Everything That Happens When You Dissolve Lip Filler

It may be due to an unsatisfactory result or changes in tastes and trends, but the process of dissolving lip filler has become more commonplace. One of the best aspects about a treatment like hyaluronic acid injections is that they can be undone if needed. To hit the rewind button on a lip enhancement, the name of the game is an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which dissolves the filler. Here is everything you need to know about how it works and whether your lips will ever be the same.

Featured Experts

• Doris Day, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in New York
• Lesley Loss, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Rochester, NY
• Ralph R. Garramone, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Fort Myers, FL
• Marina Peredo, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in New York
• Kally Papantoniou, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Melville, NY
• Daniel Hatef, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Nashville, TN
• Irene Gladstein, MD is a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon in New York

How do you know when you may need your lip filler dissolved?

You may need your lip filler dissolved if you experience unsatisfactory results, such as overfilled lips, asymmetry, or lumps. Changes in personal taste or shifting beauty trends can also prompt the desire to dissolve lip filler. Consulting with a dermatologist or qualified injector can help determine if dissolving is the best course of action for your specific situation.

What does the process of dissolving lip filler entail?

It’s only recommended to use hyaluronic acid dermal filler on the lips. “Some are easier to dissolve than others, but all can be dissolved or even extruded for removal,” says New York dermatologist Doris Day, MD. “The dissolver is an enzyme called hyaluronidase that dissolves the hyaluronic acid pretty much right on contact. It can sting or burn on injection and then the area is gently massaged to help increase contact with the solution and the hyaluronic acid. We can fully dissolve or ‘reverse sculpt’ by only dissolving some of the filler and recontouring in the process.”

Which fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase?

“Only fillers with hyaluronic acid, such as Juvéderm, Restylane, RHA and Revanesse Versa can be dissolved with this enzyme,” explains Rochester, NY dermatologist Lesley Loss, MD. “Longer-lasting fillers like Radiesse and Sculptra, made of calcium hydroxyapatite and poly-L-lactic acid, respectively, cannot be dissolved with hyaluronidase.”

How long does dissolving lip filler take?

According to Fort Myers, FL plastic surgeon Ralph R. Garramone, MD, you should see the enzyme take effect immediately. “Right after the product is injected you can see the filler dissipate and start to dissolve,” he says. “Usually at two days you can see the results of the filler dissolving. If more is needed at that time, at 48 hours more can be injected.”

Can you dissolve all your lip filler in one sitting?

How many sessions it takes depends on the case, says New York dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD. This is due to the time it takes to do a revision—it requires patience as it can be a mystery as to what was used and how the filler will react. 

“It may take multiple sessions because it depends on the type of filler that was used. Sometimes if you’re doing the revision, you may not know how much was injected and exactly where it was injected by the other injector. It can be a bit of a guessing game,” Dr. Peredo explains. “If the original injector used older filler like Restylane or Juvéderm Ultra that is an older technology and not crosslinked like the HA fillers we use more commonly now, it takes a lesser amount of hyaluronidase and fewer treatments to dissolve them. Newer fillers that are highly crosslinked can take longer to dissolve.”

Does dissolving lip filler hurt?

Melville, NY dermatologist Kally Papantoniou, MD says pain is not a factor and while there is a bit of a sting or a “bite” to the injections, you can expect to feel something similar to what you did when you first had them filled. “It is comparable in pain to fillers, but involves fewer injections, and topical numbing can be applied if discomfort is a concern,” she points out.

“You’ll experience swelling, and your body will take time to absorb the byproducts, primarily water, blood, and serum,” adds Nashville plastic surgeon Daniel Hatef, MD.

What are the side effects of dissolving filler?

Common side effects of dissolving lip filler include swelling, bruising and discomfort at the injection site. There may also be a temporary alteration in lip shape or size until the body fully absorbs the byproducts of the dissolved filler. Allergic reactions to hyaluronidase are rare, highlighting the critical importance of ensuring the procedure is performed by a qualified professional.

How much does it cost to get lip filler dissolved?

“It’s so much harder to dissolve lip filler than to start with the right lip enhancement, so I always tell people to go to a qualified injector and not look for a ‘deal’ or value,” advises Dr. Peredo. “Every time I have a patient come in to have me ‘fix’ their lips and dissolve poorly placed or overdone fillers, it’s between $300 to $600 per session. So, making sure you’re going to the right person to begin with is invaluable.”

Will lips appear to be deflated after dissolving lip filler?

There’s a common misconception that lips will appear deflated or flat after dissolving filler, but according to Dr. Peredo, that’s not necessarily true. “No, they won’t look stretched out, and often the natural outcome is much more appealing than an over-inflated look. However, if the lips aren’t proportionate after dissolving filler, they can be refilled. The challenge is convincing patients to take a break in between to allow them to settle and reassess.”

Can you dissolve filler that was placed years ago?

Hyaluronic acid–based fillers typically have a lifespan of about a year, sometimes extending to two years. However, there are cases where patients retain filler in their bodies for longer periods. In these instances, experts confirm that hyaluronidase can still effectively dissolve the filler. Dr. Hatef emphasizes, “Yes, it will. Some filler may persist because the body has developed scar tissue around it, which can make resolution difficult. Nonetheless, filler can eventually be dissolved even after a prolonged period.”

“I have seen some fillers placed over a year ago that persist or have left an undesirable result,” adds Dr. Loss. “They can still be dissolved, but depending on the product it may require a few treatments. The fillers that last longer often require a few treatment sessions.” 

According to New York oculoplastic surgeon Irene Gladstein, MD, you should not let the age of the filler you want dissolved to discourage you. “I have personally dissolved filler in tear trough that was over 10 years of age,” she says. “The most important criteria is not the ‘age’ of the problem, but the reassurance that product in question is indeed hyaluronic acid.”

How long before you can have lip filler injected again?

Some injectors prefer to wait a few weeks after the dissolved filler has dissipated fully before re-injecting, but if the filler reversal is straightforward, Dr. Day says you don’t have to wait too long. “You can re-do the lip filler in as soon as one day to one week, depending on how much has been dissolved and how you feel,” she notes. “If there is bruising, it would be best to wait a few days for that to resolve before re-treating.”

Can dissolving lip filler go wrong?

Dissolving lip filler can sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes, especially if not performed by a skilled practitioner. Issues such as incomplete dissolving of the filler, uneven results, or allergic reactions to hyaluronidase can occur. Consulting with a qualified and experienced injector is crucial to minimize these risks and ensure a safe and effective procedure.