Lip filler removal may be considered if the results of the filler treatment do not feel right or if the filler has settled in the lips in an undesirable way. The most common reason for removal is aesthetic; often, the goal is to restore the lips to a more natural shape.

In most cases, hyaluronidase is used to remove lip fillers, as it breaks down the hyaluronic acid-based filler. If there is a large amount of filler or if it has spread over a wide area, the removal process may need to be repeated more than once.

The goal of the removal is to restore the natural appearance.

"Patients often feel anxious about having fillers removed, which is why I want to perform this procedure safely and calmly, without rushing," says Ville.

When is it necessary to remove lip fillers?

There are many reasons why you might want to have lip fillers removed. Sometimes the filler has been injected too shallowly or in the wrong spot; other times, the final result just doesn’t feel right.

Sometimes, people who have had lip fillers want to return to their natural appearance. When lips that have been enhanced with fillers no longer feel like their own, hyaluronidase comes to the rescue.

The most common situations in which lip filler removal is considered:

• The filler has spread to the wrong area, such as outside the lips
• The final result of the lip filler looks unnatural
• The filler causes delayed side effects
• The lip filler procedure was unsuccessful

Hyaluronidase is also a first-aid treatment

Filler treatments are generally safe, but even the most experienced professionals need to be prepared for complications.

Hyaluronidase is a prescription medication that belongs in every aesthetic medicine professional’s first-aid kit.

If filler accidentally enters the bloodstream, the situation must be treated immediately—specifically with hyaluronidase.

Complications are extremely rare, but everyone involved in the treatment must still be prepared to administer hyaluronidase. The medication must always be within reach, and it must be possible to administer it quickly and safely if necessary.

Please make sure to check with the practitioner performing your filler treatment that they have hyaluronidase on hand and know how to use it in case of an emergency.

How do you remove lip filler?

In some cases, lip filler removal can be performed using a needle, especially when the capsule is clearly defined, superficial, and well-delineated. In such situations, it is sufficient to make a small hole in the capsule through which the accumulated filler is squeezed out.

In most cases, however, hyaluronidase is required. Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid-based fillers in the tissue in a controlled manner.

A needle or the hyaluronidase enzyme?

• Needle removal: a superficial, well-defined capsule
• Hyaluronidase: broad, diffusely distributed areas of filler

Hyaluronidase breaks down only hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronidase is effective only on hyaluronic acid-based fillers. If the filler is, for example, calcium hydroxylapatite or lactic acid, removal is significantly more challenging and, in some cases, even impossible—even with surgical methods.

The same applies to impurities and foreign substances found in cheap fillers, which, unfortunately, are present in many low-quality products. Hyaluronidase is unable to break down these substances.

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that breaks down only hyaluronic acid.

How is the lip filler removal procedure performed?

Before removing the lip filler, I carefully examine the area. I look at it, feel it, and assess the condition of the tissue. If necessary, I perform an allergy test using a small needle on the arm. Once everything is in order, I carefully numb the lips before actually removing the filler.

During the removal process, I inject hyaluronidase directly into the filler. The substance begins to break down the hyaluronic acid immediately. I go over the situation with the patient at a leisurely pace. If there is a lot of filler or if it has already spread, we discuss the next steps.

Quite often, a single removal is sufficient, but it’s best to be prepared for the possibility that the filler will need to be removed again 2–4 weeks after the first treatment.

After removing the filler

• Avoid wearing makeup on the day of your treatment.
• Sleep on your back and avoid putting pressure on your face.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity for 24 hours.
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours.
• Avoid smoking for 24 hours.
• Do not touch or rub the treated area.
• Avoid hot showers, saunas, and sunbathing until the swelling goes down.
• You can apply a cold pack wrapped in cloth or paper to the affected area for 10 minutes at a time, 3–5 times a day.
• You can wear makeup the next day.
• If bruises appear in the area, you can cover them with makeup in the days following the treatment.
• We can perform another filler treatment on the same area no sooner than one month from now.

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What about the cost of lip filler removal?

The cost of lip filler removal depends on how much Amphadase* is needed and how many treatment sessions are required. Often, one ampoule of Amphadase is sufficient, but if there is a large amount of filler or it has had time to spread, we use two ampoules—or even more in some cases.

*) Amphadase is the brand name for hyaluronidase. Amphadase hyaluronidase is a prescription drug, and one that requires special authorization.

at VM Aesthetics are as follows:

• 1 hyaluronidase ampoule €350
• 2 vials, €450

Prices are generally similar at partner clinics in Helsinki, Vantaa, Tampere, and Pori. There may be slight variations between locations, but the differences are not significant.

I always go over the prices with you before treatment so there are no unexpected additional costs. I want the entire treatment process to be completely transparent from start to finish.

Did you know that?

• Hyaluronidase breaks down only hyaluronic acid, not the skin's own collagen or other compounds.
• Hyaluronidase also breaks down the skin’s own hyaluronic acid. This is a needless concern. The skin’s own hyaluronic acid is replenished within 24 to 72 hours. So, as far as the skin’s own hyaluronic acid is concerned, the situation is quickly resolved.
• Removing the filler does not cause the face to sag. If your features feel hollow after removal, this is because the filler had previously masked the natural signs of aging.
• Hyaluronidase takes effect quickly, but its effects persist in the tissue to some extent for several days after treatment is completed. For this reason, I recommend waiting at least two weeks before performing another filler treatment on the treated area.
• Sometimes the filler has settled deep beneath the skin or spread over a larger area than expected. In such cases, the final results of the removal may not be fully visible until after several treatment sessions.

Lip filler removal is always performed calmly and carefully. To be on the safe side, I never use more than the standard dose of hyaluronidase. I take a conservative approach to the procedure: I’d rather use too little than too much at once. If necessary, I’ll increase the amount of the substance in a controlled manner during a follow-up visit. This ensures a natural and beautiful end result.

Side effects, risks, and complications

These are common, temporary reactions associated with the use of hyaluronidase:

• Swelling and redness: common during the first few days, usually mild and temporary.
• Bruising: Bruises may appear at the injection sites, but they will go away on their own within a few days.
• Tenderness or itching: You may experience mild tenderness or itching at the treatment site.
• Temporary asymmetry: swelling or uneven dissolution of the filler may cause temporary asymmetry.

Although the removal of lip fillers is generally a safe procedure, hyaluronidase treatment carries some risks.

• Allergic reaction: Rare, but possible. That is why I perform an allergy test before treatment, if necessary.
• Overdose: Excessive use of hyaluronidase may dry out the skin.
• Incomplete dissolution of the filler: In some cases, the filler does not dissolve completely after a single treatment session. Additional treatments always entail additional costs.

Although hyaluronidase is generally a well-tolerated drug, it is important to remember that it can, in rare cases, cause an allergic reaction.

Reactions may occur immediately after the injection or may be delayed. Symptoms range from mild redness, itching, and local swelling to more serious reactions, such as widespread hives or respiratory symptoms.

That is why I carefully assess each patient’s condition before treatment and, if necessary, perform a small allergy test on the arm. This ensures that the treatment is as safe as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does lip filler removal hurt?

Removing lip fillers is usually painless. The treatment area can be numbed before the procedure. You may feel a slight pinch or pressure at the injection site, but actual pain is rare.

When can I exercise?

I recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours. You can engage in light physical activity, such as walking, on the same day.

How soon can I go back to work?

You can return to work right away if you feel well. Sometimes there may be swelling or bruising in the area, which could be a social barrier, for example, in customer service work. The swelling usually goes down within a couple of days.

Let's get moving!

If you’re unsure about having your fillings removed or want to make sure it’s the right choice for you, book a free consultation. We’ll go over your situation together at your leisure and determine what’s the best option for you.

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