Getting dermal fillers are one of the most popular ways to turn back the hands of time without surgery. In just a few simple injections, patients can fill in wrinkles, improve sagging skin and even contour a specific area of the face. Fillers are used to plump lips and add cheek volume, and some plastic surgeons can even use them to perform a non-surgical nose job.
While dermal fillers are temporary, the latest products can last 12 to 18 months or more! This a significant benefit for those that attained ideal results with their fillers. But what if you are unhappy with the way your filler treatment turned out? Rest assured, there is a solution – a “magic eraser” for dermal fillers if you will.
Hyaluronidase is a special, naturally occurring enzyme that can dissolve hyaluronic acid. Since most fillers, such as those from Juvederm® and Restylane® are Hyaluronic Acid based, this means that when injected into the targeted area of the face, hyaluronidase can essentially erase what has been previously been done. It can be used to either reduce the amount of filler placed or eliminate it altogether.
Reasons for Wanting to Reverse a Filler
There are many explanations for why a patient may request hyaluronidase to reverse their recent filler, including the following:
- Performed poorly by an unskilled or inexperienced injector
- Results were “too drastic” or “not what I expected”
- Too much filler
- Asymmetrical outcome
- Lumps, granuloma or nodules
- Adverse reaction, prolonged swelling
- Tyndall effect – when fillers are placed too shallow and produce a bluish appearance
Facial fillers such as Juvederm®, Restylane®, and Belotero® all contain hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a natural component of the skin and is tolerated very well by most patients. However, all dermal fillers require a certain level of expertise and artistry from the injector. That’s why it is very important to choose a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to perform your filler injections. This can dramatically lessen your chances of obtaining unsatisfactory results.
The Safety Net of Hyaluronidase
The option of having hyaluronidase to dissolve a filler can be a huge sigh of relief for patients who would otherwise be stuck with their poor results for many months. Hyaluronidase injections are considered very safe and have been used in medicine for years. Getting these injections are just as simple as getting your filler. The remarkable perk of hyaluronidase, however, is that it works very fast. Some patients notice results in just minutes as the enzyme immediately goes to work to dissolve the HA-based filler product. Lastly, hyaluronidase can be used anytime after you receive a filler, whether it is just hours or several months later.
At Olansky Dermatology, we take pride in our ability to deliver highly satisfactory results in dermal fillers. However, if you don’t have to live with the results of HA filler if you’re not happy. Whether you tried to save money and used a less qualified provider, or you suffered a rare adverse reaction to the product, we are happy to discuss your eligibility to receive filler reversal using hyaluronidase.
