Waiting Out Lip Fillers Safely from Home
Full, plump lips have become a coveted beauty trend. Thanks to celebrity culture and social media, more people than ever are seeking lip fillers to achieve a perfect pout.
But what happens when those fillers start to look a little too bold or unnatural? Is there a safe, effective way to dissolve lip filler from the comfort of home?
The truth is, there is no DIY method to actively dissolve lip fillers. While you can wait for them to be naturally absorbed by your body, this takes time.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the natural dissolving process and what to expect as your lips return to their pre-filler state.
Lip Fillers and How They Work
Lip fillers are injectable treatments used to add volume and definition to the lips. The most common fillers used today are made from hyaluronic acid (HA). Brands like Juvederm and Restylane use HA fillers to create a plumper pout.
When injected into the lips, HA fillers work by absorbing water and expanding, which adds volume over time. The results are temporary, lasting 6-12 months before being naturally absorbed by the body.
As the filler integrates into the lips, it binds to water molecules and stimulates collagen production for a plumping effect.
HA lip fillers are popular for their safe, reversible results. While other injectable fillers can cause permanent changes, hyaluronic acid can be dissolved if patients want their lips to return to their original state.
Reasons Why People Want to Dissolve Their Lip Fillers
There are a few common reasons why people end up wanting to dissolve their lip fillers:
- They no longer like the enhanced size or shape. As trends change or your style evolves, overfilled lips can start to look unnatural or exaggerated.
- The filler migrated or settled unevenly over time. This can create a lumpy, bumpy or asymmetric appearance.
- Their lips look overdone as they continue to age naturally. As the face changes over time, lip fillers can start to look incongruous.
- They want to restart with a clean slate. After having fillers for years, dissolving them allows a fresh start before adding new filler carefully.
- Allergic reactions or complications occurred. Adverse reactions are rare, but possible.
- Uneven results between top and bottom lip. Dissolving and starting over can help correct asymmetry.
The key is choosing an experienced injector who will help create subtle, balanced results. But even in the best hands, lip fillers don’t always turn out the way we envisioned.
Get beautiful, balanced lips from an expert – schedule your consultation with Dr. Soni today.
Can You Dissolve Lip Fillers at Home?
While you can’t perform the actual dissolving process at home, there are some natural ways to help your body break down lip fillers faster.
Here is what you need to know about safely dissolving lip filler without professional help:
Do-it-yourself dissolving carries risks
Only a licensed medical professional should inject hyaluronidase to break down fillers. Attempting to do it yourself without training could lead to uneven results, lumpiness, infection or even necrosis (tissue death).
Letting fillers dissolve naturally works, but takes time
Hyaluronic acid fillers dissolve slowly through metabolism. But allowing 6-12 months for a gradual, natural dissolution leaves you with overfilled lips longer.
Massage helps mildly
Gently massaging swollen areas may help filler dissipate and resolve small lumps. But massage alone won’t fully dissolve treated lips.
Enzymes in certain foods may help
Some claim that enzymes in pineapple, papaya, mango and honeydew can aid dissolution. But evidence is lacking, and enzymes would need to be concentrated and injected for real effect.
Time and patience lead to natural renewal
As lip filler eventually absorbs, your body’s own hyaluronic acid rebuilds. Allowing your lips to renew naturally often brings the best outcome.
Ultimately, there is no adequate at-home substitute for professional lip filler dissolution. But supporting the body’s natural processes can enhance and accelerate your results.
Professional Lip Filler Dissolution: What to Expect
The only effective and safe way to dissolve lip fillers is through a series of hyaluronidase injections performed by an experienced cosmetic provider.
Here is what to expect during the professional lip filler dissolving process:
- A series of injections. Multiple tiny injections of hyaluronidase will be administered across the lips. The number required depends on how much filler was originally injected.
- Gradual results. You won’t see the filler dissolve instantly. Most patients require 1-3 treatments scheduled 2-4 weeks apart for complete dissolution.
- Temporary swelling and tenderness. Some swelling, lumps and tenderness are normal for a few days following injections. Ice packs help reduce discomfort.
- Natural-looking reduction. Skilled injectors will dissolve the filler gradually and symmetrically for the most natural look.
- Patience is key. It takes time for your body to completely absorb and remove all dissolved filler. Let the process run its course.
- Additional treatments if needed. Rarely, small touch-up injections may be required down the road to refine results and remove the last bits of visible filler.
Trust the expertise of Dr. Soni at Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness for a safe and effective lip filler dissolution.
Recovery Timeline After Professional Lip Filler Removal
Wondering how long it will take to see results and complete recovery after getting your lip fillers dissolved? Here is the general timeline:
| Timeframe | Description |
| Immediately after | Lips will appear swollen with small injection sites visible. Use ice packs to reduce discomfort and swelling. Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours. |
| Day 2-4 | Swelling peaks around day 3. Lips may feel tender and firm. Bruising is possible. Continue using ice. Avoid kissing or big smiles. |
| 1 week post-treatment | Swelling and tenderness have substantially decreased. Noticeable reduction in filler volume, but end results are not visible yet. |
| 2 weeks | About 50% of filler should be dissolved. Lips will continue looking softer and more natural. |
| 1 month | Up to 75% of dissolved filler is absorbed. Lips regaining close to original size and shape. |
| 2 months | Looking even more natural as the last bits of filler are metabolized. |
| 3-6 months | Filler fully dissolved, leaving you with your natural lip volume and contour. |
With realistic expectations about the timeline, you can look forward to your naturally gorgeous lips free of filler.
Potential Risks or Side Effects
When performed properly, lip filler dissolution is considered very safe with minimal risks. However, as with any cosmetic treatment, some possible side effects include:
- Swelling, bruising or redness around the injection sites and lips. This resolves within a week.
- Uneven results if filler is not properly dissolved. An expert injector minimizes asymmetry.
- Over-dissolution. Removing too much filler can leave lips looking deflated. Skilled providers aim for a natural look.
- Lumps, bumps or nodules. Imperfect dissolution may cause areas of firmness from isolated filler deposits.
- Allergic reaction. Rarely, a small subset of patients may react to hyaluronidase enzyme.
- Herpes virus reactivation in susceptible patients. Antiviral medication helps prevent cold sore outbreaks.
- Infection or injury from poor injection technique. Choose an injector with proven expertise.
Can Lip Fillers Be Reapplied After Dissolving?
Yes, you can have lip fillers reapplied after dissolving them – but not right away. It’s crucial to wait until all of the previously injected filler has been fully metabolized by your body.
This gives your lips time to return to their natural state so you and your injector can evaluate the ideal volume moving forward. Rushing into new filler too soon raises the risk of unevenness.
Here are some smart tips for reapplying lip fillers after dissolving:
| Tip | |
| 1 | Wait 3-6 months after your last dissolution session before re-injecting. |
| 2 | Start slowly and conservatively. Opt for a very gradual reintroduction of filler. |
| 3 | Focus on balance between top and bottom lip. Carefully match the shape and proportions. |
| 4 | Allow 2-3 weeks between sessions. Give your body sufficient time to integrate the filler naturally. |
| 5 | Schedule regular maintenance touch-ups every 6-12 months. This sustains results and prevents overfilling. |
By thoughtfully dissolving and renewing your lip fillers, you can keep your pout plump and alluring while maintaining a natural, beautiful shape.
Restore Your Natural Beauty at Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness
Have your lip fillers lost their appeal? Dr. Soni and his expert team offer personalized filler dissolution to gently restore your natural lip contour and proportions.
Through a series of meticulous hyaluronidase injections, we can expertly dissolve away unwanted filler. Our non-surgical lip treatments are performed in our luxurious, relaxing office suites. We use advanced techniques to minimize swelling and bruising so you can get back to your daily routine quickly.
At Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness, your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. We use only proven, high-quality dermal fillers and dissolving agents. Reveal your most confident, youthful self. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Soni to learn more about dissolving your lip fillers. Call (908) 628-1916 or book online today to get started.
