What Are Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable gels—most commonly hyaluronic acid (HA)—used to restore volume, refine facial contours, and soften etched lines. With careful selection and placement, fillers can define the jawline and chin, lift the cheeks, refresh the lips, and smooth folds while keeping your features balanced and natural. At Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery in Hudson Yards, Manhattan, treatments are designed by board-certified dermatologists with a focus on subtle, elegant results and minimal downtime.
Filler types and which of them can be dissolved
Choosing the right material matters for look, feel, and longevity. Here’s how the main categories differ, including which can be reversed:
Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers(e.g., JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, Belotero®):
versatile options for line-softening and contouring; reversible with hyaluronidase if adjustments are needed.
Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) (e.g., Radiesse®):
structured support plus collagen stimulation—commonly for jawline or lower face; not dissolved with hyaluronidase.
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) (e.g., Sculptra®):
a biostimulator that gradually improves volume and skin quality; not dissolved with hyaluronidase.
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) (e.g., Bellafill®):
semi-permanent microspheres for longer-lasting correction; not dissolved with hyaluronidase.
Autologous fat transfer (fat grafting):
surgical harvesting and grafting of your own fat for volume restoration; not dissolved with hyaluronidase.
Silicone (permanent) fillers:
permanent material; not dissolved with hyaluronidase and associated with higher complication risk.
For lip enhancement speciffically, our team favors modern HA fillers and micro-precision techniques to refine shape and hydration without heaviness.
How dissolving works
Dissolving uses hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down HA. Expect a brief sting that we can buffer for comfort. Results begin quickly, but tissues need time to settle before re-treatment. We typically reassess and consider refilling after ~2 weeks, longer for sensitive areas like the tear trough.
Common reasons to dissolve filler (HA)
Most adjustments are simple and planned. Occasionally, we deliberately reverse HA to reset and refine. Typical reasons include:
Asymmetry or an overfilled appearance
Migration in high-movement areas (lips, under-eyes)
Nodules or a bluish hue (Tyndall effect)
Changed aesthetic goals or personal preference
Rare urgent events (vascular compromise) managed promptly with hyaluronidase
What dissolving your fillers can fix
Hyaluronidase is a targeted tool, not a last resort. Used thoughtfully, it helps address:
Asymmetry or irregular contours
Certain nodules (with evaluation; inflamed areas may need medication first)
Vascular events, which are treated urgently with established protocols
Aesthetics evolve. Many NYC patients now prefer soft, refined enhancements over dramatic volume. If older filler no longer matches your style, we can dissolve, let tissues settle, and rebuild with today’s techniques for a fresher, more natural look.
The process of dissolving fillers
Dissolving fillers involves injecting hyaluronidase with a fine needle. This enzyme causes a burning sensation but can be mixed with sodium bicarbonate to reduce discomfort. The enzyme’s activity can last from 30 hours to a week, with a recommended waiting period of at least two weeks before any re-injection.
Key timing to remember when getting fillers
Good timing protects your result. After dissolving, waiting at least 2 weeks allows swelling to resolve and tissues to return to baseline. This pause helps your next treatment sit smoothly and look more predictable.
Cost of dissolving
Pricing depends on the amount of enzyme, the complexity of the correction, and clinician expertise. You’ll receive a personalized estimate during your consultation—similar to other advanced injectable services.
Filler migration: what it is and why it happens
Migration means the product has shifted from its intended spot. It’s usually related to technique, product choice, or simply too much volume in delicate, mobile tissue. To minimize risk, we use conservative dosing, appropriate products per area, and precise placement. If migration occurs with HA, dissolving and re-planning typically solves it.
Correcting overfilled tear troughs
The under-eye is a “less is more” zone. Because HA attracts water, overuse can lead to puffiness or swelling. Our typical approach is staged:
Dissolve excess HA to clear the canvas
Wait for tissues to normalize (often ~2 weeks or more)
Refill conservatively or choose an alternative plan if needed
Side effects & aftercare (filler and dissolving)
Both treatments are well-tolerated, and aftercare is straightforward. You may notice:
Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, or bruising
Simple care—gentle cleansing, cool compress as needed, and avoiding strenuous exercise and alcohol for 24 hours
Please contact us urgently for worsening pain, spreading redness, fever, or vision changes.
Possible side effects include incomplete or uneven removal and asymmetry. Multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired result. Aftercare involves managing bruising and swelling with arnica gel or tablets and icing the area. Massaging should be avoided to prevent increased swelling.
