Filler Dissolving

Filler dissolving is a medical treatment that allows previously injected hyaluronic acid fillers to be dissolved in a controlled way using a filler-dissolving enzyme called hyaluronidase. It may be considered when a filler has taken an unwanted shape, migrated, been overfilled, caused swelling or irregularities, or, rarely, when a complication develops. For people considering filler dissolving in Izmir, treatment is planned by evaluating the type of filler, the area where it was injected, when it was applied and the current concern together.

What Is Filler Dissolving?

The fillers most commonly used in facial aesthetics contain cross-linked hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a molecule naturally found in the body; in filler products, it is made more durable and longer-lasting through a process called “cross-linking”. These fillers are gradually broken down by the body on their own; however, this process can take months.

In filler dissolving, hyaluronidase, an enzyme that can dissolve cross-linked hyaluronic acid, is injected into the area where the filler is located. The enzyme breaks down the structure of the filler and helps the body eliminate it more quickly. In this way, an unwanted filler appearance can be corrected without waiting for the natural process.

What Is Hyaluronidase?

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid and is also naturally present in the body. It has been used in medicine for many years for different purposes. In medical aesthetics, it is used as a filler-dissolving enzyme or cross-linked hyaluronic acid dissolver to dissolve hyaluronic acid fillers.

The effect of hyaluronidase usually appears within hours to days after treatment. The enzyme only acts on hyaluronic acid; therefore, correct diagnosis, that is, knowing whether the filler in the area actually contains hyaluronic acid, is important.

Which Fillers Can Be Dissolved?

Filler dissolving can only be applied to fillers containing hyaluronic acid. Fillers with different ingredients are not dissolved by this enzyme.

Filler Type	Can It Be Dissolved With Hyaluronidase?
Hyaluronic acid fillers	Yes, they can be dissolved
Calcium hydroxylapatite (mineral filler, Radiesse)	No, not dissolved by this enzyme
Poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra)	No, not dissolved by this enzyme
Polycaprolactone-based fillers	No, not dissolved by this enzyme
Permanent fillers	No, not dissolved by this enzyme

For this reason, it is very important to know which product was used for a previous filler treatment. If the product information is not known, the characteristics of the filler are assessed during the consultation. For information about fillers other than hyaluronic acid, you can visit our Radiesse and Sculptra pages.

When Is Filler Dissolving Performed?

• Unsatisfactory result: The filler giving a different shape than expected or looking out of proportion with the face
• Overfilling: Filler applied in excess or accumulated over the years
• Migration: The filler moving away from the area where it was injected, for example overflowing beyond the lip border
• Lumps and irregularities: Palpable firmness, nodules or a wavy appearance on the surface
• Bluish tint under the eyes: A bluish discolouration caused by superficially placed filler scattering light
• Persistent swelling: Long-lasting puffiness, especially under the eyes, related to the filler retaining water
• Emergencies: Rare and urgent situations in which the filler is suspected of affecting blood circulation

Lip Filler Dissolving

Lip filler dissolving is one of the most frequently requested filler dissolving procedures. Lip fillers that have spread beyond the lip border, created a “duck lip” appearance, formed lumps or look asymmetrical can be dissolved. After dissolving, once the tissue has rested, lip filler can be considered again with a more balanced plan if desired.

Under-Eye Filler Dissolving

Because the skin under the eyes is very thin, fillers placed superficially in this area may cause a bluish discolouration, bumps or persistent swelling. In these cases, the appearance can be corrected with filler dissolving. For information about under-eye filler, you can visit our under-eye light filler page.

Filler Dissolving in Other Areas of the Face

Hyaluronic acid fillers applied to the cheekbones, cheeks, chin, nose, nasolabial area and other areas of the face can also be dissolved when needed. The amount of enzyme used and the technique vary depending on the area. You can find information about filler treatments for these areas on our cheek filler, chin filler, nose filler and nasolabial filler pages.

Assessment Before Filler Dissolving

Before the procedure, the cause of the concern, when and with which product the filler was applied, how many times it was applied and whether there have been other procedures in the area are discussed. If needed, an ultrasound assessment may be performed to better see where the filler is located.

Hyaluronidase can rarely cause an allergic reaction. Particular care should be taken in people who are allergic to bee or wasp stings. For this reason, a small skin allergy test may be carried out before the procedure when considered appropriate. Allergy history, medications and health status must be shared with the physician during the consultation.

How Is Filler Dissolving Performed?

After the area is cleansed, hyaluronidase is applied to the area where the filler is located using very fine needles or a cannula. The amount used is determined according to the amount and type of filler and the area. The aim is to dissolve only the part causing the problem, rather than all of the filler, when appropriate. The procedure is usually short.

The effect of the enzyme is usually seen within the first hours and days. In some cases, especially in areas where the filler is dense or has been present for a long time, more than one session may be needed. At the follow-up visit, the result is assessed to determine whether an additional treatment is needed.

What Can Be Expected After Filler Dissolving?

After treatment, temporary redness, mild swelling, tenderness or bruising may occur in the area. These effects usually subside within a few days. As the filler dissolves, the area returns closer to its natural pre-filler state. In areas where filler has been present for a long time, the tissue may have been stretched, so the area may look empty or loose for a while after dissolving; the tissue recovers over time.

During the first days after treatment, it is recommended to avoid pressure on the area, saunas, Turkish baths and intense exercise. If signs of an allergic reaction such as itching, widespread redness or shortness of breath are noticed, the clinic should be contacted immediately.

Can Filler Be Applied Again After Dissolving?

Yes. After filler dissolving, once the tissue has rested and the swelling has completely resolved, a new filler treatment can be planned if desired. This period varies depending on the person and the area; waiting a few weeks is generally recommended. In the new treatment, product selection, amount and technique are carefully planned so that the previous problem does not recur. For general information about filler options, you can visit our dermal filler and full face filler pages.

Who Is Filler Dissolving Not Suitable For?

The procedure is not performed in people with a known allergy to hyaluronidase. Careful assessment is required in people with bee or wasp allergy and those with a history of severe allergies. Treatment may be postponed if there is an active infection in the treatment area. Pregnancy and breastfeeding, medications used and general health status should be reported to the physician during the assessment.

Filler Dissolving Prices in Izmir

It is not accurate to give a single price for filler dissolving without a personal assessment. The cost may vary depending on the amount of filler to be dissolved, the area, the amount of enzyme used and the number of sessions planned.

For those who would like information about the price and scope of filler dissolving in Izmir, the existing filler should first be assessed. After the consultation, a personalised plan can be created and information about the scope of treatment and pricing can be provided.

Filler Dissolving in Izmir

Uzm. Dr. Ecem Cantürk Nazlı provides dermatology and medical aesthetic services at her clinic in Alsancak, Izmir. In filler dissolving, correctly identifying the type of filler, applying the enzyme in the right amount and to the right area, and taking the possible risk of allergy into account are important.

If you are considering filler dissolving in Izmir, whether your existing filler is suitable for dissolving and what plan can be followed can be determined after a consultation. Results vary from person to person; each treatment should be approached according to the person’s situation and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is filler dissolving?

Filler dissolving is a medical treatment that allows hyaluronic acid fillers to be dissolved in a controlled way with a filler-dissolving enzyme called hyaluronidase.

What is hyaluronidase?

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid. In medical aesthetics, it is used as a cross-linked hyaluronic acid dissolver to dissolve hyaluronic acid fillers.

Can every filler be dissolved?

No. Only fillers containing hyaluronic acid can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. Calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid and permanent fillers are not dissolved by this enzyme.

How quickly does filler dissolving work?

The effect of the enzyme is usually seen within the first hours and days. In some cases, a second session may be needed for the full result.

Is filler dissolving painful?

The treatment is performed with fine needles. A mild stinging or burning sensation may be felt; the level of discomfort varies from person to person but is tolerable for most people.

Will filler dissolving make my lips thinner than before?

Hyaluronidase mainly targets the filler content. When applied in an appropriate amount, the aim is to bring the area closer to its natural pre-filler state. In areas where filler has been present for a long time, the tissue may look loose for a while and recovers over time.

I have a bee allergy. Can I have filler dissolving?

In people with bee or wasp allergy, the risk of an allergic reaction to hyaluronidase may be higher. In this case, a careful assessment and, if needed, an allergy test are carried out before the procedure.

How long after dissolving can filler be applied again?

Once the tissue has rested and the swelling has completely resolved, a new filler can usually be planned after waiting a few weeks. The period varies depending on the person and the area.

Overall Assessment

Filler dissolving is a treatment that allows cross-linked hyaluronic acid fillers to be dissolved in a controlled way with a filler-dissolving enzyme called hyaluronidase. It may be considered for unsatisfactory results, overfilled or migrated filler, lumps, a bluish tint under the eyes and rare emergencies. It is only effective on hyaluronic acid fillers; therefore, correctly identifying the type of filler and assessing the possible risk of allergy are important.

At Uzm. Dr. Ecem Cantürk Nazlı’s clinic in Alsancak, Izmir, whether filler dissolving is suitable for you can be planned after an assessment of your existing filler. You can book a consultation for detailed information and a personal assessment.