MY EXPERIENCE WITH HYLENEX (AKA FILLER DISSOLVER)
Let’s talk about filler reversal because the reality is, sometimes, ya gotta dissolve it!
STORY TIME! (and why I needed Hylenex myself):
I’ve had my lips done for 5 or 6 years now and they’re pretty much a part of my identity at this point. I have to admit though, I had some filler migration going on. Before Face Forward, I had always assumed it to be fibrosis (aka scar tissue) but Morgan convinced me it was just filler migration and that we needed to dissolve and start new again. TBH, I think she wanted to dissolve these lippies as soon as I sat down for my interview lol but I digress. She was right though— she dissolved it and that unwanted filler hangin out above my top lip was goneeeee!
I’ve since had new filler placed in my lips again and I love them! I will probably add more and build them back up again but for now, they look 10000% better and so much more natural.
Since filler migration happens WAY MORE often than you probably think, I thought it would be a good idea to give you the low down on all things filler reversal. Sometimes dissolving and starting new again is the best way to go so keep reading for more on my experience and what you can expect if reversing makes sense for you.
HERE’S THE DEAL
WHAT IT IS:
Hylenex, also called hyaluronidase, is an enzyme that breaks down and dissolves hyaluronic acid (HA) filler. It’s injected into the problem area and works quickly with most unwanted filler reversing within 24-48 hours.
WHY YOU MIGHT NEED IT:
It’s how you correct all things filler! So if your filler looks bad, is old, or migrated to an unwanted area on the face (sometimes all three), Hylenex is how you fix it. And let me just say, IT’S OK to get filler dissolved—especially old stuff. Despite what you’ve probably heard, not *ALL* of your filler will be metabolized and gone in ~12 months and for a lot of people, it can stick around.
In my case, I had a decent bit of filler migration going on—meaning some of my filler had slowly crept away from where it was injected to somewhere else (e.g. from my lip to right above it). Anddddd if I’m being honest, it was old and starting to look bad too.
Hylenex is also used to correct any tyndalling, which can sometimes happen (*especially* in the undereye area). Basically, the skin where filler was placed takes on a blueish hue due to light reflecting the veins underneath the skin surface.
So for a lot of different reasons, sometimes it’s just best to dissolve and start new again!
WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT:
Dissolving old and adding new is never done in the same appointment so plan for some lag time in between. At Face Forward, we dissolve and schedule a 2 week follow up. From there, we can continue to dissolve any areas that still need corrected or place new filler in the area we dissolved.
Not all of it has to go! Just because we are “reversing filler”, doesn’t mean we are dissolving alllll of it. For me, Morgan carefully injected Hylenex in and around my top lip where filler had migrated and was very selective in what she chose to dissolve. So seek out a trusted injector!
Pain: NGL, Hylenex can be a little zingy. I found it to be more sharp and quick than anything else but there’s *definitely* some temporary discomfort involved. It’s literally a couple seconds though and then you’re good.
Swelling, yes most def, you’re gonna have it. Bruising is possible too (especially if dissolving in a delicate area like the undereyes). Expect to be swollen initially and for filler to gradually dissolve within 1-2 days. My lips looked like I was having an anaphylactic reaction immediately after and then slowly made their way back to my pre-filled lip size (which turned out to be way smaller than I remember them being 😬)
Schedule a follow up and talk with your injector about your end goal. During mine, Morgan placed some new filler in my lips, worked her magic and I fn love then. They look fuller yet still completely natural for my face!
Cost: we charge $150 for filler to be dissolved if it’s not our work but 150-200 is pretty standard across the board.
Peep my before and after pics! What do we think?! And as always, drop me any Hylenex questions below or send me a DM—I’m always here for you!
xx, NF