Filler dissolving — when something has gone wrong

An enzyme injection that breaks down hyaluronic-acid (HA) dermal filler, allowing it to be absorbed by the body within 24-72 hours. It only works on HA fillers (the type used in nearly all reversible cosmetic injections in the UK). It does not work on permanent fillers, polylactic-acid stimulators or fat transfer.

When filler is causing a clinical problem: a vascular event, a lump, a granuloma, an infection, asymmetry that won't settle, migration, the Tyndall effect (bluish tinge), or a result that's persistently distressing the patient. It is also a precursor step before re-treating an over-filled area with a fresh, balanced plan.

If you've had filler placed in the last 2-4 weeks, the result you're seeing may be swelling, not the final outcome. Most clinicians wait at least 4 weeks before recommending dissolving for an unsatisfactory aesthetic result. Dissolving is also irreversible — once dissolved, the filler is gone, and so is any natural HA in the immediate area. We are conservative about it for that reason.

Mild discomfort. The dissolving enzyme contains a small amount of lidocaine; topical numbing cream is applied beforehand. Most patients describe brief stinging during injection.

Significant swelling for 24-72 hours — much more than after the original filler. Bruising is common. The treated area can look temporarily worse before it looks better. The filler has usually fully resolved within 7-10 days; we typically wait 2-4 weeks before assessing the final result and discussing whether re-treatment is appropriate.

Yes, with caveats. Any HA filler, anywhere in the face, is dissolvable. We always ask: what was the product, what date was it placed, who placed it. If you don't have that information, that's also fine — we can proceed without it but the planning is more cautious. Bring any product cards, packaging, or treatment notes you have.

Filler migration above the vermillion border (the natural lip edge) is one of the most common reasons patients come for dissolving. This is usually fixable in a single session — sometimes two — with a fresh, more anatomically conservative approach if you want to re-treat afterwards.

Pricing depends on how much filler is present, how many areas, and whether re-treatment is planned afterwards. Discussed openly at the free consultation. We will never quote a price without seeing the area first — too many variables for an honest estimate over the phone.

Vascular complications from filler are a medical emergency. Signs: severe pain disproportionate to the procedure, blanching (white patches) of the skin, a dusky or mottled appearance, vision changes (very rare but serious). Contact us, A&E or your original injector immediately — not in 24 hours, immediately. Time matters. This page is not a substitute for emergency care.

In the UK, average dissolving cost is around £150-£300 per area, depending on how much filler is present and how many sessions are needed. Lip dissolving is typically at the lower end; full-face or multi-site dissolving (cheeks, jaw, under-eye) ranges higher. We quote at consultation, never over the phone, and the consultation is free.

Most UK clinics charge £150-£300 per session for HA filler dissolving. The variance is driven by area size, amount of filler, and whether one or two sessions are needed (a small minority of cases need a second session 2-4 weeks later). At The Azim Clinic, Appledore, pricing is agreed in a written plan at the free consultation.

Yes — when the filler is hyaluronic acid (HA). Hyaluronidase, the dissolving enzyme, breaks HA down within 24-72 hours and your body absorbs the breakdown products. Non-HA fillers (silicone, PMMA, polylactic acid stimulators) cannot be dissolved by hyaluronidase; those usually need surgical removal.

Often yes, but with care. Most autoimmune conditions (Hashimoto's, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, MS, psoriasis) are not absolute contraindications, but we discuss your specific history, current treatment, and whether your condition is stable before agreeing a plan. We sometimes ask for a letter from your rheumatologist or specialist if recent activity is uncertain.

For HA filler, essentially yes — usually in one or two sessions. Full clearance is typically visible at 2-4 weeks once swelling settles. Very rarely, deeply-placed or encapsulated old filler needs a third session. Non-HA fillers cannot be 100% dissolved by this method.

Worth it when the filler is causing a clinical problem (lump, granuloma, vascular event, migration) or has been the source of persistent distress. Not always worth it for cosmetic-only dissatisfaction in the first 4-6 weeks — wait for swelling to settle first. At consultation, we will tell you honestly which side of that line your case sits on.