Filler dissolving

Face

A closer look at unwanted filler

Ultrasound-Guided Filler Dissolving in Hale, Altrincham

Find and target unwanted hyaluronic acid filler to help reduce lumps, excess fullness or filler-related puffiness, with ultrasound showing where to treat.

Perhaps your lip border has developed a ridge, one cheek looks too full, or the puffiness beneath your eyes never quite settled. You want it sorted, but you'd like a clearer idea of what's there before having more injections.

Ultrasound lets Dr Alex look beneath the skin for filler and guide dissolving treatment towards identified deposits. The scan provides the view; hyaluronidase, the injected dissolving enzyme, does the work. Together, they can help make correction more targeted.

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Dr Alex contributed to Aesthetics Journal's 'Utilising Ultrasound in Aesthetics' and has taught clinicians about filler complications.

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Purpose
Locate and target HA filler
Treatment
Hyaluronidase injections
Appointments
One or more may be needed
Social downtime
Swelling or bruising possible

What brings you here?

When the filler result doesn't feel right

You don't need to know whether something is migration, swelling or a lump before asking for help.

There's a ridge or lump you keep noticing

It may show above your lip, catch the light on your cheek or feel different beneath the skin. You'd like a smoother outline.

An area looks fuller than you wanted

The shape no longer suits your face, or the area looks bulky when you smile. You want to discuss reducing it without automatically starting again everywhere.

You've already tried dissolving

Something still looks or feels wrong, and you're unsure whether filler remains. A scan can add useful information before deciding what to do next.

At a glance

Ultrasound-guided dissolving at a glance

Assessment and imaging help identify whether there is a suitable target for treatment.

Purpose
Locate and target HA filler
The aim is to address the deposit contributing to your concern.
Treatment
Hyaluronidase injections
Ultrasound guides the treatment; it does not dissolve filler itself.
Appointments
One or more may be needed
The product, amount, location and response influence the plan.
Social downtime
Swelling or bruising possible
Allow the area to settle before judging the shape.
Price
Confirmed with your plan
The scan, treatment and any follow-up fees are explained before proceeding.

The result

Less unwanted fullness, a smoother outline

The goal is to improve the part of the filler result that is bothering you.

That may mean reducing a visible deposit, softening an overfilled contour or treating puffiness where HA filler is contributing. Ultrasound helps locate the material and assess the area around it, helping direct the dissolving injections to the deposit.

Not every lump or swelling is filler, and the scan will not necessarily show every trace. Dissolving also removes some of the support the filler provided. Dr Alex will discuss the shape you might see afterwards and whether a staged approach makes sense.

✓

✓

Reduce identified unwanted HA filler.

✓

Work towards a smoother lip or facial outline.

✓

Assess persistent filler-related puffiness.

✓

Clarify what remains after previous treatment.

Is it for you?

When a scan may be especially useful

It can help when the cause or position of unwanted filler is not clear from looking and feeling alone.

You want a particular area corrected
You can point to a ridge, lump or patch of fullness you dislike. The assessment looks at whether there is HA filler there that would be useful to dissolve.
Your treatment history is complicated
You've had several treatments, used different clinics or don't know which products were injected. Bring any records you have; the scan adds information but cannot always identify the exact brand.
You want an explanation before more treatment
You may be happy to proceed, or want time to understand the findings first. The scan and consultation should help you decide whether treatment is worthwhile.

Choosing the right approach

Sometimes the answer is not more dissolving

An inflamed lump, infection, an eye bag or normal facial tissue may need a different plan. Non-HA products such as Ellansé or Sculptra cannot simply be dissolved with hyaluronidase. Dr Alex will explain when further assessment or a referral is more appropriate.

How it works

See the target, then plan the treatment

A small ultrasound probe is moved over the skin to create an image of the tissue below. Doppler imaging can also show blood flow.

Filler can have a recognisable appearance on the scan, helping Dr Alex assess its location and depth. Where dissolving is appropriate, the image can guide the needle towards the deposit.

Hyaluronidase breaks down hyaluronic acid. Targeting the injection can help direct treatment where it is needed, but the enzyme can spread beyond the injection point. Ultrasound does not make it possible to guarantee that only one tiny pocket will be affected.

Your appointment

From the concern to a clear plan

Bring details of previous filler and dissolving, even if the treatment was years ago.

Consultation

Talk through what has changed

Dr Alex examines the area and asks when the problem began. Tell him about the product, dates, previous reactions, allergies, medicines and any treatment already tried.
Ultrasound assessment

Look beneath the skin

Gel and a small probe are used to examine the area. Dr Alex explains what can be seen, what remains uncertain and whether there is a suitable target for dissolving.
If appropriate

Agree and carry out treatment

You'll discuss the intended change, risks and fee before injections. If you proceed, hyaluronidase is directed towards the agreed area with ultrasound guidance. You may feel stinging or pressure.
Aftercare

Review once the area settles

Follow the advice on skincare, makeup and activity. Swelling can initially obscure the change, so review is used to decide whether further treatment is needed rather than assuming everything must be done at once.

Why Dr Alex

Experience with ultrasound and filler problems

Dr Alex contributed to 'Utilising Ultrasound in Aesthetics' in Aesthetics Journal. He has also taught North West Emergency Medicine doctors about recognising and initially managing filler complications.

For a correction appointment, he brings the examination, treatment history and scan together. The aim is to understand what is causing the problem and choose a useful next step, including when leaving an area alone or arranging further assessment is the better option.

GMC-registered doctor · 7072776

Full Member of BCAM

International toxin trainer

Aesthetics Awards winner 2021

Safety and recovery

What to expect after dissolving

Stinging, tenderness, redness, swelling and bruising can follow the injections. Early swelling may make the area look fuller before it settles.

Possible side effects

Allergic reactions, including rare severe reactions, are possible. Tell Dr Alex about previous hyaluronidase reactions, significant allergies and reactions to bee or wasp stings. Infection and unwanted loss of filler correction are also possible.

The area can look less supported after filler is removed. Ultrasound improves visual guidance but does not guarantee an exact amount of removal or protect every surrounding area from the enzyme's effects.

When to get urgent help

Call 999 for difficulty breathing, collapse, swelling of the tongue or throat, a change in vision, severe eye pain, sudden weakness or difficulty speaking. Severe increasing pain or pale, grey or mottled skin after filler needs immediate contact with the treating clinician and urgent assessment. Do not wait for a routine scan appointment. Worsening redness, heat, pus or fever also need prompt medical advice.

When treatment may need to wait

Active infection or an unexplained inflammatory reaction needs assessment before elective correction. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, previous allergies and your medical history may affect whether treatment proceeds. Do not stop prescribed medicines to prepare for treatment without your prescriber's advice.

An assessment does not commit you to dissolving or to having new filler afterwards.

Treatment costs

Ultrasound-guided dissolving pricing

Your fee is confirmed after discussing the area, ultrasound assessment and treatment proposed.

Ultrasound-guided dissolving
Agreed at consultationfor your agreed treatment plan
The scan, treatment and review arrangements are agreed before you decide, including any separate scanning charge. Standard injection fees are not quoted as all-inclusive ultrasound-guided prices.
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
We'll explain what is included in the appointment, whether a separate scan or review is needed, and how any further treatment would be charged. You can consider the plan and total cost before deciding.

Your questions

Ultrasound-guided dissolving questions

Finding old filler, targeting an area and knowing what to expect afterwards.

Does ultrasound dissolve the filler?
No. It is an imaging scan. Hyaluronidase is the injected enzyme that breaks down HA filler, and ultrasound helps show where to direct it. This is different from HIFU, which uses ultrasound energy as a treatment.
Can you dissolve just one lump and keep the rest?
A targeted correction may be possible when there is a clear deposit. However, hyaluronidase can spread and affect nearby HA filler too. Dr Alex will explain the likely trade-off and whether a gradual approach is sensible.
Will the scan show all my old filler?
Not necessarily. Visibility depends on the product, its location and how it sits within the tissue. A scan can identify useful targets, but it is not a complete inventory or a guarantee that no filler remains when a deposit is not seen.
What if I don't know which filler I had?
Bring any clinic records, emails or product stickers you can find. Ultrasound may help assess the material, but it cannot always establish the exact product. If its type remains uncertain, Dr Alex may advise further assessment before treating.
Can it help with puffy under-eyes after filler?
It may help when retained HA filler is contributing to the puffiness. Eye bags, inflammation and other causes can look similar, so an examination is needed first. Removing filler can also reveal the hollow it was originally placed to treat.
Can dissolving affect my own skin and tissue?
Hyaluronidase can act on naturally occurring hyaluronic acid as well as HA filler. It is not a filler-only enzyme, and ultrasound does not change that. Losing the filler's volume can also reveal hollows or loose skin. Dr Alex will discuss these possibilities and assess any persistent change afterwards.
How many sessions will I need?
Some concerns improve after one session; others need staged treatment and reassessment. The amount, product and location all matter. A repeat session should follow what remains and how the tissue has settled, not an automatic course for everyone.
When will I see the result?
The enzyme starts working quickly, but swelling can hide the change at first. Allow the area to settle and attend the agreed review before judging the final contour or deciding on more treatment.
Can I have fresh filler afterwards?
Sometimes, once the area has settled and the reason for the original problem is understood. Timing depends on the tissue response and what needs correcting. There is no obligation to replace what has been dissolved.
Is ultrasound useful if previous dissolving hasn't worked?
It can help look for residual deposits and check whether the visible problem is still related to filler. That can give the next treatment a clearer target, or show why a different approach is needed. It cannot guarantee complete removal.

Other options

Understand the next step for your filler

General filler dissolving explains the treatment more broadly. Ultrasound-guided filler treatment concerns planning and placing new filler. If the problem is an under-eye hollow, skin laxity or a different skin condition, another assessment may be more useful.

Filler dissolving in Hale, Altrincham

Discuss reducing unwanted HA filler, from a raised lip border to excess volume or a persistent lump.

Your next step

Let's look at the bit that's bothering you

Arrange an assessment with Dr Alex at SONÜ in Hale, Altrincham. Bring your treatment history and explain what you would like changed. He'll discuss what ultrasound can clarify and whether targeted dissolving is a sensible next step.

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