Dissolving Lip Filler Safely: Everything You Need to Know
Have lip injections you no longer love? Dissolving lip filler with a simple enzyme called hyaluronidase can quickly restore your natural shape. Below, our Calista Aesthetics team in Santa Ana’s South Coast Metro covers the process from start to finish.
How hyaluronidase works
Hyaluronic-acid (HA) fillers are reversible because hyaluronidase breaks HA into tiny sugar fragments your body absorbs. The enzyme starts working in minutes and continues for 24–48 hours. Clinical guidelines confirm it is effective for over-correction, lumps, or rare vascular issues.
What to expect during the appointment
Consult & patch test – We review your medical history and do a quick skin test to rule out rare bee-sting–related allergies.
Topical numbing – A lidocaine cream keeps you comfortable.
Precise injections – Tiny amounts of hyaluronidase are placed only where filler sits. Most visits take under 20 minutes.
Immediate change – You’ll see shrinking within the hour, with full results in a couple of days.
Cost of dissolving vs. waiting it out
Dissolving with hyaluronidase: $150–$300 per session (usually 1–2 vials). You’ll see natural-looking lips again in as little as 2–3 days.
Letting filler metabolize naturally: $0, but you may wait 6–12 months for the product to break down on its own.
Managing swelling and bruising afterward
Mild puffiness is normal for 24–48 hours. Soothe it with:
Cool compresses the first evening
Acetaminophen for tenderness (avoid ibuprofen, which can bruise)
Arnica gel twice daily
Sleeping elevated the first night
Call us right away if you notice hives, difficulty breathing, or uneven blanching.
When you can refill after dissolving
Most experts advise waiting at least one to two weeks so every trace of old filler, and any swelling, has cleared. Patience here helps your injector place the new filler precisely and lowers your risk of over-correction.
Risks and side effects
Temporary swelling or bruising
Allergic reaction (very rare—linked to bee/wasp sensitivity)
Incomplete dissolving, occasionally needing a second visit
A medically trained injector armed with emergency protocols keeps these risks extremely low.
