Lip filler removal is a non-surgical procedure designed to dissolve and remove unwanted or excess dermal fillers from the lips. Lip filler removal offers a safe and effective solution, whether due to overfilling, uneven results, or a desire to return to a more natural appearance. At Art of Skin Dermatology, Tania Cohen, DMSC, PA-C, provides expert lip filler removal with hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid-based fillers, allowing patients to achieve the lip shape and size they desire.
This procedure is ideal for individuals who have previously undergone lip augmentation and wish to reverse or correct the results. Whether it’s to address dissatisfaction with the initial outcome or to remove overfilled areas, lip filler removal helps restore balance and symmetry to the lips.
A personalized consultation with your provider will help determine the best approach to achieve your goal, ensuring that your treatment is tailored to meet your needs.
HOW DOES LIP FILLER REMOVAL WORK?
Lip filler removal works by injecting hyaluronidase into the areas where the unwanted filler has been placed. Natural enzymes such as hyaluronidase dissolve hyaluronic acid, which makes up most dermal fillers used in lip augmentation. Once injected, hyaluronidase quickly breaks down the filler, allowing the body to naturally absorb it and restore the lips to their original state or prepare them for further adjustments.
This procedure is highly effective for dissolving hyaluronic acid-based fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane. It can correct overfilled lips, remove lumps or asymmetry, and reverse filler in cases where the desired aesthetic was not achieved. The treatment can also address complications such as the filler’s migration or allergic reactions, ensuring a safe and balanced result.
While lip filler removal primarily targets hyaluronic acid fillers, a consultation is necessary to determine if the product used in the initial augmentation is suitable for removal with hyaluronidase.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING A LIP FILLER REMOVAL SESSION?
A lip filler removal session begins with a detailed consultation to discuss your concerns and evaluate the current condition of your lips. Your provider will assess the areas that need correction and explain the process of removing the filler, ensuring that all of your questions are answered before proceeding.
A numbing cream may be applied to the lips during the procedure to ensure comfort. Hyaluronidase is injected into the targeted areas where the filler needs to be dissolved. The process is quick and precise, typically taking about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how much filler needs to be removed.
Because hyaluronidase starts working immediately, many patients will notice a reduction in the filler within a few hours. The final result is usually seen within a few days, as the body fully absorbs the dissolved filler and the lips settle into their natural shape.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER LIP FILLER REMOVAL?
After lip filler removal, some mild reactions may occur at the injection sites, such as swelling, redness, and tenderness. Most of these side effects are mild and disappear within a few days. Cold compresses can help alleviate discomfort, and your provider will give you detailed instructions to help you heal properly.
Once the filler has been dissolved, the lips will gradually return to their pre-augmentation appearance. If you want to remove the filler, this process can be done in a single session, though some cases may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired result. If you plan to adjust or redo the filler with a different approach, your provider will discuss the next steps and provide a timeline for future treatments.
Lip filler removal is a safe and effective way to correct or reverse lip augmentation. It gives patients control over their appearance and allows them to refine or adjust their treatment as needed.
