If you are unhappy with your dermal filler and want to have it removed, we can help you determine the best course of action and explain the potential risks and benefits of dissolving the filler.

So, you decided to get some filler, but few days/ weeks later, you find yourself regretting your decision. Can you do something about it? Well, of course you can, however, it does depends on the type of filler injected into your skin.

About dermal filler removal

Removal of dermal fillers is a procedure that involves the elimination of injectable filler substances from the skin. The cost of this procedure is on request and may vary depending on the type and amount of filler used. The procedure typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes, and patients may experience some mild discomfort, redness, or swelling at the injection site. However, these side effects usually subside within a few days, and most patients are able to return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure.

Ultrasound guided filler dissolving

At Desert Bloom Skincare, we offer an innovative ultrasound-guided method to dissolve unwanted dermal filler. Our procedure involves injecting Hylenex, a brand name for the active ingredient hyaluronidase, into the filler to dissolve it. With the help of our high definition ultrasound device, Dr. Natalya can accurately locate the filler and deliver the hyaluronidase precisely, minimizing the amount required to achieve the best result.

This technology is crucial for addressing lumps, lumpiness, asymmetry, and bumps that may result from previous dermal filler treatments. Our ultrasound-guided method allows us to safely navigate sensitive areas, such as under the eyes, and avoid blood vessels to minimize trauma. The use of high-definition facial ultrasound also enables us to accurately examine and evaluate various complications, such as unwanted volume, filler migration, filler encapsulation, filler nodules, and even the most dangerous complication, vascular occlusion.

Our approach is a minimally invasive alternative to cosmetic surgery and offers a safe and precise way to address unwanted dermal filler results. Contact us today to learn more about our innovative dermal filler treatment.

Our recommendations before dermal filler removal

Our first advice, always know exactly what is injected, before you commit to the procedure. Not all fillers can be dissolved. Only hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvederm, Restylane, Beloterro or Revanesse Versa are dissolvable fillers. Others, such as Sculptra, Radiesse or Bellafill are not dissolvable. Therefore, you should always know what product is injected.

Second, we do not recommend dissolving freshly injected filler, unless you are experiencing major complications, such as vascular occlusion. We will discuss this complication little later, which must be address immediately to avoid major tissue damage.

Once you committed to dissolving, we always recommend you to go back to the same injector, who performed your original procedure. Most injectors would include filler dissolving, as part of their service, and would not charge you extra to dissolve filler their injected. If this option is not available, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Natalya to help correct the result you are not happy with.

Dermal filler removal procedure

If you are unhappy with your dermal filler and want to have it removed, we can help you determine the best course of action and explain the potential risks and benefits of dissolving the filler.

This demonstration shows HA filler as dark space, the filler is hypo-echoic, meaning, it does not reflect ultrasound waves appearing dark on a screen.

Filler complications

Various complications can arise from injecting dermal filler. Most common is overfilling injected area. For example, overfilled lips, can cause dermal filler to migrate above the lip and cause mustache or muzzle like appearance. Not pretty! This can be easily corrected with hyaluronidase injection. Hyaluronidase will break up hyaluronic acid filler allowing body to absorb and eliminate remaining fluid. Keep in mind, this process will take time, expect minor to moderate swelling for few days post injection and complete resolution of filler 2 weeks after dissolving.

Filler encapsulation or filler nodules can appear in facial areas with thinner skin, such as under eyes, lips or temples. Some nodularity or uneven texture is expected after filler injections, but all should resolve after two weeks. If you have a persistent nodule, this likely needs to be dissolved. An ultrasound guided method is the best option, so we can inject less hyaluronidase to protect the other filler in your face.

Vascular occlusion, as the most serious complication

Lastly, the most dangerous complication is a vascular occlusion. This occurs, when filler is unintentionally injected into a blood vessel, causing a partial or complete block in a blood flow. This can result in severe tissue damage, tissue death (necrosis) or even blindness. This severe complication is fully avoidable in the hands of skilled physician. First, knowledge of anatomy, will help physician avoid all major blood vessels. Using dull cannula while injecting, instead of sharp needle, will significantly decrease chance of penetrating a blood vessel. And lastly, performing aspiration prior to each injection, can insure we are not injecting into a blood vessel.

What are the signs of vascular occlusion?

First is blanching, you might feel the area in your face, looks more pale then the rest of your face. This also might be the effect of lidocaine with epinephrine, so please consult your injector immediately, to clarify what was injected. Second, the area of vascular occlusion will develop unusual blood vessel pattern, called livedo reticularis. It will appear as you have lace like pattern of bluish blood vessels in affected side of the face. Lastly, the area will be very painful and continue to worsen. If left untreated, skin will start to die without proper blood flow, turning very dark and causing permanent damage.

With that said, if you are in doubt, please contact your injected immediately, as the affected area must be flushed with large amounts of hyaluronidase as soon as possible to restore proper blood flow to avoid further damage.

What are the signs of vascular occlusion

Hyaluronidase side effects

When a small amount of hyaluronidase is injected to dissolve a nodule or small amount of filler, the only temporary side effect is bruising and swelling. However, you are fell victim of vascular occlusion, large amounts of Hylenex will be injected to save your tissue, which can create skin dehydration and skin thinning. Hyaluronidase is an enzyme, which breaks up hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a glucosaminoglycan (GAG), which naturally exists in our skin, joints and even bone, proving hydration and lubrication to our tissues. When we temporary remove it, it can cause your skin to appear dehydrated, making line and wrinkles more prominent. Good news is, this is temporary and your body will restore lost hyaluronic acid quickly. You however, can help this process by using medical grade skin care products containing hyaluronic acid.

Last few words about filler dissolving

If you are not happy with results of your filler, do not hesitate, get rid of it. If you are experiencing any filler complications, certainty get rid of it. Hyaluronidase injections are safe and effective solution to unwanted dermal filler.

Do not live with your botched lip filler, or nodules under your eyes, let us help you correct these mistakes and restore your beautiful, natural face. Do not try to remove your filler at home. None of the home solutions are effective and some are plain dangerous. Of course, some of hyaluronic acid filler will dissolve by your body over time, but nodules and encapsulations can last for years. Dr. Natalya is a specialist in filler dissolving, she will be happy to assist you in your pursuit of beauty and health.

Consultation in skin care clinic

Desert Bloom Skincare Center offers personalized skincare consultation to help you achieve a flawless and radiant complexion. Book your appointment today and let our expert team of skincare professionals address your specific concerns and help you reach your skincare goals.