The "fill the line" approach to injectables are over. Kyle Jenner and Courteney Cox are just two examples of celebrities who publicly discussed why they had some filler dissolved. The latter said that she no longer looked like herself—a risk if filler is improperly injected in the wrong area or it migrates.
If you find yourself in the same position, you have options. The first is to let your body metabolize the filler over time. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers, such as Juvéderm and Restylane, start to break down in six to 24 months depending on the type.
As I mentioned in a previous post, one of the trickiest areas to fill is the tear trough. Misplaced filler can create a lumpy look. It can also create bluish hue under the eyes called the Tyndall effect. Most people don’t want to wait for their bodies to metabolize the filler—they want it addressed immediately.
Hyaluronidase is the antidote. The enzyme breaks down the hyaluronic acid. After an injection, you will see immediate results and the enzyme will continue to work over the next 24 to 48 hours.
One of the drawbacks is that it melts away all hyaluronic acid in the area. It doesn’t isolate the gel. So that could temporarily result in even thinner lips if you’re having lip filler dissolved. If there is a lot of filler being dissolved, it could take time for your skin to rebuild your natural hyaluronic acid within the layers of skin.
The strength of this treatment is that it can address a poor outcome quickly, which alleviates psychological stress and embarrassment. After a hyaluronidase injection, expect some swelling and bruising. Your skin will need at least two weeks to recuperate before another procedure.
Before you commit to any treatment, I can’t stress enough that just because the treatment is trending doesn’t mean that it’s an appropriate treatment for you.
Do your homework. Book a consultation. Ask questions about fixes if desired results aren’t achieved before you get the treatment. Ask about which filler is being used; there are some that can not be dissolved.
Most importantly, you need an injector who will keep in mind your anatomy, genetics, the aging process and your future face 10 years from now. Too much filler in the wrong areas can cause problems in the long run.
Some of my clients have been with me for more than a decade now. I love hearing that they are regularly mistaken for being five to 10 years younger. Their friends tell them that they “glow” or look “rested and fresh.” That’s what I want to hear. Remember, the days of looking done are done.
As always, I am here to help. Contact me if you have questions or want to discuss cosmetic injectables and skincare.
