Can I Selectively Dissolve Juvederm from Philtrium?

Question

I had my lips enhanced top and bottom with one syringe (1cc) of juvederm. It's been 5days and I am not to crazy about the philtrium that my injector convinced me was important to enhance. This is my first treatment with fillers and my primary concern is that the juvederm will stimulate collagen production in my philtrium and leave that as a more pronounced ridge. Should I wait it out or is it better that I find a new injector (I'm moving to a different state) to dissolve it? Please advise!

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Without viewing a picture of your lips before and after, it's difficult to answer this question. If you don't like the look and want it removed, be sure you visit a well-trained and experienced injector - dissolving product in that area has to be handled by an expert so as not to diffuse to areas you don't want it removed.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear Santa Barbara,

	-I think your injector was looking to give you "Paris Lips" which is not wrong, and just a preference

	-I would let the swelling come down and re-evaluate after 2 weeks.  If you still do not like it, then have it dissolved.

	-The collagen production is very minimal, if any, I would not worry about permanent ridges

	Best regards,

	Nima Shemirani

Laxmeesh Mike Nayak, MD · Answer

Thankfully, Juvederm is totally reversible with hyaluronidase injection, and only the philtrum may be reversed if you wish to keep the rest of your filler.

	It may take a couple visits to completely reverse.

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

I would wait up to 2 weeks after your filler injection (as there can be swelling or bruising), and if still not pleased, then have your physician dissolve some of it with hyaluronidase which is incredibly safe in experienced hands.

Laurie Jacobson, MD · Answer

The great thing about any of the hyaluronic acid fillers is that if there is anything you want to reverse, you can simply inject an enzyme called hyaluronidase and it will quickly dissolve the product. This is true for Juvederm, restylane, perlane, or any of the other hyaluronic acid fillers. Injecting the philtrum can provide some upper lip definition and lift that you may like once it settles down soon.

Esta Kronberg, MD · Answer

It seems your doctor was giving you the "Paris Lip". Some people like this look for the lip and it is a personal preference. I would give it 2 weeks to let all the swelling and bruising resolve. If you still want it removed at that point your doctor can inject Hyaluronidase into it and it will disappear.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

At 5 days after injection to the philtrum you may be experiencing a lot of swelling. Give it two weeks before considering dissolving the product.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

I am unsure why your philtirum was treated, but yes, you can selectively remove Juvederm with a good injector and hyaluronidase. However, I would suggest you wait a minimum of 2 weeks for all swelling and any bruising to subside. That will give you a better idea of what might need to be adjusted.

Can I Selectively Dissolve Juvederm from Philtrium?

Answers (8)