3 years after Juvederm was injected to nasolabial folds and lips - can this be removed without scarring?

This does raise the question as to whether or not the injector really used Juvederm or a silicone product. Does the injector have the lot number or information of what she injected you with? Also- most HA fillers typically last 6 months to a year but not every patient is the same and some fillers can last years. There could be incisions to remove the filler and with any incisions there are risks of scarring.

We understand your concern (or anxiety), but I must tell you that the longevity of a hyaluronic acid (HA) filler varies greatly from person to person. I've had the same material last 9 months in one person and 5 years in another. This means there are other factors that play a role in the absorption of a filler.

On the other hand, what is certain is that if it is hyaluronic acid, it will be dissolved with the use of hyaluronidase. It may require more than one treatment—two, three, or four sessions are usually sufficient. If it doesn't dissolve with hyaluronidase, then it's definitely not hyaluronic acid.

In these cases, a surgical procedure would be necessary, which leaves scars. For nasolabial folds, the scars are not very prominent but they won't disappear completely. Things are better for the lips because the remaining scars are not particularly visible.

I hope you find a solution to your problem.

I can understand how frustrating this must feel—especially since it’s been several years and you’re still noticing changes in how your smile looks. When filler lasts much longer than expected, or doesn’t dissolve with hyaluronidase, it does raise the question of whether what was injected was truly hyaluronic acid (like Juvederm) or a different type of filler, such as silicone or another permanent material.

If it is hyaluronic acid, in most cases it can be dissolved fully with repeated, carefully placed hyaluronidase treatments, though sometimes stubborn areas take multiple sessions. However, if it’s a non-dissolvable filler, the options become more limited. In those cases, removal is usually surgical, and while it can be effective, there is always some risk of scarring or contour irregularities because the filler can sometimes integrate with your tissues.

It’s also possible that what you’re noticing when you smile isn’t just the filler but also natural tissue changes over time, which can make lines appear more prominent.

To sum it up: yes, removal is possible, but the approach depends on what exactly was injected. Dissolvable fillers can be broken down with the right technique, while permanent ones usually require surgical removal, and that does come with risks.

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. Based on your concerns, I recommend to dissolve the existing filler. Dissolving migrated filler in the nasolabial folds can offer several benefits. It helps correct asymmetry and irregularities caused by filler migration, restoring natural contours and symmetry to the face. By removing excess filler, it can improve the appearance of overfilled or lumpy areas, resulting in a smoother and more balanced facial contour. I hope this helps and best of luck!

If you had Juvederm 3 years ago, none is left. Juvederm usually only lasts a year, and sometimes, not even a year. the lines are from movement, which is natural. Small amounts of Botox can calm that down.