How to Dissolve Lip Filler: The Honest Guide Nobody Else Will Write
What the process actually looks like, how much it costs, whether your lips go back to normal, and what to watch out for.
Quick Answer: Can Lip Filler Be Dissolved?
Yes — if it's hyaluronic acid filler
Hyaluronidase injections
Works in 24-72 hours, full settling in 2 weeks
Yes, for most patients
Important: This guide covers hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers — the most common type used in lips. Non-HA fillers like Radiesse cannot be dissolved the same way. Always confirm what filler was used before seeking dissolution.
2025
8-10 minutes
Medical Research Based
Why Do People Dissolve Lip Filler?
Dissolving lip filler is more common than most people realize — and wanting it removed doesn't mean the procedure went badly. People dissolve filler for all kinds of reasons, and understanding yours helps set realistic expectations.
Unhappy with results
Too much volume, uneven shape, or not the look they were going for
Filler migration
Filler has moved outside the lip border over time, creating a blurred edge
Lumps or hardness
Nodules or uneven texture that developed after treatment
Change of heart
Simply no longer wanting the added volume — tastes change
Starting fresh
Dissolving built-up filler before getting a cleaner result with a new injector
Medical reasons
Rare complications like vascular occlusion that require emergency dissolution
How Does Lip Filler Dissolution Work?
Hyaluronic acid fillers — including Juvederm, Restylane, and Volbella — are broken down using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This enzyme occurs naturally in your body and accelerates the breakdown of hyaluronic acid when injected directly into the area.
What it is
Hyaluronidase is an enzyme — not a chemical dissolvent. It's the same type of enzyme your body uses to naturally metabolize hyaluronic acid over time. The injection just speeds that process up dramatically.
How fast it works
You'll notice the filler breaking down within a few hours. Most of the dissolution happens in the first 24-72 hours. Your lips will continue to settle for up to two weeks as any swelling from the treatment itself resolves.
Is it permanent?
The dissolution of that filler is permanent. Once the enzyme breaks it down, it's gone. However, you can get new filler injected after a waiting period — most providers recommend waiting at least 2-4 weeks.
⚠️ This Only Works on Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Hyaluronidase only dissolves HA-based fillers. If you had a different type of filler — such as Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite) or Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) — it cannot be dissolved the same way. These fillers require different interventions or simply waiting for natural breakdown.
If you're unsure what type of filler you have, check your treatment records or contact the provider who performed the original treatment before booking a dissolution appointment.
What Does the Dissolution Appointment Actually Look Like?
Consultation (10-15 minutes)
Your provider will assess your lips, confirm what type of filler was used, discuss how much needs to be dissolved, and explain the process. This is also where you'll discuss whether you want full dissolution or just partial correction.
Numbing (5-10 minutes)
Topical numbing cream is applied to minimize discomfort. Some providers also use a small amount of local anesthetic. Dissolution injections feel similar to the original filler injections.
Hyaluronidase Injection (5-10 minutes)
Small amounts of hyaluronidase are injected into the lip tissue. The number of injection points depends on how much filler needs to be dissolved and where it's located. The process is generally quick.
Aftercare Instructions & Monitoring (10 minutes)
Your provider will advise you on what to expect over the next 24-72 hours, what signs to watch for, and when to come back if needed. Some providers schedule a follow-up at the two-week mark to assess the result.
Does Dissolving Lip Filler Hurt?
Most people describe the discomfort as similar to the original filler injections — a pinching or pressure sensation, roughly 3-5 out of 10. Numbing cream significantly reduces this.
After the appointment, expect your lips to feel sore, tender, and swollen for 1-3 days. Some people experience more bruising than with the original filler because the hyaluronidase affects the surrounding tissue as well.
One thing people don't expect
Hyaluronidase doesn't just dissolve the filler — it also temporarily affects some of the natural hyaluronic acid in your lip tissue. This is why lips can look and feel quite deflated, sometimes more so than you might expect, in the first few days. This is normal and temporary. Your natural HA replenishes within a few weeks.
Will My Lips Go Back to Normal?
For most people, yes. If you've had filler for less than a year and haven't been building up layers over multiple treatments, your lips will typically return very close to their natural shape within 2 weeks.
The picture is slightly more complicated for people who have had filler repeatedly over several years. In these cases, the repeated injections can cause some thickening or minor changes to the lip tissue. Most of this still resolves, but it may take longer — and in some cases, the lips may feel slightly different from the original baseline. The majority of people are still happy with the result.
What to Expect Day by Day
Hours 1-6
Starting to WorkSwelling increases as enzyme starts working
Ice 10 minutes on/off. Rest. Avoid touching.
Day 1
Peak SwellingLips may look puffy and uneven
This is normal. Don't judge the result yet.
Days 2-3
DissolvingFiller is mostly gone, swelling begins to reduce
Bruising may appear. Continue gentle care.
Days 4-7
SettlingLips look much closer to natural state
You can start to see what the result will be.
Weeks 2-4
Final ResultNatural lip shape restored, tissue fully settled
Safe to assess whether you want new filler.
How Much Does Lip Filler Dissolution Cost in Colorado?
Like original filler treatments, dissolution costs vary and most providers don't publish pricing online. Based on publicly available information, dissolution typically costs less than the original filler treatment.
If your original provider dissolves it
Some providers include dissolution in their aftercare policy at no extra charge, particularly if it's within a set timeframe of the original treatment. Always ask about this policy before booking elsewhere.
If you go to a different provider
Expect to pay for a consultation and the treatment separately. Ask upfront whether additional rounds of hyaluronidase are included if the first session doesn't fully dissolve the filler.
Pricing Disclaimer
Prices vary significantly by provider, location, and how much product needs to be dissolved. Always confirm current pricing directly with your provider before booking. The information above is general guidance only.
Questions to Ask About Dissolution Costs
- Is the consultation fee applied toward the treatment?
- What happens if the first session doesn't fully dissolve the filler?
- Is a follow-up appointment included in the price?
- Does my original provider offer dissolution as part of their aftercare?
- Are there package prices if I want to re-fill after dissolving?
- What brand of hyaluronidase do you use?
Risks and What to Watch For
Dissolution is generally considered low-risk, but it's still a medical procedure with real considerations.
Normal After Dissolution:
- Swelling and tenderness for 1-3 days
- Bruising, sometimes more than original filler
- Lips looking very thin or deflated initially
- Slight unevenness while swelling resolves
- Temporary dryness of lip tissue
Contact Your Provider If You Notice:
- Signs of allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing)
- Severe pain that worsens after 48 hours
- Signs of infection — fever, pus, red streaking
- Unusual hardness or lumps developing
- No change in filler after 72 hours
Allergy Note
Hyaluronidase allergy is rare but possible, particularly in people with bee sting allergies. A reputable provider will ask about your allergy history and should have emergency protocols in place. It's reasonable to ask what their protocol is before the appointment.
How to Find a Qualified Dissolution Provider in Colorado
Not every provider who does lip filler also does dissolution — and not every provider who advertises dissolution has extensive experience with it. Here's what to look for.
1. Ask specifically how many dissolution procedures they perform monthly — experience matters here
2. Confirm they have hyaluronidase on-site and don't need to special order it
3. Ask whether they offer partial dissolution if you only want some of the filler removed
4. Check that they're a licensed medical professional — dissolution is a medical procedure in Colorado
5. Ask what their policy is if the dissolution is incomplete and a second round is needed
6. Verify credentials through the Colorado DORA license lookup before booking
Should I Go Back to My Original Provider?
If your original provider is reputable and you feel comfortable with them, going back is often the best first step. They know exactly what product they used, how much was injected, and where it was placed — which makes dissolution more precise. If the original treatment was the problem, or if you've lost confidence in the provider, it's completely reasonable to seek a second opinion or a different provider for dissolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can lip filler be completely dissolved?
Yes, for most patients. HA fillers break down fully with hyaluronidase, though filler that has been in place for many years may require more than one session. Very old or heavily built-up filler is harder to dissolve completely in a single treatment.
How long do I have to wait before getting filler again?
Most providers recommend waiting at least 2-4 weeks after dissolution before getting new filler. This gives the hyaluronidase time to clear your system and allows your tissue to fully settle, so the new result is more predictable.
Will dissolving filler make my lips look worse than before I ever had filler?
This is a common concern and for most people the answer is no. Your lips generally return to their natural shape. The temporary deflated look in the first few days can be alarming, but it resolves. Long-term patients who have had years of filler may notice some minor tissue changes, but these are usually subtle.
Can I dissolve just part of my lip filler?
Yes. Skilled providers can dissolve filler in specific areas — for example, just the border of the lip if that's where migration occurred, or just the upper lip if the lower looks fine. Partial dissolution requires an experienced injector who knows how to target placement precisely.
What if the dissolution doesn't work fully?
A second round of hyaluronidase can be done if the first session didn't fully dissolve the filler. Older filler is often more resistant. A good provider will follow up at 2 weeks and assess whether more treatment is needed. Always clarify before booking whether additional rounds are included in the price.
Is it safe to dissolve lip filler at home?
No. Hyaluronidase is a prescription medication in the US and cannot be legally obtained or administered outside a licensed medical setting. DIY attempts are dangerous and not effective. Only go to a licensed medical professional for dissolution.
Related Guides
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Browse Colorado ProvidersImportant Legal and Medical Disclaimer
Educational Content Only: This guide provides general educational information about cosmetic procedures and should not be considered medical advice. Individual results, risks, and suitability vary significantly.
Professional Consultation Required: Always consult with a board-certified healthcare provider to determine whether dissolution is appropriate for your specific situation. This content does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.
Verify Provider Credentials: Independently verify all provider qualifications through the Colorado DORA database before scheduling any procedure.
No Guarantees: Treatment outcomes cannot be guaranteed. All cosmetic procedures carry risks. Carefully review informed consent documentation before proceeding.