Can I dissolve my facial filler in my cheeks?

Question

Hi I have had facial fillers in my cheeks for the past 4 years - about twice a year. I am unhappy with the result, my face is extremely puffy and I have a bulge of skin under my eye I never had before. I also have dents in the top of my cheeks when I smile. Can these be removed? I believe the Dr used Voluma. Will the removing agent affect my own natural fat and volume in my face? Will it be removed evenly? What do you suggest? Thank you!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I am sorry to hear about your unhappiness with your most recent filler injections.  Most fillers used today are made of hyaluronic acid (HA), such as Juvederm and Voluma, both of which can be dissolved with another injectable medicine.  Unfortunately, this medicine is not specific, and will dissolve any of this type of HA filler, making an even removal difficult if you are not looking to remove all of it.  It will not, however affect the natural fat of your face, but with dissolving the filler, you will lose the volume that the filler had been providing.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You can have the filler removed please see an expert who does a lot of filler injections.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Grace Liu, MD · Answer

Hi,You definitely can have any excess Voluma dissolved with hyaluronidase.  However, it will may require several treatments before you achieve your desired result.  I would consider small amounts of hyaluronidase once a week until you are happy.  This will not affect your own natural fat or volume.  I would just check to see if the filler you had was Voluma before proceeding.  If you had Radiesse, it will not be dissolved with hyaluronidase.Warmly,Dr. Liu

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

If the fillers are not placed at the correct depths, animation can look abnormal. The deeper the better is my mantra. I have seen this often with inexperienced injectors. Voluma might take  couple treatments with hyaluronidase. It is hard to be exact with it but don't worry about your own fat or collagen, it won't affect that.

Justin Harper, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi katie8350,
Voluma can be dissolved with hyaluronidase since it is made of hyaluronic acid. However, you need to make sure because other dermal fillers are permanent and others can potentially cause lumps and granulomas. Dissolving the lumps should not be aggressive - you need to do this over 2-3 treatments..
Through time, you would have lost fat  collagen formation would have slowed down, and bone would have been resorbed. Because of this, you expect a change in the shape of your face and some drooping. After dissolving, you may need to replace fat lost. There are many fillers currently available with varying densities and elasticity. Some of these are those from the Juverderm, Restylane , and Revanesse Versa lines.
All the best, 
Justin Harper, M.D.

Can I dissolve my facial filler in my cheeks?

Answers (5)

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