Dissolving Lip Filler

Overview

Dissolving lip filler is a medical procedure that uses a prescription enzyme to break down lip filler made from hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a gel-like substance that occurs naturally in your body. A trained clinician injects the enzyme into the lips. It does not work on every type of filler, and it should never be done at home.

Dissolving filler is less common than having filler, but more people are asking about it as lip fillers have become more popular. Most people with hyaluronic acid lip filler can have it softened or dissolved if needed.

Adults who have had lip filler and are unhappy with the result, or who have a lump, unevenness or another complication. It is not for children. Lip filler is not recommended for teenagers except in rare specialist cases, and dissolving would need specialist care.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Lumps, hard spots or uneven areas in the lips
• Lips that look too full or out of proportion
• Filler that seems to have moved from where it was placed
• Mild pain, swelling or bruising after filler
• Small bumps or skin discoloration near the filler
• Asymmetry between the upper and lower lip or between sides

Symptoms in children

• Lip filler is not recommended for children or teenagers. If a young person has had filler and has pain, swelling, skin color changes, fever or vision changes, seek urgent medical care.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults can have filler dissolved, but skin is thinner and bruising may last longer.
• Medical conditions and medicines that affect bleeding or healing need to be discussed with the clinician first.
• A clinician will review your health history and medicines before planning treatment.

Causes

Main causes

• Wanting a smaller or more natural lip shape
• Lumps, hardness or nodules in the lips
• Asymmetry or filler that looks uneven
• Filler that has moved from where it was placed
• Infection or inflammation around filler
• A rare blockage of blood flow, called vascular occlusion, which is a medical emergency

Risk factors

• Having a large volume of filler or repeated filler treatments
• Filler placed by an unqualified or unregulated provider
• Previous filler complications such as lumps or migration
• Having a filler that is not hyaluronic acid, which cannot be dissolved this way
• Thin skin or scarring around the lips
• Medicines or conditions that affect bleeding or healing

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have vision changes or loss of vision
• You have severe pain with pale, white, blue or mottled skin around the lips
• You have fever, pus, an open sore or increasing redness and warmth
• You have swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing or fainting
• You have sudden severe swelling or pain that is getting worse

Book a routine appointment if:

• You are unhappy with the look of your lips after swelling has settled
• You have lumps or unevenness that persist
• You want to discuss whether dissolving is suitable for you
• You are thinking about having more filler and want advice first

Diagnosis

There is no single test. A clinician decides whether dissolving may help by asking about your filler and examining your lips and face. They will want to know which filler you had, when it was placed and who placed it.

Tests that may be done

• Physical exam of the lips and face
• Review of your filler type, date and provider
• Medical history and allergy review
• Ultrasound scan by a trained clinician in some cases
• Photos to track changes over time

What to expect at your appointment

Your first appointment is a talk and an exam. The clinician may take photos and explain whether dissolving is suitable. If they are unsure which filler you had, they may arrange an ultrasound. They will explain the possible risks and what aftercare involves.

Treatment

Dissolving is done in a clinic by a trained clinician. It can soften or remove hyaluronic acid filler. The enzyme breaks the filler into smaller pieces that your body clears over time. It cannot fix every filler problem, and fillers that are not hyaluronic acid need specialist advice.

Self-care at home

• Follow your clinician's aftercare instructions exactly.
• Use a cool pack wrapped in a cloth for short periods if advised, to ease swelling.
• Keep the injection points clean and avoid makeup on them until told it is safe.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, alcohol and very hot drinks for the first day or two if your clinician advises.
• Do not massage or press your lips unless your clinician tells you to.
• Sleep with your head slightly raised if swelling is bothering you.
• Know the warning signs and how to get urgent help.

Medical treatments

A trained clinician injects a small amount of a prescription enzyme into the lip area. The enzyme works on hyaluronic acid filler. You may need more than one visit. The clinician will ask about allergies and may do a test or allergy check first. They will also check that your filler is the type that can be dissolved. If it is not, they will discuss other options.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for lip filler problems. It may be considered if a filler that cannot be dissolved causes lasting lumps, infection or tissue damage. A specialist in plastic or reconstructive surgery would assess this.

Living with this condition

Most people can return to normal daily activities the same day, but lips may look swollen or bruised for a few days. The final result appears as swelling settles and your body clears the filler. You may need a follow-up appointment to check healing and decide if more treatment is needed.

Lifestyle tips

• Wait until your clinician says it is safe before having more lip filler.
• Choose a qualified, regulated clinician for any future filler.
• Start with a small amount if you decide to have filler again.
• Keep a record of the filler type, date and provider.
• Avoid smoking or vaping around the time of treatment if you can, as it can slow healing.
• Choose soft, cool foods if your lips are sore.

Diet and exercise

There is no special diet for dissolving filler. Eat and drink normally. If your lips are sore, cool soft foods may feel better. Avoid strenuous exercise for a day or two if your clinician advises, and avoid alcohol for the first day or so.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is common to feel anxious or upset about your appearance, especially if a filler result did not go as hoped. These feelings are valid. Talk to your clinician about what to expect, and consider speaking to a counselor if worry about your appearance is affecting your daily life or mood.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent the need to dissolve filler, but you can lower the risk by choosing a qualified, regulated clinician, starting with a small amount, and discussing the risks and aftercare before treatment. Avoid unregulated providers and do-it-yourself filler.

Vaccines

Not applicable. Vaccines do not prevent filler problems.

Screening programmes

No screening test is needed. Before filler, a clinician should review your medical history, allergies and any previous filler.

Complications

If left untreated

• Lumps or asymmetry may stay the same or become more noticeable.
• Infection can worsen and may cause scarring.
• Rarely, blocked blood flow can damage skin and tissue if not treated urgently.
• Ongoing worry about appearance can affect confidence and mental health.

Long-term outlook

Most hyaluronic acid lip filler can be softened or dissolved, and many people are pleased with the result once swelling settles. Healing takes time, and some people need more than one session. Your clinician can explain what is realistic for you.

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