Dissolving Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers that contain hyaluronic acid can be dissolved using synthetic hyaluronidase, often referred to as Hyalase® in the UK. Hyaluronidases are enzymes that depolymerise hyaluronic acid, leading to its degradation.  Indeed our own body produces naturally occuring hyaluronidase, which is why your dermal fillers disappear over a period of about 6-18 months. Hyaluronidase will not dissolve fillers like Ellanse®, Sculptra® or Radiesse®.

Hyaluronidase is used off-licence in the UK for the management of vascular complications (rare) following inadvertent intra-vascular dermal filler placement, over-correction, asymmetry, and lumps and nodules caused by injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers.  Although hyaluronidase is not licensed for use in correcting problems with dermal filler injections and off-label promotion is not allowed; the use of hyaluronidase is allowed providing the patient's best interests and autonomy are respected as part of an informed consent process.

Hyaluronidase is a prescription-only medicine(POM) and therefore, should only be used by appropriately trained medical practitioners that are competent to prescribe it.

While hyaluronidase can be used for the correction of undesirable lip filler results, it may not always be the best course of action and the risks and benefits must be carefully considered before proceeding with treatment.  

If you are considering dissolving dermal fillers treatment, it is important to contact an appropriately trained and experienced practitioner.  Kelly will only offer this treatment (to remove filler for undesirable results) following a thorough consultation that takes into account a wide range of factors to make sure you are suitable for treatment.  Our clinics at Faversham, Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Sandwich are able to offer this treatment.

The most serious complication following the administration of hyaluronidase is an allergic reaction. While the risk is relatively small (occurring at a rate of 1/2000 to 1/100 depending on the data source), we must make you aware of the possibility.

Allergic reactions can range in severity from localised redness, pain and itching to anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction which can be life-threatening and requires immediate treatment.  Anyone who has suffered a previous anaphylactic reaction may be at increased risk of an allergic reaction.

An intra-dermal patch test will be carried out in clinic prior to the treatment.  This involves injecting a small amount of hyaluronidase superficially under the skin on the forearm and  observing you for at least 20 minutes to ensure there are no signs of reaction. 

We also require the client to remain within the clinic for 60 minutes following the procedure for observation.  An aftercare sheet will also be provided.

Following the procedure bruising, pain and swelling are common. While these symptoms are usually mild to moderate in effect and resolve after a few days, occasionally bruising can be more significant and may take longer to settle down fully.

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme which breaks down hyaluronic acid dermal fillers but it can also break down naturally occuring hyaluronic acid present in the body, the results can be unpredictable and dramatic and some temporary loss of natural volume and skin laxity maybe experienced until the body naturally replaces its lost natural hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronidase often works to break down dermal fillers quickly and some effects may be seen immediately, however, it can take up to 14 days for the final results to be seen and treatment may need to be repeated.

Further dermal fillers should not be injected into the treated area for at least 2 weeks post treatment to allow bruising and swelling to settle fully but also to avoid the risk of any new dermal filler injected from dissolving!

Sometimes simply leaving the filler to break down naturally may be the best course of action.  The time that it takes will be dependent upon the product that has been used and of course the client themselves.

If you are considering this treatment option, please book a free aesthetic consultation with Kelly so that you can discuss together if this treatment is appropriate for you.  This treatment is available at the Faversham and Ramsgate clinics.