Dermal Filler Dissolving
If you are unhappy with previous dermal filler results, or have experienced complications such as migration, lumps or an overfilled appearance, filler dissolving offers a safe and effective way to reverse hyaluronic acid-based fillers. Using an enzyme called hyaluronidase, treatment gently breaks down existing filler so that the area returns to its natural state — or is prepared for a fresh, carefully planned approach.
What Is Dermal Filler Dissolving?
Dermal filler dissolving is a non-surgical treatment that reverses the effects of hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers. It uses a naturally occurring enzyme called hyaluronidase, which breaks down hyaluronic acid — the main ingredient in most modern dermal fillers — allowing the body to naturally absorb and clear it away. The treatment is well-established, clinically proven and widely used in aesthetic medicine to correct unsatisfactory results or manage complications. Hyaluronidase occurs naturally within the human body, where it helps regulate hyaluronic acid levels in tissues. When used as a treatment, a purified form of this enzyme is carefully injected into the area where filler needs to be dissolved. It works by breaking the bonds within the hyaluronic acid molecules, causing the filler to soften and gradually disappear over the following hours and days. There are several situations where filler dissolving may be recommended. These include migration — where filler has moved from its original placement; a poor cosmetic outcome that does not meet your expectations; an overfilled appearance that looks unnatural or disproportionate; lumps or irregularities that have not settled; and preparation for retreatment, where existing filler is removed so that a fresh, carefully planned approach can be taken. In rare vascular emergencies, where blood flow may be compromised by filler, hyaluronidase is also used as an urgent medical intervention — however, emergency management differs significantly from elective dissolving and follows a distinct clinical protocol. It is important to understand that not all fillers can be dissolved. Hyaluronidase only works on hyaluronic acid-based fillers, which are the most common type used in modern aesthetic practice. Other types of filler — such as those based on calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid or polymethylmethacrylate — do not respond to hyaluronidase and require different management. During your consultation, an assessment will be made of the type of filler likely to have been used, based on your history and the characteristics of the area. In some cases, a single dissolving session is sufficient to achieve the desired result. However, multiple sessions may occasionally be required — particularly if a large volume of filler needs to be removed, if the filler has been present for a long time, or if the area needs to be gradually refined. Your clinician will give you an honest assessment of what to expect during your consultation. Our approach is always honest, supportive and never judgemental. We understand that being unhappy with previous treatment can be distressing, and our priority is to help you move forward safely and confidently — whether that means dissolving existing filler, planning a fresh approach, or simply providing honest advice about your options. It is important to know that dissolving filler is not a failure. Aesthetic preferences, facial ageing, product behaviour and treatment goals can all change over time, and choosing to dissolve filler can be a positive and empowering step towards achieving a more natural or more suitable result. Many people find that removing previous filler gives them a fresh canvas and renewed confidence — and we are here to support you through every stage of that journey, with honesty, care and absolutely no judgement.
Key Benefits
- Reverses unwanted filler results — Safely removes hyaluronic acid filler that you are unhappy with, restoring the area to its natural state.
- Corrects migration — Addresses filler that has moved from its original placement, restoring natural contours.
- Improves lumps and irregularities — Smooths areas where filler has settled unevenly or formed noticeable lumps.
- Reduces overfilled appearance — Removes excess filler to restore natural proportions and a balanced look.
- Prepares for retreatment — Clears existing filler so a fresh, carefully planned approach can be taken.
- Clinically proven and well-established — Hyaluronidase is a trusted, widely used enzyme with a strong safety record in aesthetic medicine.
- Naturally occurring enzyme — Hyaluronidase occurs naturally in the body, making it well-tolerated when used as a treatment.
- Supports patient confidence — Provides a safe pathway forward when previous results have not met expectations.
Is Filler Dissolving Right for You?
- Individuals unhappy with previous dermal filler results
- Those experiencing filler migration from the original treatment area
- People with an overfilled or unnatural appearance from previous treatment
- Those with persistent lumps or irregularities that have not settled
- Patients preparing for retreatment with a fresh approach
- Those who have had hyaluronic acid-based fillers (the only type that can be dissolved)
- Patients seeking honest, supportive guidance without judgement
- Those with realistic expectations who understand that multiple sessions may occasionally be required
Areas Commonly Addressed
Lips
Dissolving lip filler that has migrated, become lumpy, or created an overfilled appearance.
Nasolabial Folds
Removing filler from the lines running from the nose to the corners of the mouth.
Cheeks
Addressing overfilled or uneven cheek filler to restore natural contours.
Chin
Dissolving chin filler that has migrated or produced an unnatural result.
Jawline
Correcting jawline filler that has settled unevenly or looks disproportionate.
Nose
Reversing non-surgical rhinoplasty filler that has not achieved the desired outcome.
Tear Troughs
Dissolving under-eye filler that has caused irregularities or an uneven result.
Other Facial Areas
Any area treated with hyaluronic acid filler can be assessed for dissolving.
Your Treatment Journey
Consultation & Assessment
20–30 minA thorough consultation includes a detailed review of your filler history — including when and where treatment was carried out, the type of filler used (if known), and your concerns. The area is examined to assess the characteristics of the existing filler. An honest discussion takes place about whether dissolving is appropriate, what results you can realistically expect, and whether multiple sessions may be needed. Your suitability for hyaluronidase is also assessed, including checking for allergies.
Preparation
15–20 minOn the day of treatment, the area is cleansed and a patch test may be performed to check for sensitivity to hyaluronidase. The treatment plan is reviewed with you before any injections begin, and photographs may be taken for reference.
Hyaluronidase Administration
15–30 minHyaluronidase is carefully injected into the areas where filler needs to be dissolved. The enzyme begins working immediately, breaking down the hyaluronic acid molecules. Treatment is performed gradually and methodically, with regular checks to monitor progress and ensure the result stays natural and proportionate.
Review & Aftercare
15 minThe area is reviewed immediately after treatment, and detailed aftercare instructions are provided. Because the enzyme continues working over the following days, a follow-up review appointment is typically scheduled to assess the final result and determine whether any further dissolving or retreatment is appropriate.
Products Used
Hyaluronidase
Filler dissolving treatment uses hyaluronidase — a naturally occurring enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid. In the human body, hyaluronidase helps regulate hyaluronic acid levels in tissues. When used as a treatment, a purified pharmaceutical-grade form of the enzyme is carefully injected into the area where filler needs to be dissolved. It works by breaking the molecular bonds within hyaluronic acid, causing the filler to soften and gradually clear as the body naturally absorbs it. Hyaluronidase is well-established in aesthetic medicine and has a strong safety record when used by trained clinicians.
Results & Longevity
Hyaluronidase begins working immediately, with visible softening of the filler often noticeable within hours of treatment. The full effect develops over the following 24 to 72 hours as the enzyme continues to break down the hyaluronic acid and the body naturally clears it away. Once the filler has been dissolved, the result is permanent — the existing filler does not return. However, the natural ageing process and tissue changes continue, and retreatment options can be discussed once the area has fully settled. In some cases, a single session achieves the desired result; in others, particularly where a large volume of filler is present, multiple sessions may occasionally be required. Your clinician will give you an honest assessment of what to expect during your consultation.
Downtime & Recovery
Filler dissolving involves minimal downtime. Swelling is common — particularly in the first 24 hours — and the treatment area may feel tender or slightly warm. Some bruising is possible at the injection sites. Most swelling resolves within a day or two, though minor residual swelling can occasionally persist for a few days longer. Most people return to their normal activities the same day or the following day, though strenuous exercise and alcohol are best avoided for 24 hours. Because the enzyme continues working after treatment, the final result is not visible immediately — patience is important while the area settles.
Risks & Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Active infection or inflammation in the treatment area
- Known allergy to hyaluronidase or any ingredients in the formulation
- Blood clotting disorders or use of blood-thinning medication
- Autoimmune conditions (assessed case by case)
- Non-hyaluronic acid fillers (these do not respond to hyaluronidase)
POTENTIAL RISKS
- Swelling and redness at injection sites
- Bruising
- Tenderness or mild discomfort
- Allergic reaction to hyaluronidase (rare; patch testing may be used)
- Over-dissolving, which may reduce natural volume more than intended (temporary, as natural hyaluronic acid recovers over time)
- Incomplete dissolving in a single session, requiring further treatment
- Temporary unevenness during the settling period
Aftercare Guidance
- Avoid touching, pressing or massaging the treated area for 24 hours unless advised
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours
- Avoid excessive heat (saunas, hot baths, sun exposure) for 48 hours
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water
- Avoid applying heavy cosmetics to the treated area for 24 hours
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated for the first night
- Allow 24–72 hours for the full dissolving effect to develop before assessing results
- Attend your scheduled follow-up review appointment
- Contact the clinic if you have any concerns during the settling period
- Allow the area to fully settle before considering retreatment with new filler
Frequently Asked Questions
Hyaluronidase is a naturally occurring enzyme found in the human body, where it helps regulate levels of hyaluronic acid in tissues. When used as a treatment, a purified pharmaceutical-grade form of the enzyme is injected into areas where dermal filler needs to be dissolved. It works by breaking down the hyaluronic acid molecules in the filler, allowing the body to naturally absorb and clear them away.
Filler dissolving may be recommended in several situations: when filler has migrated from its original placement; when a poor cosmetic outcome has left you unhappy with the result; when an overfilled appearance looks unnatural; when persistent lumps or irregularities have not settled; or when you are preparing for retreatment and want to start with a clean base. In rare vascular emergencies, hyaluronidase is also used as an urgent medical intervention — however, emergency management differs significantly from elective dissolving and follows a distinct clinical protocol.
No. Hyaluronidase only works on hyaluronic acid-based fillers, which are the most common type used in modern aesthetic practice. Other types of filler — such as those based on calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid or polymethylmethacrylate — do not respond to hyaluronidase and require different management. During your consultation, an assessment will be made of the type of filler likely to have been used.
In many cases, a single dissolving session is sufficient. However, multiple sessions may occasionally be required — particularly if a large volume of filler needs to be removed, if the filler has been present for a long time, or if the area needs to be gradually refined. Your clinician will give you an honest assessment of what to expect during your consultation.
Hyaluronidase begins working immediately, with visible softening often noticeable within hours. The full effect develops over the following 24 to 72 hours as the enzyme continues to break down the filler and the body clears it away. Patience is important during this period, as the final result is not visible immediately.
Yes — once filler has been dissolved, it does not return. However, the natural ageing process and tissue changes continue over time. If you wish to have new filler placed after dissolving, it is important to allow the area to fully settle first, and a fresh treatment plan can be discussed at your follow-up review.
Hyaluronidase is well-established in aesthetic medicine and has a strong safety record when used by trained clinicians. Because it is an enzyme, there is a small risk of allergic reaction, which is why a patch test or careful assessment may be carried out beforehand. All potential risks and contraindications will be discussed with you during your consultation.
Not at all. Our approach is always honest, supportive and never judgemental. We understand that being unhappy with previous treatment can be distressing, and our priority is to help you move forward safely and confidently — whether that means dissolving existing filler, planning a fresh approach, or simply providing honest advice about your options.
Yes, in most cases new filler can be placed after the area has fully settled following dissolving. This is one of the common reasons for choosing filler dissolving — to clear a previous result and start with a fresh, carefully planned approach. Your clinician will advise on the appropriate timeline during your consultation.
Related Treatments
Why Choose ReGen Aesthetics Clinic
Medical-Led Care
Every treatment is delivered within a clinical framework, with your safety and wellbeing as the priority.
Registered Nurse
Treatments are performed by a fully registered, certified and insured aesthetic nurse.
Honest, Supportive Approach
We never judge previous treatment — our focus is on helping you move forward safely and confidently.
Thorough Assessment
A detailed consultation determines the type of filler present and the most appropriate approach for you.
Conservative Technique
Treatment is always performed with restraint, dissolving only what is needed to achieve a natural result.
Ongoing Aftercare & Support
Your journey includes follow-up reviews and continued support throughout the settling period and beyond.
If you are unhappy with previous filler results or have concerns about migration, lumps or overfilling, we are here to help — honestly, supportively and without judgement. Book a consultation to discuss your options and create a safe, appropriate plan tailored to your needs.