Sometimes things do not go the way you want in life. This can also apply to dermal fillers.
Using a highly skilled practitioner can help reduce risks but this does not eliminate those risks. Your practitioner should counsel you fully prior to your dermal filler treatment and explain aftercare and potential risks, such as bruising, swelling, lumps and asymmetry. Hyaluronic acid dermal filler can be reversed/dissolved using a medicine called hyaluronidase. Some injectable products are not fully reversible though and it’s important this is explained and understood by patients before they opt for an injectable procedure.
What are some examples of dermal filler complications?
- Filler moves from the site of injection, it migrates
- Some types of filler can absorb a lot of water and this can lead to a puffy appearance
- Nodules / lumps
- Too much filler which interferes with facial movements
- Aesthetically unpleasing result
- Filler is visible under the skin giving a blue/grey tinge (Tyndall effect)
- Block off blood supply to your skin’s tissue leading to tissue loss / necrosis – A rare but serious complication.
How can dermal filler be reversed?
It is recommended that if you are unhappy with the result of your dermal filler treatment that you return to the same practitioner who performed it. If this is NOT possible Dr Rowena can reverse dermal filler treatments. It is important to note that only hyaluronic acid fillers can be reversed in this way and not Radiesse, Sculptra or Ellanse (these are irreversible fillers).
If you are interested in having filler reversed, please book in via the clinic booking system to see how I can help you. Press the tab called “Dermal filler dissolving” in the booking system.
Dermal filler can be reversed with a prescription only enzymatic medicine called hyaluronidase. This enzyme hydrolyses/breaks down the cross-linked hyaluronic acid of the dermal filler. You may require several reversal treatments to achieve the desired result, but usually one suffices. This treatment carries a risk of allergic reaction of around 1/1000 which could lead to life threatening complications. If you have a history of allergic reactions to wasp or bee stings you cannot be treated with hyaluronidase.
The doctor will need to perform a reversal enzyme patch test prior to performing this treatment. This is for your safety. Information regarding the reversal medicine, the patch test and any associated risks are contained in your consent form and will be discussed with you during your consultation.
How is the patch test performed?
A very small amount of dermal filler dissolving enzyme is injected superficially in the forearm skin along with a control substance of saline. You are then reviewed to see if you develop inflammation. If you develop sufficient inflammation, that the doctor can identify, you will be deemed allergic. You should not develop a severe reaction to this patch test as a very small amount is injected in comparison to the amount that would be used to dissolve your filler.
You will also be required to remain at the clinic for at least 10 minutes following the dermal filler dissolving for observation to ensure that you are well and not having any reaction to the hyaluronidase before you go home.
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