Remove. Refresh. Restructure.
Have you had a previous dermal filler procedure and are no longer happy with the results? The most commonly used types of dermal filler can be dissolved and removed.
Any
immediate & improve over 1-2 weeks
From $450
As research into aesthetics, anatomy and rheology (how fillers behave depending upon their structure) has progressed, knowledge and skills within the industry have greatly expanded. For instance, it is now apparent that some of the popular, traditional methods of injecting lips can lead to migration of the filler over time, so that a ledge or shelf is formed beyond the lip border – the dreaded “duck-lip”. This not only looks unnatural, but can have an ageing effect on the face as a whole.
A dedicated Dissolving Clinic to help you if you are unhappy with the look of your old filler.
A short initial assessment by one of our doctors is the first step to redesigning your unwanted filler. Unfortunately, not all fillers are suitable for dissolving and some must be surgically removed, therefore it is helpful if you can find out exactly what product you have prior to your assessment appointment.
We then arrange a suitable time with you to start your restructuring journey. Most cases only need a single dissolving session but some need 2-3 treatments, depending upon the type of filler involved. In many cases, we can see the misplaced filler easily just with the naked eye, but we can also dissolve under ultrasound guidance if needed.
After dissolving, there is typically then a 1-2 week gap before starting a redesign (if required), to allow any residual swelling to disperse. This stage can therefore involve some social downtime as in most cases the treated area reverts to its pre-filler appearance, PLUS the additional natural aging process that has occurred in the meantime. This can be quite dramatic and confronting for some patients.
The restructure of the treated area can sometimes be done in one session, but often needs to be staggered over a few consecutive sessions to enable gradual integration and a more natural look and feel.
Lips are the most common area we treat in our dissolving clinic, but unwanted filler in other areas of the face can also be addressed. The cheeks and tear trough areas are also commonly overtreated and some patients will look younger and fresher once filler is removed from these areas. Filler position is identified using ultrasound in clinic, enabling it to be dissolved as accurately as possible.
Tap into our medical expertise
We understand that the world of aesthetics and cosmetic treatments can be intimidating, that’s why our cosmetic doctors and qualified dermal therapists are here.
To share our medical knowledge.
To help you look and feel your best.
FAQs about dissolving dermal filler
Can I just have dissolving on its own, without re-treatment?
Yes of course! Many patients now prefer the natural look of their lips without any filler, but for those that would like to have the area retreated with a subtle augmentation, we recommend a 2-week flush-out period after dissolving before re-injecting. You can then choose to have the area treated by one of our doctors at SkinBox, or you can return to your original injection.
Is it painful to dissolve filler?
Dissolving filler involves small injections to the area, but it is generally very comfortable. We use a strong numbing cream onto the area and will inject local anaesthetic at the same time as the dissolving agent.
How does dissolving agent work?
By breaking the bonds that hold the filler as a gel, thereby turning it into a liquid which is removed from the area by your body’s natural lymphatic drainage system.
Are there any side effects of dissolving filler?
We are injecting the dissolving enzyme into the skin with a needle, so there is a chance of bruising. There is usually some swelling as the treated filler becomes a liquid instead of a gel, and this can take up to 2 weeks to resolve.
It is possible to be allergic to the dissolving agent and some patients will therefore be offered a test-patch prior to treatment. All patients are required to remain in clinic for 30 minutes following dissolving to monitor for allergic reactions.
Is it possible to dissolve just some of the filler from an area?
Generally, no. There is no exact formula for how much dissolving agent is needed for a particular type or amount of filler, and it is wise to anticipate that all the filler within a certain area (eg the upper lip) will be affected by the dissolving enzyme. However, filler that is situated in other facial areas will not be affected.
Our experienced doctors are able to estimate the correct amount of enzyme needed and it is sometimes possible therefore to shape small amounts of unwanted filler, rather than dissolve the entire amount. This varies from patient to patient and will be discussed with you at your consultation.
How can you tell where the filler is?
Often, it is possible to see and feel the filler that is malpositioned. We can also use in-clinic ultrasound if necessary to both pinpoint the exact position of filler and to guide the placement of the dissolving agent (similar to having an ultrasound-guided joint injection).
How much does it cost to have my filler dissolved?
The cost of dissolving depends upon the complexity of the procedure, and whether ultrasound is needed. For a simple, single-session treatment, dissolving costs $450. You will be given an accurate cost for the procedure at your consultation.
Restructuring / refilling is done at our standard filler costs.
More about lip filler migration
There are four classes of filler spread around the lip1:
No spread – the filler is in the pink lip only
Ledge, the filler forms a bulge in the “white roll” of the lip border
Shelf, the filler spreads beyond the border, blurring the definition of the border
Plateau, the filler spreads beyond the shelf, creating abnormal protrusion and stiffness of the upper lip.
Ref: 1. Harris, S. The Harris Classification of Filler Spread Prime Journal, Sept/Oct 2020
Class 3 & 4 spread is usually palpable as an area of firmness, and can be seen as a pale grey or whitish discolouration with a clear demarcation from natural healthy-looking skin. Without intervention, filler that has spread beyond the pink section of the lip can last for much longer than expected, up to 5 years for class 3, and potentially indefinitely in class 4 spread.
