Dermal Filler Removal: How Common Is It?

If you have been thinking about trying dermal fillers  you may have heard about celebrities recently choosing to have their fillers dissolved. If it’s your first time, you may also be curious about whether you’ll be able to “undo” your fillers if you don’t like your results. Our expert nurse injectors take great care to make sure you will be happy with your results the first time around—no removal necessary, however if you do want it out it’s available and super easy to do!

In this blog post, we’ll discuss dermal filler removal, what it involves, and why it’s so rarely needed when you work with a trustworthy injector.

What is filler removal, and how does it work?

Dermal filler removal involves an injection of the enzyme hyaluronidase, which dissolves hyaluronic acid (the main ingredient in our filler formulations) in a matter of hours. It can be done at any time, allowing you to change your results whenever you choose. Other than some redness or swelling you may notice around your injection sites for a few hours, there is no recovery time required.

Hyaluronidase only works on hyaluronic acid fillers, such as the TEOSYAL® line of products, which we use at Cosmedica. Other formulations cannot be dissolved and must naturally dissipate on their own, which usually takes between 6 and 18 months.

Why would someone remove their filler?

The most common reasons for filler removal are typically the result of improper injection technique. These reasons include:

• Undesired aesthetic results. Overfilling and asymmetry are among the most common cosmetic pitfalls. They happen when an injector doesn’t take facial proportions into consideration or fails to discuss the drawbacks of excessive volume with you. This leads to a look that is unnatural and not as flattering as you envisioned.
• Hard lumps and prolonged swelling are among the most common complications, and they can be resolved with filler removal. In very rare cases, injections can be placed too close to a blood vessel and interfere with blood flow—a condition called vascular compromise. Filler removal can help in this case as well.
• A change of heart: When filler results don’t look the way you had hoped, or you don’t like the way the results look on your face, filler removal can reverse them very quickly. This is rare, especially when you discuss your goals in-depth with a skilled provider.

The image below illustrates improper placement of filler near the eye, also known as the tear trough. The middle image was taken immediately after the injection was given and the last picture illustrates the end result a few days after.

Note: immediate correction of the lumps in the mid cheek with a simple hyaluronidase injection.

How do we prevent the need for filler removal?

Our injectors at Cosmedica have years of experience and advanced knowledge of anatomy that empowers them to create precise results safely. We use a handheld ultrasound machine to visualize the anatomy prior to injections and assist with proper placement. On top of this, our nurses have developed artistic eyes for flattering and attractive filler results that align with each person’s goals for their final look. Thoughtful consultations and the use of only authentic products also play a role in our practice’s ability to make sure your filler treatment is a safe and rewarding one that you won’t feel the need to reverse.

To see real examples of Cosmedica’s dermal filler results, please visit our before-and-after photo gallery.

If you would like to learn more about dermal filler treatments, please contact us online or call 905-631-6288!