Reversing Effects of Dermal Fillers

Submitted by Dr. Joyesh Raj on Wed 01/23/2019 - 12:52

Dermal fillers are one of the most popular ways to help smooth fine lines and restore facial volume without having to undergo invasive surgery. They are well-tolerated by most patients, and under the right hands, can produce results that appear natural and symmetrical. In rare cases, however, fillers may lead to suboptimal results, either from mistakes during the procedure or due to the patient’s physical reaction to treatment. In this post, Dr. Joyesh Raj shares his tips on what to do when dermal fillers produce undesirable results.

Reversing Dermal Fillers: Is It Possible?

If a dermal filler injection produces unanticipated results, the good news is that a qualified plastic surgeon or dermatologist may be able to correct or improve the effects. Some of the strategies for making corrections include massaging the injection site, removing the treatment with hyaluronidase, or using additional fillers.

Massage

In cases where dermal filler results are only slightly dissatisfactory (e.g., slight asymmetry or mild skin “lumpiness”), a cosmetic professional may be able to gently massage the treated area to even out the skin. This strategy is not always the most effective, but it can work to some degree.

Hyaluronidase Injection to Remove Filler

Hyaluronidase, an enzyme that degrades hyaluronic acid, can be used to remove hyaluronic acid-based fillers such as Juvéderm, Belotero, and Restylane. For this treatment to be successful, a plastic surgeon injects hyaluronidase into the treated area to dissolve the fillers.

Additional Fillers

Also, the strategic administration of additional fillers may be helpful for evening out results and improving the overall appearance of the skin. Keep in mind that this is adding filler on top of filler, which increases costs and may pose increased risk for further unwanted results.  

Patience Helps

If you prefer a more natural, lower-cost approach to reversing the effects of dermal fillers, then you may wish to simply wait for the body to metabolize the product. Dermal fillers are temporary, and results usually fade in a year.

Prevention

As with most health issues, prevention is the best treatment. An experienced, board certified plastic surgeon will understand the specific challenges of dermal fillers, which will help prevent potential treatment issues. An evaluation of your full medical history prior to treatment is also necessary to rule out any risk of allergic reaction.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Dr. Raj, a board certified plastic surgeon with years of experience in cosmetic surgery, understands what it takes to create optimal results, regardless of the procedure. To discuss your aesthetic concerns with Dr. Raj, please schedule a consultation by calling his Westlake practice at (440) 808-8030 today.