Dissolving Hyaluronic Acid Filler

Sometimes, you don’t need to add more filler; you need to dissolve it. Hyaluronic acid filler can shift from its original placement, accumulate after multiple treatments, create unevenness, or simply no longer complement your features. Dissolving allows us to partially correct a specific area or fully remove previously placed filler. 

Dr. Olga Zilberstein dissolves hyaluronic acid filler in Brooklyn, NY, and Long Island, NY.

Why Would Filler Need to Be Dissolved?

Vascular Occlusion

A vascular occlusion is a rare but serious complication that can occur when hyaluronic acid filler enters or compresses a blood vessel and interferes with blood flow. Immediate dissolving may be necessary to help restore circulation.

Possible signs of a vascular occlusion may include:

• Severe or increasing pain
• Skin that becomes pale, white, or blanched
• Dusky, purple, or mottled discoloration
• Coolness in the treated area
• Unusual changes in the skin after treatment
• Blurred vision, loss of vision, or other sudden visual changes

A vascular occlusion is a medical emergency. Any provider performing hyaluronic acid filler treatments should be trained to recognize the signs, begin treatment immediately, and have hyaluronidase readily available in case of an emergency.

Filler Migration or Overfilling

Filler can spread beyond the intended area, creating a puffy or unnatural appearance. In the lips, this may look like fullness above the lip border. Under the eyes, it can cause puffiness or a visible bulge. Repeated nose fillers may also make the bridge appear wider. 

Asymmetry + Lumps and Bumps

If filler is placed or settles unevenly, one side may appear fuller than the other.  Visible lumps can occasionally develop depending on the product, placement, and how the filler settles. 

How Is Hyaluronic Acid Filler Dissolved?

Hyaluronic acid filler is dissolved using an injectable enzyme called Hyaluronidase. It is injected directly into the treatment area to break down the filler.

Hyaluronidase only works on hyaluronic acid fillers, including many products from the Juvéderm, Restylane, Belotero, and RHA collections. It cannot dissolve Radiesse or Sculptra.

Some patients only require one appointment, while others may need more than one session.

This can depend on:

• The type of hyaluronic acid filler used
• The amount of filler present
• How long the filler has been in the area
• Where the product was placed

Certain fillers made with Vycross technology, such as Juvéderm Voluma, Volbella, and Volux, may be more resistant to dissolving and require multiple sessions. In select cases, RF microneedling may also be used to help break down filler through controlled heat.

What Are the Possible Side Effects?

Temporary side effects may include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Bruising
• Itching
• Temporary unevenness
• Temporary loss of volume in the treated area

Although uncommon, an allergic reaction to hyaluronidase is possible. Your medical history and known allergies will be reviewed before proceeding.

Can I Get Filler Again After It Has Been Dissolved?

In most cases, filler can be placed again after the previous product has been removed and the area has fully healed.

We keep hyaluronidase on hand in both offices so we are prepared to dissolve when needed, whether for a cosmetic correction or an urgent complication. 

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Olga Zilberstein in Brooklyn, NY, or Hewlett, Long Island.