Lip fillers are undoubtedly commonplace right now, but like anything else, some of those who partake can wind up with “fillers-remorse.” There could be any number of reasons you aren’t 100% satisfied with your lip filler results. And that’s okay because lip filler is anything but permanent.
Answers to Your Questions About Dissolving Fillers
Lip fillers are almost exclusively done with hyaluronic acid. This is an engineered version of a substance that occurs naturally throughout the body, so it is safe to inject. When everything goes as planned, a filler can give lips a plump and pouty look, smooth fine lines, or subtly alter the shape of the lips. But sometimes the results are not what we envisioned, and in those cases, you may want to alter your newly filled look.
Don’t Lip Fillers Dissolve on Their Own?
The short answer is yes. The plumping effect is immediate, but after a while, lip fillers begin to break down and get reabsorbed by the body. This usually takes about 12-18 months to occur naturally. Also, keep in mind that the lips are prone to swelling for a couple of days directly following treatment. For this reason, if you are not completely thrilled with your results on day one, you should give your lips at least a week to recover before you evaluate your fillers.
Can Filler be Reversed?
If you decide, however, that you do not love your filler results and cannot wait a year or longer for the filler to dissolve naturally, don’t despair. Lip fillers are actually dissolvable at just about any time. Whether you just had your lips filled and they were not what you hoped for, or if you had the procedure months ago and simply want your old lips back, dissolving your filler is an option.
How Do You Dissolve Lip Filler?
Dissolving lip filler is a relatively straightforward process that involves injecting an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This substance reacts with the hyaluronic acid to break it down very fast; it begins to work immediately with full effects in a couple of days.
Does Dissolving Lip Filler Hurt?
No, dissolving your filler should not be painful. You may feel a slight burning sensation, and it may be similar to the feelings experienced when you had your original filler. A numbing anesthetic can be applied to minimize discomfort.
Will My Lips Look Deflated?
Lips are quite elastic, so whether filler is dissolved naturally or with treatment, your lips should maintain this elasticity. However, the dissolving agent may work on some of the naturally occurring hyaluronic acid in your lips, so there is a possibility of some small fine lines and sagging at first. This subtle effect may be preferable to overly plumped lips. Similarly, your lips might feel a little flat if you got used to your lip filler.
How Do I Fix My Lip Filler?
Dissolving your lip filler is a good option if you strongly feel your lips are overfilled, and you are unhappy. If you are only mildly dissatisfied, you can choose to wait until the filler dissolves naturally, or you may have other options.
Adding Filler Instead
If your unhappiness stems from uneven lips after filler, another possibility is to even out your lips with additional carefully placed injections. This could be a good option if you like the volume of your lips, but the shape is just not quite right.
Can I Get My Lips Filled Again?
It is generally recommended that you wait at least a week or two after dissolving filler to allow your lips to get completely back to baseline before adding filler. At this point, you can certainly opt for another filler treatment.
Whatever option you are considering, the most important thing is working with an experienced physician. Make sure to explain in detail what type of results you are hoping for. This way, you can be more likely to have predictable results that you love and won’t need to dissolve your fillers. To discuss your lip filler (or lip filler reversal) options, contact our experts for a free consultation.