Did I ruin my lips forever? Can I reverse this? (photos)

Question

I've had lip fillers done twice. The last time was over a year ago. It was both with short lasting HA fillers. What bothers me the most is my mouth seems to be horizontally elongated now. The filler moved beyond the width of my nose and has plumped the corners of my lips which I don't find esthetically pleasing . I'd rather have my thin lips back. It was a major mistake: never again! What can be done to reverse this damage?

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @tskat. I'm sorry you are not happy with your results. I recommend dissolving the filler with Hyaluronidase.

Best of luck,

Dr. Nima

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

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

If you're unhappy with your final results, you can have it reversed with hyaluronidase and try a different technique next time. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

The use of HA fillers for lip augmentation has one advantage over other products - it can be 'melted' or 'dissolved' using hyaluronidase injections. Its safe and reliable to do this treatment.

Austin Cosmetic Surgery · Answer

Yes your filler can dissolved with an enzyme called Hyaluronidase. You could then wait and have them injected to your desired look later. Make sure to discuss with provider your concerns before any further injections.

Did I ruin my lips forever? Can I reverse this? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Lip filler can be 'removed'

Answer: Lip filler can be 'removed'

Answer: Removing filler

Answer: Removing filler

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hyaluronidase

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Did I ruin my lips forever? Can I reverse this? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Lip filler can be 'removed'

Answer: Lip filler can be 'removed'

Answer: Removing filler

Answer: Removing filler

Browse related questions

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.