Facial fillers are a popular choice for those looking to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, as well as add volume to the face. However, there may be times when you need to dissolve these fillers. Fortunately, there is a solution: hyaluronidase. This enzyme is found in products used to remove certain FDA-approved facial fillers and is injected under the skin to accelerate the natural disintegration of hyaluronic acid, the active ingredient in some facial fillers.
Hyaluronidase is a soluble protein enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid found in dermal filler. It works by increasing tissue permeability, dividing the molecular bonds that hold hyaluronic acid together and promoting the natural cellular processes responsible for its diffusion. This enzyme is used to dissolve hyaluronic acid fillers placed on various parts of the face for two main reasons: to correct fillers that have been placed incorrectly, excessively or unevenly, and in emergency situations where dermal filler has been inadvertently injected into an artery causing occlusion of the blood supply. When injected into the vicinity of the dermal filler that needs to be dissolved, hyaluronidase begins to act almost immediately.
Fillers are permanently dissolved and metabolized, though it should be noted that hyaluronidase does not work on permanent or semi-permanent dermal fillers. Patients may experience slight swelling or bruising after these injections, so it may take up to two weeks for the entire filling to completely dissolve and settle naturally. Before getting your first filler injection, it's important to know how soon you'll see results, how long your results will last, and how long it will take for fillers to dissolve if you don't like the results in the end. Hyaluronidase can be injected into an area previously injected with hyaluronic acid dermal fillers to dissolve or remove this filler.
This will decrease in 48-72 hours, depending on the area and amount of filler required to dissolve.
