Is there anyway to break down 1 ml of Voluma in both cheeks without hyaluronidase?

Question

How long does 1ml of voluma take to naturally breakdown? I had 1ml of voluma to my face in july of 2019. So only 1 syringe split between both cheeks. I had hylauronidase in my tear through a year ago because of restylane and the hyaluronidase took away some of my tissue and made my cheeks flat. The doctor told me the voluma would solve this problem but it just made my face look like a blob and made my face wide. I hate it. but i cannot afford to hyaluronidase again because of the damage it would cause.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

First, I am very sorry you have been having these negative experiences, first with your under eye filler and now with the cheek volumizing filler. Hindsight is twenty-twenty, but going forward and for other readers of this column, it emphasizes the importance of seeking treatment and consultation by board certified aesthetic physicians with special expertise and experience in advanced techniques of nonsurgical facial sculpting, contouring and shaping via the use of injectable volumizing and filling materials, so as to minimize the need for corrections, such as you have undergone. Although hyaluronidase remains the most efficient means for dissolving unwanted deposits of hyaluronic acid fillers, there are certain other techniques that I have successfully used to speed the clearance of hyaluronic acid filler, which, in the case of Voluma (a very robust volumizing filler), may take anywhere from six months to two years to be naturally metabolized away. Subcision accompanied by the intralesional injection of normal saline can help break up the bulk of the Voluma and dilute it in order to speed its natural clearance. Hope this helps. Best of luck, and remember, rather than giving up entirely on injectable fillers, in the future, make sure that you see an expert aesthetic physician.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Hylauronidase has many advantages and should be considered in patients who are unhappy with their results or in acute cases of overfilling or occlusion. Its often better to reverse filler and restart then to deal with long term edema. 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

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hello Panabella.  Short of surgical removal and Hyaluronidase, we know of no other options to get rid of Voluma.  It will normally take 6-12 months for it to break down on it's own.  Hyaluronidase does not break down natural collagen so you would be safe using this technique again.  Best of luck.

Anteneh Roba, MD · Answer

Voluma lasts up to 2 years. In my experience it starts degrading much sooner. I’m not aware of any other product that can breakdown ha fillers of which voluma is a part of.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

panabella77I am sorry you are having this issue from Voluma. The pro and con for this excellent filler is that it can last for up to two years! However, Hyaluronidase, expertly injected into areas of issue, should address your needs. However, this process needs to be done in stages, slowly, to melt away the filler material in the most advantageous way. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist in our area to explore the best options for you. Good luck.

Is there anyway to break down 1 ml of Voluma in both cheeks without hyaluronidase?

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Answer: Anyway to breakdown Voluma without using Hyaluronidase?

Answer: Anyway to breakdown Voluma without using Hyaluronidase?

Answer: Voluma Issues

Answer: Voluma Issues

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Everything you need to know about Hyaluronidase

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Is there anyway to break down 1 ml of Voluma in both cheeks without hyaluronidase?

Answers (10)

Answer: Anyway to breakdown Voluma without using Hyaluronidase?

Answer: Anyway to breakdown Voluma without using Hyaluronidase?

Answer: Voluma Issues

Answer: Voluma Issues

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hyaluronidase

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.