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Can Lip Fillers Be Removed?

Dermal filler injections are an increasingly popular way to temporarily smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, restore youthful volume to an ageing face, and enhance contours without surgery and the lengthy recovery time associated.

In the hands of a registered nurse, dermal filler injections will produce natural looking results in the safest way possible. However, even in the best hands patients occasionally have less than perfect outcomes with dermal fillers. Choosing a highly skilled injector with extensive training and knowledge can definitely help you avoid mistakes that are more common with less experienced practitioners, such as overfilling and asymmetry.

Sometimes adverse events happen that are out of the control of the cosmetic injector, such as the client’s body rejecting the filler, resulting in prolonged swelling or lumpiness. This is extremely rare with quality dermal fillers, because they are made of synthetic hyaluronic acid, which we naturally have in our bodies! Other side effects such as infection or nodules are rare, but can occur. And, sometimes you may decide that fillers just aren’t for you after all!

Can dermal fillers be reversed?

If you aren’t completely happy with your result, the good news is that your cosmetic injector can make corrections to improve the result. There are a number of ways that your dermal filler can be improved depending on the severity.

Massage the area of concern

If you are experiencing mild to moderate lumpiness or a slight asymmetry, your injector can often resolve this by massaging the area of concern. Make sure you contact your cosmetic injector about this so they can advise you on what to do, and we will generally get you to come into the clinic so we can assess and resolve the issue. Never massage the area without first talking to your injector!

Dissolving the hyaluronic acid dermal filler

Hyaluronic acid fillers that is commonly used can be partially or completely removed with a product called hyaluronidase. When injected into the affected areas, hyaluronidase dissolves the dermal filler to correct issues such as:

What if I don’t want to have my filler dissolved?

Keep in mind that hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are temporary and over time they will naturally dissolve as your body metabolises the product. However, if you are experiencing pain, unusual colour, sensation or swelling, contact your cosmetic injector as soon as possible as these are signs of vascular compromise or infection.

Do your research!

Choose a cosmetic injector with the knowledge and experience to give you the best possible experience and outcome! Make sure that your injector has the relevant training and qualifications, such as an AHRPA registration. It is always a good idea to ask if the clinic stocks the product which can dissolve filler before you go ahead with any treatment.

For a list of recommended cosmetic injectors in Melbourne, check out our article on Melbourne’s Top Cosmetic Injectors.