Guide to Dissolving Lip Fillers

Lip fillers are extremely popular. While most procedures end up with great results, there’s always a slim chance you’ll be dissatisfied. Happily, the process is completely reversible.  

Dissolving lip fillers can be performed by an appropriately trained medical professional. Indeed, this is the only safe way to have it done. There are many reasons for wanting your lip filler to be reversed—even dedicated users might want to revert to their natural lip shape, either permanently or in the short term.

Everything You Need to Know About Dissolving Lip Fillers

• Reasons for dissolving lip fillers
• How lip fillers are dissolved
• Risks of dissolving lip fillers

Reasons for dissolving lip fillers

While most lip filler applications return positive results, the following are some of the most common drivers for wanting to reverse the procedure

• Imbalanced lip shape: This could be a lopsided smile/pout or a poor balance between the size and shape of the upper and lower lips. Most people don’t have equally sized top and bottom lips. Inexpertly applied lip filler can lead to an unnatural look—either asymmetrically or an imbalance in the upper-lower lip ratio.
• Overfilling and/or a lumpy result: Along with an imbalance, overfilling is one of the most common reasons for wanting lip filler dissolved. Too much filler is, sadly, something that happens all too often. It’s usually the consequence of inexperienced application. Too much filler can also lead to a lumpy look—again an indication to have a reversal procedure.
• Lip filler migration: This is where the filler moves away from the area it was injected. This usually happens if either too much is injected, it’s applied too close to the edges of the lips, or it’s not injected deep enough. Again, it’s usually the result of inexperience, but, albeit rarely, it still can happen even with the most perfect placement and volume.
• An unsuitable result: Fashions and trends are just as relevant to lips as they are to clothing, makeup, hairstyles, etc. It’s common to want lips that match the current trend—but once done, this might not suit you. The best clinicians will advise their clients to aim for the lip shape that’s best for their features, rather than try to replicate the latest celeb look.
• A bad reaction: While lip filler is mostly well tolerated, there are some instances when it can result in what’s called  “delayed onset nodules”. This is usually caused by recently having had a virus—such as flu or COVID. Dissolving the lip filler is usually a successful way to treat this.

How lip fillers are dissolved

Lip fillers are composed of a naturally occurring substance, called hyaluronic acid. An appropriately trained physician can apply an antidote—called hyaluronidase—to reverse the plumping effect it creates.

This can either be used to dissolve all the filler or just a single area. If, for instance, a small bump needs to be evened out, your doctor can target that alone. However, if you dislike the complete shape of your filled lips, then you’re more likely to need the whole process reversed.

Dissolving lip filler is similar to the original filler process. A fine needle will be used to inject the antidote. It gets to work immediately, breaking down the filler—you’ll feel and see the effects almost immediately. However, it will continue to work over the next 48 hours. One session is usually sufficient, although occasionally a second might be required.

A lip filler reversal can be carried out at any point, no matter how new or old the fillers might be.

Risks of dissolving lip fillers

The biggest risk is that you’ll experience a little discomfort or stinging when the hyaluronidase is injected. Of course, your lips will look deflated and thinner afterward—something that might be a bit of a shock if you’ve had lip fillers for a while.

It’s also common to have some discomfort for a few days, and perhaps some bruising or swelling. This is temporary and usually goes away quickly. As with all injectables, there’s a minor risk of an allergic reaction. This is slightly heightened if you have an allergy to bee stings.

Considering Dissolving Your Lip Fillers? Contact Bayou City Dermatology Today

Bayou City Dermatology offers the ultimate cosmetic treatments—including dissolving lip fillers. Whatever your reason for needing it (perhaps you’re unhappy with an inexperienced application, an unnatural appearance, or you simply want to start again with a blank canvas), rest assured that you’ll receive an expert service.

After successfully dissolving your lip fillers, you can—if you wish—have further treatments to better augment the shape. The end result is up to you. Our board-certified dermatologist team is there to help you achieve the results you desire and become the best you possible.

Call us today or visit https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/services for more information.