Filler Dissolving / Hyaluronidase

What is Filler Dissolving / Hyaluronidase Treatment?

Hyaluronidase is an injectable enzyme used to dissolve hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers.

It may be used to correct unwanted filler, asymmetry, nodules, overfilling, migration, or certain filler-related complications. Hyaluronidase only dissolves hyaluronic acid filler and will not dissolve products such as Radiesse, Sculptra, silicone, or other non-hyaluronic acid materials.

How Does It Work?

The enzyme breaks down hyaluronic acid filler so the body can naturally absorb it, helping correct unwanted filler, asymmetry, nodules, or certain filler complications.

Results may begin quickly, but swelling from the injection process can temporarily make the area look fuller or more uneven before it improves. More than one dissolving session may be needed depending on the amount, location, and age of the filler.

Pre-Treatment Instructions

  • Tell your provider what filler was placed, when it was placed, where it was placed, and whether you have had dissolving treatment before.
  • Inform your provider about all medications, supplements, allergies, medical conditions, recent procedures, and changes in your health.
  • Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before treatment when possible to reduce bruising and swelling risk.
  • Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, fish oil, vitamin E, garlic, ginkgo biloba, and other blood-thinning medications or supplements before treatment unless directed by your healthcare provider.
  • Arrive with clean skin and no makeup over the treatment area when possible.
  • Notify your provider if you have a history of severe allergies, anaphylaxis, bee/wasp allergy, or prior reaction to hyaluronidase.

What to Expect During Treatment

  • Treatment usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on the area and amount of filler being dissolved.
  • You may feel brief stinging, burning, pressure, or tenderness during injection.
  • Swelling can occur quickly and may temporarily look worse before improving.
  • More than one dissolving session may be needed.
  • Your provider may reassess the area after swelling settles before recommending additional dissolving, correction, or future filler treatment.

Post-Treatment Care and Expectations

  • Mild swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness, itching, or temporary asymmetry may occur after treatment.
  • Swelling may be more noticeable in delicate areas such as the lips or under-eyes.
  • The treated area may continue to change as the filler breaks down and swelling resolves.
  • Avoid touching, rubbing, or massaging the treated area unless instructed by your provider.
  • Wait until swelling settles before reassessing whether additional dissolving, filler, or correction is needed.

What to Avoid

  • Avoid strenuous exercise, heat, saunas, hot tubs, and alcohol for the period recommended by your provider.
  • Avoid makeup directly over injection sites until the skin is closed and clean.
  • Do not rub, massage, or manipulate the treated area unless instructed.
  • Avoid dental work, facial massage, or other aesthetic procedures near the treated area until cleared by your provider.
  • Do not schedule new filler placement too soon after dissolving; your provider will guide timing based on your healing and treatment goals.

Skin Care

  • Use gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen after treatment.
  • Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids, scrubs, and harsh or irritating products over the treated area for the period recommended by your provider.
  • Keep injection sites clean and avoid applying unapproved products over open or irritated skin.
  • Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily to protect the skin while bruising or irritation resolves.

Additional Recommendations

  • Apply a cool compress briefly if recommended by your provider to reduce swelling or tenderness.
  • Sleep with your head slightly elevated the first night if swelling is present.
  • Topical or oral arnica may be used if recommended by your provider to support bruising recovery.
  • Take photos if swelling, discoloration, or tenderness worsens so your provider can assess changes.

Integrative Therapy Options

  • LED Light Therapy may be recommended to calm visible redness and support comfort after injection-based treatments.
  • A Haus Ritual Facial or Hydrafacial may be recommended after the area has healed to support hydration and skin quality.
  • Pharmaceutical-grade skincare may be recommended to support barrier repair, hydration, and long-term skin health.
  • Lymphatic drainage is not typically performed immediately over a recently dissolved area unless specifically cleared by your provider.

Risks and Possible Side Effects

While Filler Dissolving / Hyaluronidase is generally well tolerated when performed by qualified providers, side effects may include but are not limited to:

  • Temporary swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness, itching, or asymmetry.
  • Overcorrection or dissolving of more filler than intended.
  • Allergic reaction, including rare severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.
  • Infection, prolonged swelling, or tissue changes, rarely.
  • Temporary worsening in appearance due to swelling or uneven dissolution before the area settles.
  • Need for additional dissolving sessions or future corrective treatment.
  • Results vary individually and cannot be guaranteed.

When to Contact Your Provider

Please contact our office promptly if you experience:

  • Worsening swelling, bruising, redness, itching, or tenderness that does not improve as expected.
  • Increasing warmth, drainage, pus, fever, or other signs of infection.
  • Persistent lumps, contour irregularity, or asymmetry after swelling has settled.
  • Unexpected skin color changes, new discomfort, or concerns about how the area is healing.
  • Any questions, concerns, or unexpected reactions following treatment.

Seek Immediate or Emergency Care If

  • You develop hives, difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat tightness, dizziness, fainting, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.
  • You experience sudden vision changes, severe headache, severe dizziness, or neurologic symptoms.
  • You notice severe or increasing pain, white/pale skin, gray or dusky discoloration, blistering, or worsening skin breakdown near a treated area.
  • You experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or any symptom that feels severe or rapidly worsening.

Follow-Up Care

  • Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so your provider can monitor healing and assess your results.
  • Your provider may recommend reassessment after swelling has settled to determine whether additional hyaluronidase is needed.
  • If you plan to replace filler after dissolving, your provider will recommend an appropriate waiting period based on your response and treatment goals.
  • Discuss additional treatments, maintenance plans, or alternative options with your provider if needed.

FAQ

Q: Will hyaluronidase dissolve all types of filler?

A: No. Hyaluronidase dissolves hyaluronic acid-based fillers only. It does not dissolve non-hyaluronic acid products such as Radiesse, Sculptra, silicone, or PMMA-type products.

Q: How quickly will I see results?

A: Some change may be visible within hours, but swelling can temporarily distort the area. Final reassessment is usually best once swelling has settled.

Q: Will I need more than one session?

A: Possibly. The number of sessions depends on the type, amount, location, age, and depth of the filler as well as your individual response.

Q: Can I refill the area afterward?

A: Often yes, but timing should be determined by your provider after the area has settled and the reason for dissolving has been addressed.

Summary

Filler Dissolving / Hyaluronidase can be a helpful treatment option when performed for the right candidate with proper preparation, realistic expectations, and appropriate follow-up care.

If you have any questions or concerns before or after your treatment, please contact our office.