Injectable fillers, such as Juvéderm, Restylane, and Belotero, are popular treatments for reducing wrinkles and adding volume to the face. Hyaluronic acid fillers are composed of hyaluronic acid molecules that are held together by bonds. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps keep skin hydrated and plump. Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that can be used to partially or completely dissolve hyaluronic acid fillers.
This enzyme works by breaking the bonds that hold the HA molecules together and encouraging the body to reabsorb them. It increases tissue permeability, divides the molecular bonds, and promotes natural cellular processes responsible for diffusion. When injected, hyaluronidase begins to act almost immediately. Patients may experience slight swelling or bruising after these injections, so the full effect may not be seen until 2-3 days later.
There are two ways to dissolve lip fillers: naturally or with lip filler-dissolving injections administered by a licensed professional. It is important to do a patch test before the actual injections to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. Swelling and bruising are common side effects of dissolving lip fillers with injections, but they will go away within a few days. The effectiveness of hyaluronidase lasts longer than its short half-life, and you will notice a reduced appearance in the filling areas within 48 hours after injection. If you don't like the results of your filler injection, you may be wondering how long it will take for fillers to dissolve.
Dr. Nick usually recommends that his patients wait for their lip fillers to dissolve naturally, without injections of hyaluronidase. Necrosis, in which the filler has been incorrectly injected into a blood vessel that causes loss of circulation and death of surrounding tissue in that area, is a serious problem. It will take up to two weeks for the entire filling to completely dissolve and settle naturally. If you want to maintain the look you achieved with a filler, you can request touch-up appointments to inject more filler each time it starts to break down.
