Dissolving
Dissolve old filler safely with a medical enzyme treatment.
- Treatment time
- Roughly 30–45 minutes
- Results
- Most of the change in 48–72 hours; full result at 2 weeks
- Longevity
- Permanent — dissolved filler won't come back
- Downtime
- Swelling for 1–2 days
- Price
- £190
About Dissolving
Filler dissolving reverses an earlier treatment using an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid, the substance most dermal fillers are made of. It can deal with lips that have been overfilled, filler that has moved, lumps or unevenness, or simply a look you no longer want.
It's also a vital safety measure, which is why the clinic always keeps it in stock. The enzyme gets to work within minutes and acts on hyaluronic acid; any effect on the hyaluronic acid your skin makes itself is short-lived.
Before & after
Key Benefits
- 01Undoes filler that's overdone, has moved or looks uneven
- 02Fixes lumps, bumps or unevenness left by earlier treatment
- 03Gives you a fresh start before any new treatment
- 04Acts fast — you'll see most of the difference within days
- 05Can be aimed at one small spot or a larger area
- 06A key safety treatment, ready to use straight away if ever needed
Is this treatment right for me?
Dissolving is for anyone unhappy with hyaluronic acid filler they've had before, whatever area it's in. It only works on hyaluronic acid products — not on permanent or semi-permanent fillers or on collagen stimulators — so John will ask what you had, where it was placed and when. If you've never had a dissolving treatment, a patch test comes first.
You may be suitable if…
- Your hyaluronic acid filler is overdone, has moved or looks uneven
- You want an earlier result undone or reset
- Filler has left you with lumps or unevenness that won't go
- You aren't pregnant or breastfeeding
Your consultation will consider…
- Which filler was used, where and when — only hyaluronic acid can be dissolved
- A patch test for the enzyme if it's your first time
- How much needs to be dissolved and whether a second session is likely
- Whether you want new filler afterwards, and how long to wait first
What to expect
Before treatment
First you'll see John for a consultation to work out what filler you have and plan the treatment. If you've never had dissolving before, a tiny patch test is done on your forearm and checked before going ahead. Where it's safe to, steer clear of alcohol and blood-thinning supplements for a few days beforehand.
During treatment
After numbing cream has been applied, the enzyme is injected straight into the filler through a fine needle — normally just a few small injections. It starts to act within minutes, and John may massage the area gently to help it spread. Including the patch-test check, the appointment takes about 30–45 minutes.
After treatment
Expect the area to be swollen and a bit sore to begin with — that's the enzyme doing its job, and it eases within a day or two. Most of the difference shows within 48–72 hours, with the full result at around two weeks, when John can check whether a second session is needed.
Watch
See this treatment in the clinic, in short videos on John’s aesthetics site, Trusted Touch Aesthetics.
Watch 10 videos →Results & longevity
The filler starts to break down straight away; you'll see most of the difference within two to three days and the complete effect at about two weeks. Larger amounts, or filler that's been in place a long time, may need a second session. Once dissolved, the filler won't come back — the area returns to how it would have looked without it. If you want new filler, John normally recommends waiting at least two weeks so the enzyme has completely cleared.
Recovery, side effects & aftercare
Recovery is quick, though for the first day or two the area swells more than you might expect while the enzyme works. It's temporary and goes down fast.
Side effects
Swelling and soreness are expected and don't last long; bruising can happen. The enzyme also briefly affects the hyaluronic acid your skin makes, so the area may look a little deflated for a week or two until your natural volume comes back. Allergic reactions are uncommon, which is why a patch test is done first; a serious allergic reaction is rare.
Aftercare
Keep the area clean and leave make-up off the injection points for the rest of the day. A cool compress eases swelling. For 24 hours, avoid hard exercise, saunas and alcohol. Wait at least two weeks before having any new filler.
Get in touch with the clinic if you develop hives, a rash that spreads, facial swelling outside the treated area, or any trouble breathing — these need attention quickly.
- Downtime
- Swelling for 1–2 days
- Redness
- Slight
- Swelling
- Obvious for 24–48 hours
- Bruising
- Can happen; clears within a week
- Normal activities
- The same day
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the filler go completely?
Most of it, and very often all of it, within two weeks. Older filler or larger amounts sometimes need a second session, which John will check at your review.
Will it also dissolve my own hyaluronic acid?
For a short time, yes — that's why the area may look slightly flat for a week or two. Your skin makes more on its own.
How long before I can have new filler?
Normally two weeks, once the enzyme has cleared and swelling has gone, so the new result can be judged properly.
Does it dissolve every type of filler?
Only hyaluronic acid fillers. It has no effect on permanent fillers, on collagen stimulators like Sculptra, or on threads.
Why is a patch test needed?
The dissolving enzyme comes from a protein that some people react to. A small test dose on the forearm, checked before your treatment, is a sensible precaution if you haven't had it before.
Can you dissolve filler I had done somewhere else?
Yes. Knowing which product was used and when is helpful, but John can assess the area either way.
Your Practitioner
John Dixon
Founder & Aesthetician
John founded Banana Beauty Lab and runs his aesthetics practice, Trusted Touch Aesthetics, here. He specialises in facial balancing and harmonisation, alongside wrinkle reduction and skin rejuvenation. His training is CPD-certified, he is fully insured, and is known for taking the time to assess your face properly, explaining every option honestly and never over-treating — the aim is always a natural result that still looks like you. Clients regularly mention his calm manner, attention to detail and the aftercare follow-up that checks in on how you're healing.