Can I just let lip filler dissolve and everything will go back to normal?

Question

I want to try lip filler. If I don't like it, can I just let it dissolve and everything will go back to normal? Or are there any potential adverse, long term issues?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

HA fillers (fillers composed of hyaluronic acid) are commonly used in the lips and will dissolve naturally over time. These products can also be reversed immediately after treatment, using injections of an enzyme known as hyaluronidase. I recommend working with an experienced, board-certified injector with the expertise to produce the best possible result for you. And rest assured that if you don't like the effect, you may reverse it as soon as you like.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. Assuming you use an HA filler you can allow it to fully dissipate after treatment and it will return you to your previous lip appearance.  Hope this helps.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

you can let lip fillers dissolve and their own and they will go back to your normal. if you are unhapy they can be reversed if they are HA fillers. please see an expert.  I would use daily hydration and plumping (see emeragecosmetics lip essentials kit).  everyone can do a little filler when done well really gives nice hydration and plumping.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Lip augmentation with filler is most likely the best procedure we have right now. It can be controlled regarding the amount of filler and adjusted as needed. Average effect of such augmentation is approximately 6 months. By that time in most patients filler will dissolve. In person consultation with board certified plastic surgeon is recommended. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear fml1937,
I typically use Juvederm for my lip sculpting. There are two main focuses of lip injections, adding volume and actually sculpting the shape. Both involve injecting the filler in different areas of the lips and patterns.
I would recommend finding a plastic surgeon to perform you lip injections. Most of my patients have results that last at least 6 months.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Douglas M. Stevens, MD · Answer

As long as you use a hyaluronic acid filler, this will naturally dissolve over time. If you did decide to get lip filler and did not like it you can also have it dissolved by having your doctor inject hyaluronidase to quickly dissolve the filler.

E. Ronald Finger, MD · Answer

If the lip filler is an HA filler, it is reversible. Otherwise, if you don't like the results, it will go back to normal with time unless it is a permanent filler, which I would not recommend.

Be very specific when you request lip fillers, e.g. do you want it to look larger but natural or just huge or somewhere in between. Bring photos to show the injector.

Good luck

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Typically lip fillers are always made of HA (hyaluronic acid). The substance will dissipate over time and most patients go back to pre-injection without filler within 4 to 6 months.  HA fillers can also be reversed with the enzyme hyaluronidaze.  There are some incidental reports of patients having sustained volume augmentation despite waiting long periods of time after fillers but typically patients go back to pre-injection baseline given enough time.

One option which was what I employ is to allow patients to see the augmentation as we gradually build up the volume in their lips so they can give their input in regards to what looks good and the amount of volume that is appropriate.

When done correctly the bug mentation has an extremely high patient satisfaction.

The most common adverse outcome is over treating the upper lip on people with very thin lips.

Obviously going to a skilled and experienced provider is key to getting high patient satisfaction.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Terry Loong, MBBS, MRCS - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question. I can appreciate the concern if it's your first time having lip filler. It's important to go to a reputable practitioner who will be assess you and see if lip filler is right for you. Less is more and if it's your first time, it's best to start slow.
The most common lip fillers used is hyaluronic acid which is like a synthetic sugar molecule which you naturally have in your skin, joints and eyeballs. Dermal fillers can be different density depending on where we inject it. If after the initial swelling has resolved and you do not like the effect, you can get it dissolved with hyalase (hyaluronidase). Although we try to save that for emergencies e.g. if a vessel is occluded by the filler or if there is too much filler used, resulting in an undesired look. 
You can let the filler dissolve on its own which a lot of people do but it takes time. Depending on the brand used, it starts to break down in 6 months while some can still feel some product after a year. There is a risk of granulomas (mass of tissue surrounding the filler as seen as a foreign body) although rare but can happen so it's important to use the right product, in the right tissue plane and in the right patient. 
Hope that helps.