as silicone

You May Like: PRP vs Filler for Under Eyes: Which is Best for Dark Circles & Eye Bags?

Effective Solutions for Fixing Failed Fillers

Sometimes it's better to address filler imperfections rather than removing the filler completely.

While this approach doesn't work for all cases, it's valuable to consult an expert to determine the most effective solution.

There are various options available to help restore desired results.

How Microneedling Can Fix Filler Issues

Microneedling is an innovative cosmetic procedure that uses fine needles to make skin prick to stimulate the healing process and collagen production.

Microneedling does not remove fillers, however, it can improve the appearance of surface irregularities, such as lumps and uneven texture caused by filler imperfections.

Red Light Therapy for Uneven Fillers

The low-wavelength red light can stimulate collagen production, decrease inflammation, and promote the healing process.

This therapeutic approach is able to minimize only mild cases of superficial filler migration and unevennessو but it is less effective for deeper issues.

CO2 Laser to Fix Filler Problems

CO2 lasers are commonly used to address various facial cosmetic concerns such as scars, loose skin, fine lines, and uneven skin tone.

For filler imperfections, CO2 laser treatment can improve skin texture, help redistribute migrated filler, and reduce lumps and irregularities.

While it won't remove fillers completely, it can help correct undesirable results.

Morpheus8 for Better Skin After Fillers

Morpheus8 is a treatment that combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy. This innovative therapy provides deep treatment for skin laxity and sagging.

For filler-related concerns, it can tighten and firm loose skin after fillers dissolve or are removed.

Additionally, it helps even out treated areas, creating more balanced results without irregularities.

Microcurrent for Sagging Skin

In microcurrent, low-voltage electrical currents stimulate facial muscles, promote blood circulation, and enhance skin tone and texture.

Microcurrent doesn’t directly remove or dissolve fillers, it can enhance the overall appearance and skin tone, especially if there’s sagging and skin irregularities due to uneven filler placement.

Lip Plumpers for Minor Filler Fixes

Lip plumper products or tools are designed to temporarily enhance the fullness of the lips. They work by increasing blood flow to the lips or creating mild irritation using ingredients like capsaicin or cinnamon.

Lip plumpers are available as glosses, balms, or small suction devices.

Lip plumpers offer a temporary solution for correcting minor filler imperfections, especially in the lips.

How Much Does it Cost to Remove Filler?

The cost of filler dissolution using hyaluronidase injections depends on the amount of enzyme needed. The cost ranges from $100 to $400, while surgical intervention is more expensive, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $4,000

Essential Tips After Filler Removal or Dissolving

1. Avoid direct sunlight for a few days

2. Avoid pressure or massage the treated site

3. Rest is essential for proper healing

4. Never forget to consult an expert surgeon to guide you what is the best treatment for your filler issue.

Take Aways:

Dermal fillers are a versatile and effective solution for non-surgical facial enhancement.

However, there are instances where removal or adjustment is necessary.

Whether it's for medical reasons, aesthetic concerns, or complications, it's crucial to work closely with a skilled practitioner who can guide you through safe and effective options.

For personalized guidance, book a free consultation at International Clinics today!

Related options and topics:

Lip Flip With Botox

Permanent Lip Fillers

FAQ's

Lip filler, particularly hyaluronic acid-based fillers, typically dissolves within 6 to 12 months. If you're using an enzyme like hyaluronidase to dissolve it, it can take just a few days to a week to see results.

Yes, face fillers, especially those made from hyaluronic acid, do dissolve over time. They generally last between 6 to 18 months, depending on the type of filler used. Other fillers, like Sculptra, may last longer as they stimulate collagen production, but they also eventually break down naturally.

Lip fillers, typically made from hyaluronic acid (HA), usually dissolve within 6 to 12 months, depending on the type and amount of filler used. Factors such as metabolism, lifestyle, and the area treated can affect the speed of dissolution.

Filler can either dissolve or migrate. Some fillers, like hyaluronic acid, dissolve naturally over time, while others, such as silicone, are permanent. Migration occurs when the filler moves from the injection site to nearby areas, causing uneven results.

Lip filler dissolves gradually over 6-12 months. Using hyaluronidase can dissolve it in a few hours to days, depending on the filler type. Natural dissolution varies by metabolism.

Dissolving lip filler using hyaluronidase (the enzyme) is generally not painful. The procedure typically involves a few small injections of the enzyme into the treated area. Some people may experience mild discomfort or swelling at the injection site, but it's usually temporary and manageable. A numbing cream may be applied before the procedure to minimize any potential pain.

Yes, under-eye filler, typically made of hyaluronic acid (HA), will dissolve on its own over time, usually within 6 to 12 months.

Yes, nose filler, if made of hyaluronic acid (HA), will dissolve over time, typically within 6 to 12 months. However, results can vary depending on the type of filler used.

Fillers made of hyaluronic acid (HA) typically dissolve completely over time, usually within 6 to 12 months, depending on the type and the area treated. However, some fillers, like silicone or fat transfer, do not dissolve and are considered permanent.

Yes, after fillers dissolve, your face typically returns to its natural appearance, especially with temporary fillers like hyaluronic acid. Permanent fillers may require surgical removal if desired.

Yes, most fillers, like hyaluronic acid, eventually dissolve over time, typically within 6 to 12 months. However, some fillers, such as silicone, are permanent and do not dissolve naturally.