Is there a risk that getting lip filler dissolved will cause your lower lip to get wrinkles and sag or droop? (Photos)

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin - Winnetka & Chicago. This is a great question. In most cases, dissolving hyaluronic-acid lip filler simply returns your lips to their natural baseline and does not cause lasting sagging, drooping, or new wrinkles. Temporary swelling or mild looseness can happen right after dissolving, but the tissue typically settles back to normal as the inflammation resolves. Long-term stretching of the lip from normal amounts of filler is very uncommon—issues usually arise only after significant overfilling done repeatedly. I hope this helps!

Hyaluronic acid lip filler can be dissolved and in most cases your lips settle back to your baseline once the swelling passes. Dissolving does not create permanent sagging or droop.
What you may notice temporarily• When filler is removed quickly the lip can look a little deflated and fine lines may appear more visible for a short time because the “splint” effect is gone• Hyaluronidase can also break down a small amount of your natural hyaluronic acid. That can feel drier or thinner for days to weeks, then your tissue replenishes it
When problems are more likely• If the lips were heavily overfilled for months, the mucosa can stretch a bit. Most people rebound gradually after dissolving, though it can take time• If filler was placed very superficially or outside the ideal planes, removing it can briefly unmask creases that the filler had been hiding
Why a droopy lower lip happens• A naturally low or everted lower lip is usually about dentofacial support and muscle balance, not the dissolving enzyme• Filler that is placed to support the vermilion border and avoid heavy eversion is less likely to exaggerate a downward look
How to try filler with a safety net• Start conservatively and stage your treatment. Review photos at 2 to 4 weeks before adding more• If you ever want to go back, partial dissolving is possible to fine tune rather than “all or nothing”• Ask your injector about placement planes, planned volume, enzyme concentration if dissolving is needed and how they screen for rare allergy
Bottom lineDissolving HA lip filler generally returns lips to their pre filler state. Wrinkles that you see right after dissolving are usually a temporary unmasking, not new damage or lasting laxity.
If you would like a more specific opinion for your case clear front and side photos help assess support, volume need and a conservative plan. A brief complimentary conversation with a coordinator can be used to collect these before any medical evaluation.
Wishing you a smooth experience and lips that look natural from every angle.Güray Yeşiladalı, MD

Hi, thank you for sharing your photos and your concerns—they really help me understand what you’re noticing.

When lip filler is dissolved, the filler itself is simply broken down and removed by the body. Generally, the lips will return to their natural shape and position prior to the filler, so in most cases, dissolving filler does not directly cause new sagging or drooping.

However, there are a few points to keep in mind:

Pre-existing anatomy: If your lower lip already has slight natural drooping or laxity, dissolving filler will reveal your lip exactly as it was before, which may include the natural shape you’re concerned about. The filler can sometimes have been providing a subtle lift or support, so once it’s gone, the lip may appear slightly less “plump” than it did with the filler, but it won’t create new sagging.

Wrinkles: The most common visible change after dissolving filler is minor lines or wrinkles in the lip area, especially if the skin had been stretched or supported by the filler for a long period. These wrinkles are generally minor and often temporary.

No permanent drooping: Dissolving filler itself does not damage the muscles or tissue in a way that would create permanent drooping.

In short, if you decide to try filler, you can feel confident that dissolving it later would simply return your lips to their natural state, with the main risk being temporary minor lines or wrinkles, not new sagging.