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Have you ever looked in the mirror after getting lip fillers and thought, “This isn’t quite what I wanted”? I certainly have. When I first got my lips enhanced, I was initially thrilled with the volume, but after a few weeks, I began to question my decision. They felt too full, slightly uneven, and frankly, not very “me.”
I don’t know what I was thinking. I was going through an identity crisis after losing my figure thanks to my two beautiful children.
Anywa, what many women don’t realise is that lip fillers aren’t a permanent commitment. If you’re unhappy with your results or simply want to return to your natural look, there are safe options available to dissolve those fillers. I’ve been through this journey myself, and I’m here to share everything I’ve learned about reversing lip fillers.
When I first considered getting my lip fillers dissolved, I had so many questions. Would it hurt? Would my lips look worse afterwards? Could I even have them removed at all?
The answers depend largely on what type of filler was used in your lips. Most modern lip enhancements use hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, which are completely dissolvable. Popular brands include Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero. These fillers are made from synthetic versions of a substance that naturally occurs in your body, primarily in your connective tissues.
What makes HA fillers brilliant is that they can be reversed if you’re unhappy with the results. This reversibility is one of the main reasons why these fillers have become the go-to choice for cosmetic practitioners across the UK.
However, if you’ve had non-HA fillers injected, the situation becomes a bit more complicated. These cannot be chemically dissolved and may require different approaches, which I’ll discuss later in this article.
When I decided to have my fillers dissolved, I wanted to understand exactly what would be happening to my lips. The process involves injections of a substance called hyaluronidase (often known by the brand name Hyalase in the UK).
Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that naturally occurs in our bodies. The version used in cosmetic procedures is a concentrated synthetic form. When injected near the filler, it breaks down the hyaluronic acid, essentially speeding up the natural dissolving process that would happen over time anyway.
What fascinated me was learning that hyaluronidase has been used medically for much longer than fillers have been popular. Healthcare professionals have been using it to dissolve HA fillers for nearly two decades, and it can be used not just for lips but for fillers in cheeks, under-eye areas, and anywhere else HA fillers have been injected.
The enzyme works by breaking the bonds in the hyaluronic acid molecules, allowing them to be absorbed more quickly by your body. It’s like pressing fast-forward on the natural degradation process that would happen over months.
I remember staring at my reflection, wondering if I was being too hasty about wanting my fillers dissolved. If you’re in a similar position, here are some valid reasons to consider this option:
For me, it was a combination of feeling that my lips didn’t match my face and noticing some unevenness that developed a few weeks after the procedure. I also found myself constantly aware of the fillers, which wasn’t the natural result I had hoped for.
It’s worth noting that if you’re experiencing severe complications like significant pain, whitening of the skin, or signs of vascular problems, you should seek immediate medical attention rather than waiting for a standard dissolving appointment.
Here’s what you can expect from the process, based on my experience:
First, you’ll have a consultation with a qualified practitioner—ideally a cosmetic doctor, surgeon, or dermatologist. During this meeting, they’ll examine your lips, discuss your concerns, and explain the dissolving process. They should also take a detailed medical history to ensure you’re a suitable candidate for hyaluronidase.
I found this consultation reassuring, as the doctor explained exactly what would happen and set realistic expectations about the results.
Before proceeding, your practitioner will likely perform a patch test by applying a small amount of hyaluronidase to your forearm. This is crucial because, although rare, allergic reactions to hyaluronidase can occur.
My patch test was done about 20 minutes before the procedure, and I was monitored for any signs of reaction. It was a quick and painless precaution that gave me peace of mind.
Once you’re cleared for the procedure, here’s what typically happens:
The entire process took less than 15 minutes for me, though this can vary depending on how much filler needs to be dissolved. The injections felt similar to the original filler injections—a sharp pinch followed by a strange pressure sensation.
I wasn’t quite prepared for how my lips would look immediately after having the fillers dissolved. There was some swelling and redness, which initially made me panic that something had gone wrong. My practitioner assured me this was normal.
In the first few hours after the procedure, my lips actually appeared fuller than before due to the swelling from the injections and the additional volume from the dissolving fluid itself. This can be quite alarming if you’re not expecting it!
The swelling began to subside within 24-48 hours, and I started to see the true results of the dissolution. For some women, one session is enough to achieve the desired reduction, while others might need multiple sessions depending on the amount of filler and how it responds to the hyaluronidase.
During recovery, I followed these aftercare instructions:
While having my fillers dissolved was generally a smooth process, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. Being informed helped me feel more in control of my decision.
The most common side effects include:
More serious but rare complications can include:
I experienced some bruising that lasted about a week, and my lips felt tender for a few days. There was also a period where my lips looked slightly uneven as the filler dissolved at different rates, but this resolved within two weeks.
I found quite a range of prices across different clinics in the UK. Generally, you can expect to pay between £100 and £400 for a dissolving session, depending on:
Some practitioners offer free dissolution if they were the ones who originally injected the filler and you’re experiencing complications. It’s always worth asking about this if you’re unhappy with results from a recent treatment.
I paid £250 for my dissolving procedure at a reputable clinic in Manchester, which included the consultation, patch test, and one follow-up appointment to check the results.
If you’ve had non-hyaluronic acid fillers injected into your lips, the situation becomes more complicated. Fillers like calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) or poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra) cannot be chemically dissolved with hyaluronidase.
For these types of fillers, your options are more limited:
If you’re unsure what type of filler you have, contact the practitioner who performed your treatment. This information is crucial before attempting any reversal procedure.
When I look at photos of myself before and after having my fillers dissolved, I’m amazed at the difference. Not just in how my lips look, but in how I feel about them.
Before dissolution, I was constantly aware of my lips—touching them, checking them in mirrors, and feeling self-conscious about them looking “done.” After the procedure, there was a sense of relief in returning to a more natural appearance that truly suited my face.
My lips did look slightly different than they did pre-filler. There was a brief period where they appeared somewhat deflated, but this resolved as my natural hydration levels balanced out. Within a month, my lips looked natural but still maintained a subtle fullness that I actually preferred to my original lips.
The entire experience taught me that beauty procedures aren’t necessarily permanent commitments, and that’s incredibly freeing knowledge to have.
Deciding to dissolve lip fillers is a personal choice, and there’s no right or wrong answer. If you’re unhappy with your fillers, know that you have options. The dissolution process is generally safe, effective, and provides a way back to a more natural appearance if that’s what you desire.
My advice is to take your time making the decision. Sometimes our initial reaction to cosmetic procedures can be influenced by swelling or adjusting to a new look. Give yourself at least two weeks after getting fillers before deciding to dissolve them, unless you’re experiencing complications.
Remember that your feelings about your appearance are valid, and you deserve to feel comfortable and confident. Whether that means keeping your fillers, having them partially dissolved, or removing them completely is entirely up to you.
Self Care and Health
