Why would I want to have my dermal filler dissolved?

Of course, it is not just the waning of the ‘overfilled’ aesthetic that has created this demand for filler dissolving. Even years after your last filler injection, a range of complications might arise that need attention, including: Serious complications such as loss of vision or skin necrosis ‘Tyndall effect’ – the kidney-shaped, blue swelling that can occur at the tear trough Unintended lumps and bumps – causing facial distortions, discolouration, swelling or contour irregularities Migration of filler – when filler has settled where it was not intended Granulomas – sores or a rash, when filler causes an allergic reaction or an infection Poorly administered filler that needs correction

How are HA dermal fillers dissolved?

Thankfully, HA dermal fillers (such as Revanesse, Belotero, Juvéderm, Restylane and Teoxane) can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that breaks down HA and helps correct unsatisfactory results or any complications that have occurred. In the UK, hyaluronidase is a prescription-only medication that can be injected (Hyalase) or applied to the skin topically (Topilase®). The hyaluronidase will break down the unwanted filler, allowing it to dissolve and be naturally eliminated by your body. Topilase®, which is filler dissolver that is rubbed onto the skin and not injected, is a suitable treatment for superficial contour irregularities; but not suitable for dissolving large quantities of filler or for improving deep filler. Topilase® can be used to subtly improve the contour in soft areas like the tear trough and lips; for more extensive filler dissolving, the injectable Hyalase is the better option.

Talk me through the filler-dissolving procedure

Prior to your appointment at The Clinic Holland Park, West London, you will need to have a patch test to ensure that you do not have a serious reaction to hyaluronidase. At your appointment, around 20 minutes before the procedure, the area to be treated is prepared with a numbing cream. Then, hyaluronidase is injected into the tissue, or rubbed into the skin, and the treated area is gently massaged to ensure proper distribution of the enzyme solution. The entire process (including your prep with numbing cream) will take approximately half an hour, and when it is finished, an aftercare cream will be applied to the treated areas. Results will be visible within minutes (greater effects evident within 72 hours, once all swelling has gone down), and fully effective within two weeks; but some clients may need more than one treatment to achieve their desired outcome.

Should I do anything pre procedure?

Please refrain from drinking alcohol for 24 hours before your filler dissolving procedure, and from taking blood-thinning medication (such as aspirin or ibuprofen) for at least three days beforehand.

Is there any downtime or aftercare to a filler-dissolving procedure?

Straight after this procedure, it is advised that no makeup be used for another 8 hours, and no strenuous exercise, nor extreme heat or cold, for 48 hours. While there is no downtime to filler-dissolving procedures, there may be mild bruising, tenderness or temporary swelling and redness at the injection site – all of which should resolve within a few days. Further, stay hydrated, and avoid blood-thinning medication (including aspirin, ibuprofen and vitamin E) for the following 48 hours – take paracetamol to manage any discomfort, or use arnica cream and ice packs to help with bruising. In rare instances, patients can have an allergic reaction to the filler-dissolver that will require immediate medical attention; notably, those who are allergic to bee and wasp stings are susceptible. A prior skin test must be undertaken to obviate such causes for concern; and rest assured that all our aesthetics procedures at The Clinic Holland Park, West London, are led by consultant oculoplastic surgeons.

But what if I am unhappy with my appearance after getting the filler dissolved?

This is a common concern: some patients are unhappy with the volume loss that results from dissolving filler, and may even think that they look worse. In anticipation of such outcomes, your practitioner will discuss all eventualities at your initial consultation for filler reversal. Rest assured that The Clinic Holland Park in West London offers a range of innovative, high-end treatments that effectively deal with skin laxity or loss of volume (from oculoplastic surgery to laser therapies and polynucleotide injectables). Remember: you are getting unwanted filler dissolved, so consider this aesthetics journey as an opportunity to welcome back your best self.