I had lip filler put in about 10 years ago and it’s never dissolved. Can it be dissolved?

Question

The lady that injected my lips said she used hyaluronic acid with DMAE. They have gone down some but I can still feel Something in my lips. Can someone please tell me if this can be dissolved??

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Longterm filler problems include migration, edema, and nodularity. Filler migration and permanence is a very common problem because there are many different types of HA fillers on the market and each is specified for a specific part of the face. Use of highly cohesive fillers on thin skin may cause swelling and nodularity. If patients have filler migration or nodules, we recommend a combination approach of filler reversal with enzymes Hylenex and Hyaluronidase in different strengths to dissolve the filler. We may also need to add Kenalog to the mix in order to reduce fibrous tissue. If the filler does not dissolve, it either means the filler is not HA material or we need more enzyme. The HA reversal can be combined with other lasers and skin treatments at the same time, and it usually (usually) does not affect adjacent tissue.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

If the filler was hyaluronic acid and is still there you can reverse. sometimes this is scar tissue or granuloma and will not Improve with reversal.  I suggest  daily hydration and plumping see our emeragecosmetics.com lip kit.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Bruce K. Smith, MD · Answer

If your lips are still full and overdone after 10 years, it is very likely that you were NOT treated with a hyaluronic acid type filler. There are still some treatments that could be done to try to reduce the size of your lips if you are not happy. Please select a plastic surgeon board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and preferably a member of the ASAPS (American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons).

Jo Herzog, MD · Answer

If you had a HA filler I do not think that there is any filler still there ten years later. I would confirm what was injected.

Rita Rakus, MBBS - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question. if it was an HA based filler it's unlikely the filler will still be there 10years on. Sometimes changes can occur in the lip such as scar tissue that may be the issue- it's worth going to see an expert injector to have they assessed.  Please always seek a qualified and experienced practitioner, Best wishes

I had lip filler put in about 10 years ago and it’s never dissolved. Can it be dissolved?

Answers (5)