Filler Dissolving in Boca Raton: When and How Hyaluronidase Is Used
Filler dissolving in Boca Raton uses hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid (HA) filler. At Sol Luna Aesthetics, it is offered as Spring Cleaning (Filler Dissolve + Reset), listed at $350, with an assessment and a new plan. It only works on HA fillers, and it is decided case by case.
Sometimes the most useful filler appointment is one that removes filler. This guide from Sophie Lanter, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, a doctorally prepared, board-certified family nurse practitioner and the founder of Sol Luna Aesthetics, explains when dissolving makes sense, how hyaluronidase works, what the risks are and which symptoms after filler need urgent care.
What is hyaluronidase, and how does it dissolve filler?
Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid, the main ingredient in most lip, cheek and under-eye fillers. When a licensed provider injects it into an area with HA filler, it breaks the gel apart so the body can absorb it.
Hyaluronidase products such as Hylenex recombinant, Vitrase and Amphadase are approved by the FDA, but their labeled uses are medical, such as helping other injected drugs spread and absorb. Using hyaluronidase to dissolve cosmetic filler is an off-label use. It is a common practice in aesthetic medicine, and the decision to use it, and how much, belongs to a trained, licensed provider.
When is filler dissolving used?
People come in for dissolving for many reasons. Common ones include:
Lumps, bumps or firm areas that have not settled
Filler that has moved away from where it was placed (migration)
A result that looks overfilled, heavy or no longer suits your face
Uneven or asymmetric results
A bluish tint under thin skin, often under the eyes (called the Tyndall effect)
A reset before a new plan, such as facial balancing
Suspected blockage of a blood vessel, which is a medical emergency treated right away
Which fillers can hyaluronidase dissolve?
Hyaluronidase only breaks down hyaluronic acid. Fillers made from other materials do not respond to it, which is one reason to keep a record of every product injected into your face.
Filler material | Common examples | Dissolves with hyaluronidase? |
Hyaluronic acid (HA) | Juvéderm, Restylane and RHA families | Yes |
Poly-L-lactic acid | Sculptra | No |
Calcium hydroxylapatite | Radiesse | No |
PMMA microspheres | Bellafill | No |
If you are not sure what you had, bring any records, product stickers or the name of the practice that treated you. The FDA notes that fillers not made of materials such as HA can be difficult or impossible to remove. Sol Luna's dermal filler services use hyaluronic acid fillers.
What happens during a Spring Cleaning appointment at Sol Luna Aesthetics?
Spring Cleaning (Filler Dissolve + Reset) is listed on Sol Luna's filler menu at $350 with a 30 minute appointment time. The service includes a full assessment, dissolving of previous filler and a custom plan for your goals going forward. It is designed for people who are unhappy with previous filler, including filler placed somewhere else.
A typical visit includes:
A review of your medical history, allergies and past filler records.
Clinical photos and an exam of the treated area.
A discussion of whether to dissolve fully, partially or not at all.
Small, targeted injections of hyaluronidase into the filler.
Aftercare instructions and a plan for follow-up.
How fast does hyaluronidase work, and will I need more than one session?
Hyaluronidase starts working quickly, often within hours, though swelling from the injections can hide the change for a day or two. Some people see the result they want after one session. Others, especially those with larger amounts of filler or several layers placed over time, need a second session after the first has settled.
What are the risks of filler dissolving?
Hyaluronidase is a prescription drug, and dissolving is a medical procedure. Common, temporary effects include swelling, redness, bruising, tenderness and itching at the injection sites.
Other risks to know:
Allergic reaction. Reactions can range from local swelling and itching to, rarely, a severe reaction. Tell your provider about any allergies, including bee or wasp sting allergies, since bee venom contains hyaluronidase.
Temporary deflation. The enzyme can also affect some of your own natural hyaluronic acid, so the area may look flatter than expected for a while.
Uneven correction. Some filler may remain, or one side may change more than the other, which can mean another session.
When should I seek urgent care after filler?
Most swelling and bruising after filler are expected and fade over days. A few symptoms are not normal and need attention right away. The FDA advises seeking immediate medical attention for any of the following during or shortly after filler:
Unusual or severe pain at or near the injection site
Skin near the injection site that turns white, gray, blue or blotchy
Any change in vision, such as blurring, loss of vision or double vision
Signs of a stroke, such as trouble speaking, numbness or weakness in the face, arms or legs, trouble walking, a drooping face, severe headache, dizziness or confusion
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for any vision change or stroke sign. For skin color changes or severe pain, contact your injector immediately; these can be signs that a blood vessel is blocked, and time matters. Also contact your provider promptly for redness and warmth that keep getting worse, fever, drainage or a hard, painful lump, which can signal infection. Trouble breathing or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat is an emergency; call 911.
To learn more about filler safety in general, read our guide, Are Dermal Fillers Safe?
Can I get filler again after it is dissolved?
Yes, if it is appropriate for you. Your provider will want the area to fully settle first so the new plan is based on your true starting point. Many people choose a lighter, more gradual approach the second time.
Frequently asked questions
Does filler dissolving hurt?
Hyaluronidase is given with small injections, so most people feel brief pinching and some stinging. Comfort varies from person to person, and the area may feel tender or swollen for a few days afterward.
How much does filler dissolving cost at Sol Luna Aesthetics?
Spring Cleaning (Filler Dissolve + Reset) is listed at $350 on the Sol Luna Aesthetics filler menu. It includes a full assessment, dissolving of previous filler and a custom plan for your goals going forward.
Can hyaluronidase dissolve Sculptra or Radiesse?
No. Hyaluronidase only breaks down hyaluronic acid filler. Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) and Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite) are made from different materials and do not respond to it.
Can I have filler dissolved if it was injected somewhere else?
Yes. Spring Cleaning at Sol Luna Aesthetics is designed for people who are unhappy with previous filler work. Bring any records of the product and amount used so your provider can plan safely.
How soon can I get new filler after dissolving?
It depends on how much was dissolved and how your tissue responds. Your provider will usually wait until swelling has fully settled before placing new filler, and will set the timing at your follow-up.
What should I do if my skin turns white or blue after filler?
Contact your injector immediately, because a white, gray or blue color near an injection site can mean a blood vessel is blocked. If you also have any vision change or signs of a stroke, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Book a consultation
Book a consultation at Sol Luna Aesthetics, 2499 Glades Rd, Suite 302, Boca Raton, FL 33431: book online or call (561) 576-4144.
Medically reviewed by Sophie Lanter, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Results vary from person to person. A consultation is required to determine whether a treatment is appropriate for you.
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