Filler dissolving

Face

Unwanted filler

Filler dissolving in Hale, Altrincham

Filler dissolving can reduce unwanted hyaluronic acid filler, helping with a blurred lip border, a persistent lump or a shape that no longer feels right for you.

Perhaps there's a little shelf above your top lip, or a lump that never quite settled. Your cheeks or under-eyes may look puffier than you expected. Or you liked the result at first and would now prefer less.

Hyaluronidase, often called Hyalase, can break down hyaluronic acid filler. Dr Alex will look at what is causing the change and whether dissolving some or all of the filler could help.

You don't need to defend why you had it in the first place. We can look at the options from here.

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Assessment and treatment with Dr Alex, a medical doctor who teaches other medical professionals how to use dermal fillers.

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Treatment cost
£350
When it works
Breakdown starts promptly
Recovery
Swelling and bruising possible
Number of treatments
Sometimes more than one

What has been bothering you?

A shape, lump or puffiness you would like to change

The concern may be visible, something you can feel, or simply a result you no longer want.

There's a ridge above your lip

The edge looks blurred, or there's a raised shelf in the skin above it. You'd like the lip border to look cleaner and less puffy.

A lump or swelling hasn't settled

You can still see or feel a bump, or the under-eye area remains puffy. You'd like to know whether filler is the cause before having more treatment.

It looks like more than you wanted

The lips, cheeks or another feature look bigger or rounder than you like. You may want a smaller adjustment, or to discuss removing the filler altogether.

The practical details

Filler dissolving at a glance

The first step is to check what was injected and whether dissolving is likely to improve the concern.

Treatment cost
£350
Dr Alex will confirm the proposed treatment and cost before you decide.
When it works
Breakdown starts promptly
The visible change takes time to judge because swelling can temporarily hide the result.
Recovery
Swelling and bruising possible
Allow time for the area to settle, particularly around the lips or eyes.
Number of treatments
Sometimes more than one
The filler, its location and the response affect whether another session is needed.
Who treats you
Dr Alex
He examines the area, discusses the options and carries out the treatment.

The result

Less unwanted volume, a smoother shape

When HA filler is causing the problem, reducing it can soften a bump, reduce excess size or improve an uneven outline.

You may want the ridge above your lip reduced while keeping some of the result in the lip itself. Or you may prefer to remove as much of the unwanted filler as is reasonably possible and see how the area looks afterwards.

A smaller correction can sometimes be made, but hyaluronidase spreads through tissue. Dr Alex cannot promise to remove only one exact patch and leave every neighbouring bit of filler untouched.

Once volume is reduced, the area can look flatter, looser or more hollow than you expected. Dissolving isn't an exact rewind to your pre-filler face, especially if several years have passed.

✓

✓

Reduce an overfilled appearance.

✓

Soften a lump caused by suitable HA filler.

✓

Improve a blurred outline where misplaced filler contributes.

✓

Reduce filler-related puffiness in suitable cases.

Would dissolving help?

First, check what is causing the change

A lump or puffy area is not always a pocket of filler. The cause affects what should happen next.

The unwanted product is hyaluronic acid filler
Hyaluronidase can break down HA filler. Product details help, but Dr Alex can still assess you if you don't know exactly what was used.
The area has settled but the shape still bothers you
Once early swelling has settled, an unwanted ridge or excess volume may be clearer to assess. A recent treatment may need time rather than immediate dissolving, unless there are concerning symptoms.
There is persistent swelling or a lump
This needs examination before deciding on dissolving. Inflammation, infection or another tissue change may need investigation or different treatment; ultrasound may help in some cases.

What dissolving cannot do

It does not remove every kind of filler

Hyalase does not dissolve treatments such as Sculptra, LanLuma or the lasting particles in Ellansé in the way it dissolves HA filler. Their complications need a different assessment.

It also cannot guarantee that stretched skin, a scar or every contour change will return to how it was before. Dr Alex will discuss whether reducing filler is likely to give you the improvement you want.

How it works

An enzyme breaks down the filler gel

Hyaluronidase breaks bonds in hyaluronic acid, helping the gel lose its structure and disperse.

The medicine is injected into the area containing unwanted HA filler. Different gels respond differently, and older or separate pockets may not all reduce with one treatment.

The enzyme can also act on naturally occurring hyaluronic acid nearby. Your body continually replaces its own HA. How much filler is removed and the condition of the surrounding tissue also affect how the area looks afterwards.

Dr Alex will assess the response before deciding whether another session would help. If it is unclear where filler remains, a scan may be useful.

Your appointment

Explain what you would like changed

Bring any product names or treatment records you already have. It is still worth arranging an assessment if those details are missing.

At consultation

Understand the history

Dr Alex will ask when and where you had filler, what has changed and any previous dissolving. Tell him about medicines, medical conditions and allergies, particularly reactions to hyaluronidase or bee and wasp stings.
Before deciding

Choose whether to dissolve

He'll explain the likely benefit, the possibility of losing more volume than intended, allergy risks and alternatives. You'll discuss whether waiting, investigation or ultrasound would be more useful, and the cost.
If you go ahead

Treat the agreed area

Hyaluronidase is injected where treatment is needed. It can sting, and the area may swell afterwards. Dr Alex will discuss comfort measures and what to expect.
After treatment

Review the response

You'll receive aftercare advice and know how to contact SONÜ. Dr Alex will advise when to reassess the shape and whether further dissolving is needed. New filler is a separate decision after the area has settled.

Why Dr Alex

Why choose Dr Alex for filler dissolving?

Dr Alex teaches doctors, dentists and nurses across several dermal filler ranges and is currently a trainer for Evolus's Estyme fillers. Understanding what filler was intended to do is useful when deciding whether reducing it would help.

He'll look at the bit that's bothering you, but also at what might become more noticeable if the volume comes away. A puffy under-eye can leave a hollow once the filler is reduced. You deserve to understand both possibilities before deciding.

If you've had treatment elsewhere, you can talk about it openly with him. The focus is on what is there now and the options from here.

GMC-registered doctor · 7072776

Full Member of BCAM

International toxin trainer

Aesthetics Awards winner 2021

Safety and recovery

What should you know before dissolving?

Stinging, tenderness, swelling and bruising can occur. Swelling may initially make the area look larger rather than smaller.

Possible side effects

Other risks include infection, an uneven result, incomplete removal and losing more volume than intended. Some people report lasting hollowing or skin changes after dissolving; the causes and likelihood are not fully understood.

Hyaluronidase can cause an allergic reaction, rarely a severe one called anaphylaxis. Tell Dr Alex about previous reactions to it and any significant bee or wasp sting allergy. A previous uneventful treatment does not guarantee that another will be reaction-free.

When to get urgent help

Call 999 for difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, collapse or severe faintness after treatment. Say you may be having a severe allergic reaction.

Contact SONÜ promptly for increasing pain, spreading redness or heat, worsening swelling, a rash or fever. If you cannot reach the clinic about an urgent concern, seek urgent medical care. Any change in vision, sudden weakness or difficulty speaking also requires 999.

When treatment may need to wait

Tell Dr Alex if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active infection, take medicines or have had a previous allergic reaction. An inflamed or painful lump needs diagnosis before routine cosmetic dissolving. These checks concern planned treatment; an urgent filler complication needs immediate assessment.

You can discuss the options and choose to leave the filler alone.

Treatment costs

How much does filler dissolving cost?

Filler dissolving at SONÜ costs £350. Dr Alex will explain the recommended treatment and confirm the cost before you decide.

Standard filler dissolving
£350per agreed treatment
Further sessions and ultrasound, if recommended, are priced separately.
A consultation with Dr Alex costs £75. If you choose to have treatment within 3 months of your consultation, you can put this fee towards it, including at a later appointment. It cannot be used towards skincare products. If you decide not to have treatment, the fee covers your consultation.
Book a consultation
A new-patient dissolving consultation costs £75. If further sessions or ultrasound are recommended, their costs will be explained separately.

Your questions

Questions about dissolving filler

From removing one lump to deciding whether to have filler again.

Can you dissolve just a small amount?
Sometimes. A limited correction may be possible, but hyaluronidase can spread and affect nearby filler too. Dr Alex will explain how predictable that is in your area and whether a staged approach would be sensible.
Will it take me back to how I looked before?
Not necessarily. Some filler may remain, and your face may have changed since it was placed. Removing volume can reveal hollows or loose skin that were less obvious. Dr Alex will discuss that possibility before you decide.
Can old filler still be dissolved?
Yes, if it is HA filler. Its age alone does not rule out dissolving. What remains, where it sits and how it responds matter more; more than one session may be needed.
Does Hyalase damage natural tissue?
It can break down your own hyaluronic acid as well as filler. Natural HA is continually replaced, but reports of prolonged hollowing or skin changes deserve proper assessment. Evidence does not let us promise that everyone returns to their previous appearance, or explain every reported change with certainty.
How soon will I see a difference?
Breakdown starts promptly, but swelling can hide the change at first. An early review may be possible after a few days; judging the settled appearance can take longer. Dr Alex will give advice for your area rather than promise an overnight result.
Will I need a patch test?
Dr Alex will review your allergy history and explain whether any testing or specialist advice is appropriate. A negative skin test cannot guarantee that a reaction will not occur. Tell him about previous hyaluronidase reactions or serious bee or wasp sting allergies before treatment.
When can I have filler again?
Let the area settle and have the result reassessed first. Swelling, the original problem and any remaining filler affect the timing. Dr Alex will advise you; having new filler is optional, not an automatic next step after dissolving.
Do I need ultrasound?
Not always. It can help if the product's location is unclear, a lump has persisted or previous dissolving has not resolved the concern. Dr Alex will explain whether a scan is likely to change the recommendation.
Can you assess filler done at another clinic?
Yes. Bring any details you have about the product, dates and previous treatment. Missing records may make the assessment less certain, but you can still discuss the concern and what information or investigation would help.
What if the filler area suddenly becomes painful or changes colour?
Unusual pain, pale or mottled skin after filler needs urgent medical assessment. Contact the treating clinic immediately and seek urgent care if you cannot reach them. Call 999 for vision changes, sudden weakness or difficulty speaking. Do not wait for a routine dissolving appointment.

Your next step

Unhappy with your filler? Let's look at it together.

Book a consultation with Dr Alex at SONÜ in Hale, Altrincham. Explain what you would like changed, and he'll assess whether dissolving, waiting or further investigation would help. There is no obligation to have more filler afterwards.

Book a consultation Contact the clinic
SONÜ Medical Aesthetics

34 Hale Road, Hale, Altrincham, WA14 2EX

Doctor-led treatment in a relaxed, private clinic

Close to Hale station and easy to reach from Altrincham, Manchester and Cheshire