Getting fillers can be exciting, especially when you’re looking for subtle volume, smoother skin, or enhanced facial features. But sometimes the results aren’t quite what you expected—or they change over time in a way that no longer feels right. If you’re in that situation, you’re not alone.
Plenty of people ask the same question: Should you wait for your filler to dissolve naturally, or should you take action and dissolve it with an injectable treatment?
In this blog, we’ll walk through how dermal fillers work, when it makes sense to wait them out, and when dissolving them is the better option. You’ll also learn how filler reversal works at Glow using Hylenex and what to expect during the process.
Why Do People Choose Fillers in the First Place?
Fillers are one of the most widely requested aesthetic treatments because they offer noticeable results with minimal downtime. Most dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that attracts moisture and adds volume.
When strategically placed, fillers can:
- Smooth lines and wrinkles
- Add volume to areas like the cheeks or under-eyes
- Define lips and jawlines
- Restore youthful facial balance
They’re temporary but long-lasting, making them a great option for people who want to refresh their appearance without undergoing surgery.
What Happens When Filler Doesn’t Look or Feel Right?
Even though most filler results are positive, there are times when someone may want to reverse their treatment. That could be right away or even months after the procedure.
Some common reasons people consider dissolving filler include:
- Asymmetry or unevenness: Sometimes filler settles unevenly or migrates, leading to a look that doesn’t match your goals.
- Lumps or bumps: Improper placement or reaction in the skin can cause nodules or visible irregularities.
- Too much volume: The result may look overdone, especially in delicate areas like lips or under the eyes.
- Changed aesthetic preferences: What once felt right might no longer fit your features or your sense of self.
- Shifting with time: As the face changes naturally, filler that looked great initially may start to look out of place.
If any of these sound familiar, the decision comes down to two main choices: wait or dissolve.
Waiting It Out: When Patience Is the Right Call
Because hyaluronic acid-based fillers aren’t permanent, your body will gradually break them down and absorb them. How long that takes depends on a few factors:
- Filler type and brand: Some fillers last longer than others. For example, thicker formulas like those used in cheeks may last 12–18 months, while lip fillers may wear off in 6–9 months.
- Your metabolism: People with faster metabolisms tend to break down filler more quickly.
- Treatment area: Filler in high-movement areas like the lips or mouth tends to dissolve faster.
If your filler doesn’t look quite right but isn’t causing pain, discomfort, or major aesthetic concerns, waiting it out might be an option. In some cases, minor imperfections improve over a few weeks as swelling subsides and the product settles.
Still, waiting has its downsides. If the filler is creating asymmetry, affecting your self-confidence, or interfering with your appearance in a way that feels too distracting, you may want to consider other options.
Dissolving Filler: What It Involves and When It’s Worth It
When waiting isn’t realistic or desirable, the good news is that dissolving hyaluronic acid-based filler is straightforward and effective.
At Glow, this is done using Hylenex, a specialized injectable that contains hyaluronidase. This is an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid in the body. Once injected into the area where the filler was placed, it gets to work right away by dissolving the product.
Reasons to dissolve filler might include:
- Uneven or lumpy texture that doesn’t improve with time
- Filler migration, especially above the lip or under the eyes
- Unnatural or overfilled appearance
- Discomfort or pressure in the treated area
- A desire to return to your natural look quickly
Dissolving filler doesn’t mean you’ve made a mistake. It just means you’re ready for a change—and want to do it safely with professional support.
What to Expect During Filler Dissolving at Glow
The process of reversing filler is relatively quick, and most people describe it as manageable with minimal discomfort. Here’s how the treatment typically goes:
1. Consultation
You’ll meet with a Glow practitioner who will review your history, examine the treated area, and talk with you about your goals. If filler reversal is appropriate, a treatment plan is created on the spot.
2. Injection
Hylenex is injected into the area where the filler is located. The enzyme begins working right away and continues to break down the filler over the next 24 hours. Most people notice visible improvement within 1–2 days.
3. Mild Swelling or Tenderness
Some temporary swelling or sensitivity can happen at the injection site. This usually resolves quickly and should not be mistaken for leftover filler.
How Fast Will You See Results?
Hylenex has a short half-life—around two and a half minutes—so it starts working right away. Most people notice that the treated area begins to soften within hours. Full results are typically seen within 48 hours.
If needed, follow-up treatments can be scheduled to fully remove residual filler or address any remaining asymmetry. Your Glow practitioner will guide you through that process if it becomes necessary.
Can You Refill After Dissolving?
Yes, once the old filler has been dissolved and the area has had time to settle, you can choose to have new filler placed. This approach allows for a clean slate and a better aesthetic outcome.
In some cases, filler placed over time can layer in a way that causes heaviness or distortion. By dissolving old product first, your practitioner can create more precise results with future treatments.
It’s best to wait at least a few days to a couple of weeks before refilling, depending on how the area responds and heals. Your provider at Glow will give you guidance based on your situation.
Should You Wait Or Dissolve? How To Decide
Still unsure what to do? Here are some helpful ways to think through it:
You might choose to wait if:
- The filler looks okay, but feels slightly off
- You just received treatment, and swelling hasn’t fully settled
- The area isn’t painful or inflamed
- You’re not in a hurry to change the appearance
You might choose to dissolve if:
- The filler looks uneven, lumpy, or distorted
- You experience discomfort or pressure
- It’s been several weeks or months, and the look isn’t improving
- You’ve had a change of heart and want a fresh start
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Talking with an experienced Glow practitioner can help you weigh the pros and cons based on your goals, lifestyle, and how your filler is behaving.
Why Choose Glow for Filler Reversal?
At Glow, our team works with clients every day to create and refine filler results. That includes not only administering new filler but also correcting or removing it when necessary.
What makes Glow different:
- Thoughtful consultations focused on your long-term goals
- Precision and care with every injection
- Guidance on when to dissolve, when to wait, and when to re-treat
- Supportive practitioners who understand aesthetics, not just technique
Glow is here to help you feel confident in your appearance—and supported in your decisions, no matter what direction you take.
Ready To Discuss Filler Reversal?
If your filler doesn’t feel quite right, you’re not stuck with it. A consultation at Glow can give you a clear path forward, whether that means dissolving the filler, refining it, or simply waiting it out with professional support.
Book your appointment today to explore your options and make the decision that’s right for you.
FAQs: Filler Dissolving With Hylenex
Can all fillers be dissolved with Hylenex?
Only fillers made with hyaluronic acid—like Juvederm and Restylane—can be dissolved using Hylenex. Fillers made from other materials cannot be reversed with this method.
How long does Hylenex take to work?
Hylenex starts working right away. Most clients see visible improvement within 24 to 48 hours.
Is dissolving filler painful?
You may feel a small pinch or pressure during the injection. The procedure is brief, and most people describe it as tolerable.
Are there side effects to Hylenex?
Mild swelling, redness, or tenderness at the injection site is possible. These effects usually fade quickly.
Can filler be redone after dissolving?
Yes. Once the area heals, you can have filler reapplied with a more tailored approach.
How soon after dissolving can I get new filler?
Your Glow practitioner will advise you, but waiting at least several days to a couple of weeks is usually recommended.
Will dissolving filler make me look older?
Removing filler returns your face to its pre-treatment appearance. It doesn’t cause sagging or premature aging.
How many sessions will I need to dissolve the filler completely?
Many people achieve results with one session, but some areas may need more than one treatment.
Is Hylenex safe?
Yes. It is widely used in both aesthetic and medical settings to dissolve hyaluronic acid-based fillers safely.
How do I know if dissolving is the right choice for me?
Book a consultation at Glow. A practitioner will examine your filler and guide you through your options based on your goals.
