Hyalase
Dissolves unwanted or migrated hyaluronic acid filler
- Treatment time
- 15 to 30 minutes
- Anaesthetic
- Topical numbing cream where needed
- Downtime
- Minimal, swelling usually settles within 24 to 48 hours
- Results
- Begin within hours, reviewed at two weeks
What is Hyalase?
Not every filler result turns out the way it was intended. Product can be placed too superficially, settle unevenly, migrate away from where it was put, or simply be more than the face needed. Where that filler is hyaluronic acid, it can be dissolved.
Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid. Injected into an area of unwanted filler, it speeds up the natural process by which the body would eventually break the product down anyway, so the area softens and settles back towards how it was before. It is the same enzyme used, urgently, in the rare event that filler compromises the blood supply to an area, which is why responsible injectors keep it on site.
This is a medical treatment rather than a cosmetic one. Hyaluronidase is a prescription-only medicine, so it can only be given after a face-to-face consultation with a prescribing clinician who has assessed you, confirmed that the product in question is hyaluronic acid, and discussed the benefits and risks with you.
It is worth knowing that only hyaluronic acid can be dissolved this way. Collagen biostimulators and permanent or semi-permanent products are not affected by the enzyme, so part of the consultation is establishing what was actually used. If you are not sure, bring whatever records or product details you have.
Why patients choose Hyalase
- Corrects overfilled, uneven or poorly placed hyaluronic acid filler
- Softens lumps, nodules and areas where product has migrated
- Works quickly, with visible change within the first day or two
- Allows a fresh start before any new treatment is planned
- The same enzyme used to manage rare filler complications urgently
- Prescribed and administered by a clinician after a full assessment
Dissolving suits anyone unhappy with a hyaluronic acid filler result, whether that is too much volume, a lumpy or uneven area, product that has migrated, or filler placed somewhere it does not suit the face. It is also the treatment used if a filler complication needs to be reversed. It cannot dissolve products that are not hyaluronic acid, so your consultation begins by establishing what was used.
What to expect from Hyalase
- Step 1
Consultation and assessment
Your clinician examines the area, takes a history of what was injected and when, and confirms the product is hyaluronic acid. Your medical history and any allergies are reviewed, and the benefits, risks and likely outcome are discussed before anything is prescribed.
- Step 2
Treatment
The area is cleansed and, if needed, numbed. Small amounts of the enzyme are injected into the filler itself. Your clinician will usually treat conservatively, because it is safer to dissolve a little and review than to remove too much in one session.
- Step 3
Review
You will notice change within the first day or two, and the full effect takes up to around two weeks. You are reviewed at that point to see whether the result is where you wanted it, and a further session is arranged if more is needed.
Expect some swelling in the treated area on the day, along with possible redness or bruising that settles over the following 24 to 48 hours. Leave the area alone rather than massaging it, keep make-up off for the rest of the day, and avoid saunas, steam rooms, strenuous exercise and alcohol for 24 hours. The area can look flatter than you expect at first, partly because the enzyme also affects some of the skin's own hyaluronic acid; this replenishes naturally over the following few weeks. If any new filler is planned, your clinician will normally ask you to wait at least two weeks so that any remaining enzyme activity has cleared. Contact the clinic promptly if you develop spreading redness, worsening pain, a rash or any difficulty breathing.
Frequently asked questions about Hyalase
What is filler dissolving and how does it work?
It uses hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid. Injected into an area of unwanted filler, it accelerates the natural breakdown the body would carry out over time, so the area softens and settles back towards how it was before.
How quickly will I see a difference?
The enzyme begins working within the first hour, and most people see visible change within 24 to 48 hours. The full effect takes up to around two weeks, which is why your clinician will review you before deciding whether anything further is needed.
Will one session be enough?
Often, but not always. Older filler, firmer or more heavily cross-linked products and larger volumes can need more than one session. Your clinician will normally treat conservatively and review you rather than trying to remove everything at once, and any repeat session is usually spaced at least two weeks apart.
Can it dissolve any type of filler?
No. Only hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved by this enzyme. Collagen biostimulators such as poly-L-lactic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite products and any permanent filler are unaffected. Establishing exactly what was injected is part of the consultation, so bring any records or product information you have.
Will it affect my own natural hyaluronic acid?
To a degree, yes. The enzyme cannot distinguish between injected filler and the hyaluronic acid naturally present in your skin, which is why a treated area can briefly look flatter than expected. Your own hyaluronic acid replenishes over the following few weeks, and treating conservatively keeps this to a minimum.
Is it safe, and will I need an allergy test?
It is a well established treatment with a good safety record in trained hands, but as with any injected medicine an allergic reaction is possible and, very rarely, a severe one. Your clinician will take a full allergy history and may recommend a test dose if you have significant allergies, a history of bee or wasp venom allergy, or have reacted previously. Testing is not carried out in an emergency, where treatment cannot wait.
When can I have new filler afterwards?
Usually at least two weeks, so that any remaining enzyme activity has cleared and the area has fully settled. Treating too soon risks the new product being broken down as well. Your clinician will confirm the right timing for you.
How much does Hyalase treatment cost?
Pricing depends on the treatment and what is agreed for you and is confirmed in writing at your consultation, with no obligation to proceed.
Considering Hyalase?
Book a consultation with our specialist team to discuss whether this treatment is right for you.
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