Not loving the look of your filler anymore? You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck.

At SDBotox Austin, we believe aesthetic treatments should feel empowering, not permanent. Dissolving filler is a safe, straightforward option when your results don’t match your expectations.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the science, safety, and real-world scenarios to help you make an informed decision.

What is Dermal Filler Removal?

Dermal filler removal is a cosmetic procedure designed to dissolve or remove unwanted dermal fillers—typically, hyaluronic acid fillers—from your skin.

Removal is generally done if you’re not satisfied with the results of your dermal filler treatment or encounter complications like filler migration or having an uneven appearance.

Why Do People Choose to Dissolve Their Fillers?

Filler isn’t forever—and that’s actually a good thing. Here are common reasons our clients choose to have their filler dissolved:

• Overfilled appearance: Lips, cheeks, or under-eyes can look puffy or unnatural when filler is overdone.
• Migration: Filler may move over time, especially in delicate areas like the lips, creating lumps or undefined borders.
• Change in personal preferences: Your aesthetic goals evolve, and that’s okay.
• Poor outcomes from another provider: Unevenness, asymmetry, or incorrect placement sometimes need a reset.
• Medical concerns: Rare swelling, nodules, or discomfort might indicate the need for correction. Hyaluronidase is used to break down hyaluronic acid in cosmetic fillers, providing a solution for unwanted fillers.

Filler Migration and Correction

Filler migration occurs when the filler material moves from the intended injection site to other areas of the face, leading to an unnatural appearance. This can result from various factors, including poor injection technique, excessive filler material, or individual skin characteristics.

To correct filler migration, a medical professional may use hyaluronic acid-dissolving enzymes like hyaluronidase to break down the migrated filler.

Seeking advice from an experienced practitioner is essential to address filler migration and restore a natural-looking appearance.

How Does Dermal Filler Removal Work?

Most filler removal involves hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid (HA)—the primary ingredient in fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, and Versa.

Important facts to know about treatment:

• Fast-acting: Results often start within a few hours.
• Selective: It can be used for full correction or to fine-tune small areas.
• Safe: When administered by trained medical professionals, the procedure is low-risk and highly effective.
• Gradual: It can take up to two weeks for the full results of lip filler dissolution to become apparent.

Hyaluronidase does not dissolve non-hyaluronic acid fillers (like Radiesse or Sculptra). If you’re unsure what you received, we’ll assess your treated area and guide you toward your best options during your consultation.

Is Filler Dissolving Safe? What Are the Risks?

Yes, it’s generally very safe, but expertise matters. Hyaluronidase is a prescription-grade enzyme that should only be administered by trained injectors familiar with facial anatomy.

However, there is a potential for vascular occlusion if the filler mistakenly enters a blood vessel, leading to serious symptoms such as intense pain and discoloration. Recognizing these symptoms right away and contacting our professionals is crucial.

Common side effects may include:

• Mild redness, swelling, or tenderness
• Temporary bruising
• A numbing cream can be used to alleviate mild pain during the dissolving process

Less common risks:

• Allergic reactions (rare, but we can perform a patch test if needed)
• Over-correction if too much filler is dissolved (this is why a precise technique is key)
• Nerve damage if the procedure is not performed by an experienced practitioner

We use ultrasound guidance in complex cases and conservative dosing to ensure the most accurate, safe outcome.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Filler Dissolving Treatment

Before: We review your treatment history and examine the areas of concern. We may also recommend waiting if inflammation or swelling is present, as it can distort accuracy. Additionally, it’s important to avoid certain medications and lifestyle habits that could interfere with your healing process.

During: Using a tiny needle, we will inject the hyaluronidase directly into the areas where your filler needs to be broken down. Treatment typically takes 15–30 minutes.

After: Expect minor swelling and possible bruising for a day or two. Most clients see changes within 24 hours, with full results in about 5–7 days.

When Can I Get New Dermal Filler After Dissolving?

We usually recommend waiting 10–14 days after the filler dissolves before considering new injections. This allows:

• Any swelling or reaction to fully resolve
• Tissues to stabilize
• A more accurate foundation for your next treatment

A follow-up appointment is essential to evaluate your results and determine if further treatment is needed. Many of our clients opt for a new treatment plan after dissolving—not because they want “more,” but because they want better.

Will My Face or Lips Look Worse After Dissolving Filler?

Not necessarily—but there’s often an adjustment period.

• You may see a return to your pre-filler baseline.
• If you’ve had filler over time, your face might feel unfamiliar at first.
• Some volume loss may seem more noticeable initially due to contrast.

It’s important to note that the trend of excessive lip fillers can lead to unnatural appearances, commonly referred to as ‘duck lips’. Dissolving filler doesn’t mean your features “collapse.” Many clients report feeling more like themselves once overfilled areas are corrected.

Our goal at SDBotox is not just removal, but recovery, refinement, and the option to rebuild better.

Can You Partially Dissolve Filler or Just “Fix” a Small Area?

Absolutely. Filler removal isn’t an all-or-nothing situation. We often see clients who simply want to tweak migrated lip filler or correct a small lump in the tear trough.

Using advanced injection techniques, we can:

• Spot-treat problematic areas
• Dissolve unevenness without touching balanced areas
• Prepare your skin for new, more precise filler placement

Why Choose SDBotox Austin for Filler Removal?

We take dermal filler removal seriously—because your face deserves expertise, precision, and results that reflect your personal style. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Clinically trained, highly experienced injectors specializing in both correction and aesthetic restoration
• Custom, face-first treatment plans with no pressure to re-treat unless and when you’re ready
• Luxury Medspa environment where you’re treated with care and respect from consultation to aftercare
• Commitment to education and transparency—we’ll always explain the why behind your treatment
• Importance of working with an experienced injector to achieve safe, effective, and natural-looking results with filler treatments

Ready to Press Reset on Your Fillers?

Whether you’re correcting a past treatment or simply exploring your options, we’re here to help. No judgment, no assumptions—just clear guidance, expertise, and a treatment plan built for you.

📍 Visit us in Austin or Killeen to book your consultation today to explore safe, expert-led dermal filler removal with the team at SDBotox.