Dissolving Lip Fillers

Lip fillers are one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures, and for good reason: in just half an hour, lip fillers provide subtly enhanced or visibly bigger lips. The results are usually stunning, and you can maintain them with regular treatments.

But what if you don’t like the results?

Luckily, you have options. Read on to find out how you can dissolve lip fillers.

How to dissolve lip fillers

How Can You Dissolve Lip Fillers?

Patients who experience lip asymmetries, lumps and nodules, oversized lips, or other undesired effects of the treatment can dissolve lip fillers in two ways – naturally or with lip filler dissolving injections administered by a licensed medical professional.

The Natural Way

FDA-approved lip fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a sugar compound that appears naturally in the body. It gradually breaks down on its own, providing temporary results that last 6 to 12 months.

Also, lips move more than other facial areas, making lip fillers dissolve more quickly than other types of filler.  

Patients who are unhappy with the results can wait until the filler dissolves naturally or request a filler dissolving injection.

Injections

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme found in many organisms and it is used in medicine for various purposes. The cosmetics industry uses hyaluronidase injections to speed up hyaluronic acid breakdown.

The enzyme is injected into the patient’s lips in a procedure similar to injecting lip fillers. The procedure is safe when performed by experienced medical professionals.

Patients see the effects of the procedure within a few days.

Sometimes dermal fillers don’t dissolve fully or evenly after one procedure. If that happens, you will need to repeat the hyaluronidase treatment. 

Which Lip Fillers Can Be Dissolved?

FDA-approved dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, poly-L-lactic acid, and calcium hydroxylapatite. All of them dissolve naturally, but the effects can last for up to two years.

Only hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved using a hyaluronidase injection. Since all approved lip fillers are made from HA, you should be able to reverse the effects of the treatment quickly.

What Does the Procedure for Dissolving Lip Fillers Look Like

Medical providers use hyaluronidase in off-label treatments to degrade hyaluronic acid fillers. Often, the procedure for dissolving lip fillers is the only option for patients whose lip filler treatment was performed by an untrained, non-medical cosmetic practitioner.

The Procedure

The lip filler dissolving treatment starts with a patch test. The medical provider administers a needle into the patient’s arm with a dose of hyaluronidase to see if they develop an allergic reaction. If no allergic reaction occurs, the provider undergoes the lip filler dissolving procedure after half an hour.

The provider first numbs the patient’s lips with a numbing cream. Then they inject hyaluronidase using several small needles. The procedure takes 10-15 minutes.

The enzyme breaks down dermal fillers gradually. The effects typically appear within 48 hours after the procedure but, in some cases, it may take up to two weeks.

How Long Does It Take to Dissolve Lip Fillers?

Lip fillers are not permanent. Patients who want their fillers dissolved naturally need to wait between 6 and 12 months.

A reverse treatment using a hyaluronidase injection dissolves lip fillers within a few days.

Things You Should Know Before Dissolving Lip Fillers

Like any other treatment that includes needles and injections, dissolving lip fillers carries potential risks and side-effects. Before you book the procedure, here’s what you should know.

Is Dissolving Lip Fillers Painful?

Lips are full of nerve endings and sensitive to pain. That is why it may sting a little when the injection is inserted into the lips. Most aesthetic professionals apply a numbing cream before administering hyaluronidase.

Can I Dissolve Lip Fillers at Home?

You cannot dissolve lip fillers at home. Only licensed medical professionals can administer the enzyme hyaluronidase. However, you can wait for your dermal fillers to dissolve on their own.

What Are the Risks of Dissolving Lip Fillers?

The biggest risk is that hyaluronidase can potentially degrade your natural hyaluronic acid rather than just the foreign filler. If that happens, you will have thinner lips than expected. That is why you should only let an experienced professional perform this treatment or wait for your lip fillers to dissolve naturally.

There is also a risk of an allergic reaction. Medical providers typically perform a patch test prior to the injection.

Are There Side-Effects of Dissolving Lip Fillers?

Swelling and bruising are common side effects of dissolving lip fillers with injections, but they subside within a few days.

On rare occasions, the lips become thinner than anticipated. This can be resolved with another round of fillers in a reputable med spa, such as Vibrant Skin Bar.

Conclusion

Patients who visit qualified medical providers to inject lip fillers are usually happy with the treatment.

However, if you experience unpleasant results, a hyaluronidase injection can help. Talk to our medical staff at Vibrant Skin Bar for advice on how to dissolve your lip filler and achieve your desired aesthetic goals.

Lip Filler Aftercare: What to Do After a Lip Filler Treatment

Dermal fillers are a great way to enhance the natural look of your lips. They add volume and create the perfectly shaped, soft, and kissable lips you’ve always wanted.

If you’re a newbie to the filler world and would like to know the basics, read our blog post on hyaluronic acid lip fillers in general.

This article discusses lip filler aftercare, how to reduce pain, swelling, and bruising, and get the most of this popular treatment.

Lip filler aftercare

Lip Filler Aftercare: 9 Tips 

Lip filler aftercare centers around what you should avoid after getting lip fillers, and what you should do to minimize the chances bruising and swelling and to speed up recovery time.

1. Steer Clear of Strenuous Exercise for 48 Hours

Strenuous physical activity increases the heart rate and blood flow and may cause swelling and bruising. Avoid jogging, swimming, and other vigorous exercise for 24-48 hours after the procedure.

2. Watch Out for Medications

For 24 to 48 hours before the scheduled treatment, avoid blood thinners such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil. These medications and supplements increase the chance of bleeding and bruising associated with the treatment.

3. Avoid Laser Treatments

Avoid laser treatments soon after you’ve had a filler injection. If you’re planning a laser treatment, postpone it for at least two weeks after the injection. Lasers generate a lot of heat, which can cause the lip filler to dissolve more quickly.

4. Drink Water 

Drinking water is an essential part of lip filler aftercare. Provide your body with lots of simple fluids. Water is the best. It will help with the natural healing process that happens when your body reacts to receiving something strange or foreign – which is how it sees the filler. Hydrating fruits and vegetables also help. 

5. Be Careful while Eating

If your injector has used an anesthetic cream, it will numb your lips. The effect can last for several hours. Eating food during this time may cause some harm. For instance, you may take a bite or a sip of something hot and not feel it — but your lips will. You may also accidentally bite or burn yourself and cause a bruise.

6. Apply Ice

An ice pack or a bag of frozen veggies help reduce inflammation and decrease swelling. Wrap it in a towel because touching swollen and sensitive lips directly with ice may freeze them. Read our article on swelling after lip fillers to find more ways to reduce this common filler side effect.

7. Sleep Elevated

Use an extra pillow during sleep and keep your head elevated to avoid blood pooling in the treated area.

8. Avoid Heat

Heat dilates blood vessels and increases the risk of bruising and swelling. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight, hot baths, hot tubs, and other sources of high temperatures.

9. Don’t Travel by Airplane

High pressure in the airplane can exacerbate bruising and swelling. Avoid flying for at least one week after the procedure.

Lip Filler Aftercare: FAQ

Here are some common answers to lip filler aftercare questions:

Can You Eat After Lip Fillers?

You can eat after a lip filler treatment but with a few precautions. Make sure the effects of the numbing cream wear off before you have a meal and choose soft or liquid foods that don’t involve too much lip movement and chewing.

Is It Normal for Lips to Peel After a Lip Filler?

Yes, patients can experience lip peeling after the treatment. This happens due to the swelling and stretching of the lips, which results in dry, cracked, and peeling skin.

Can You Drink After Lip Fillers?

You should drink water and other hydrating beverages after dermal fillers because they help speed up recovery. However, alcohol dilates blood vessels and increases the chances of swelling and bruising. To minimize the chances of these side effects, don’t drink alcohol at least 24 hours before and after the procedure.

Note: Learn more details about the effect of alcohol after fillers.

Can You Smoke/Vape After Lip Fillers?

During vaping (and smoking), the lips pucker. This muscle movement puts pressure on the lips and should be avoided for at least 24 hours after a lip filler treatment.

Can You Kiss After Lip Fillers?

Applying any pressure to the injected lips may cause swelling and bruising. Kissing also counts as pressure, so avoid it for 24 hours.

Can You Wear Lipstick After Lip Fillers?

If you can, wait at least 24 hours before using makeup on your lips. Steer clear from previously used lipstick or balm because these carry the risk of infecting your freshly injected lips. It’s important not to apply too much pressure, and applying lipstick falls into that category. If you must wear makeup, put it on very gently, and only if it hasn’t been previously used.

Conclusion

Lip filler is a popular cosmetic treatment that plumps the lips and gives them a sensual look.

Though the procedure is quick and requires no downtime, certain post-treatment procedures will ensure the best results. Make sure you follow our lip filler aftercare tips in consultation with your medical provider.

Hyaluron Pen: The Risk of Using the No Needle Filler

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are among the most popular cosmetic treatments today. They are the best non-surgical solution for thin lips, deep folds, and sagging skin in the mid-face area.

Recently, the cosmetic industry has gone a step further and offered a seemingly improved version of fillers: a no-needle filler or hyaluron pen.

What is a hyaluron pen, how does it work and what are the risks?

This article explains this new device and why our skin experts at Vibrant Skin Bar are strongly against using the hyaluron pen.

Disclaimer: The hyaluron pen has not been FDA-approved and Vibrant Skin Bar strongly recommends against using this method as a replacement for injectable dermal fillers. The use of hyaluron pen may cause permanent skin damage.

Risks of using hyaluron pen

What Is a Hyaluron Pen?

A hyaluron pen is a novel cosmetic device that delivers hyaluronic acid to lips and facial skin to allegedly reduce the signs of aging. It is being marketed as a treatment that adds volume to lips and smooths wrinkles in the lower part of the face. In essence, the hyaluron pen is being sold as a no-needle dermal filler.

What Does the Hyaluron Pen Do?

The hyaluron pen uses bursts of high pressure to create micropores in the skin, delivering hyaluronic acid to the top layer of the skin without a needle.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring ingredient in the body that retains water and hydrates the skin. As we age, our bodies slow down HA production, resulting in the loss of skin moisture. With coinciding collagen loss, people experience dehydrated, dull, and sagging skin.

In theory, the injected HA helps rehydrate, lift, and smooth the skin. However, the way HA is administered via the hyaluron pen is not considered safe. The high pressure used to press the device against the skin may cause tissue damage, and the uneven administration of HA often causes unwanted results.

Additionally, HA cannot penetrate deeper into the dermal layers when administered via the pen. Hence, the potential gains are non-existent or limited. With an injectable filler, the medical professional can target the treatment area more precisely, whereas pushing HA into the skin with a hyaluron pen disperses the substance without control.

Are Hyaluron Pens FDA Approved?

The FDA hasn't approved hyaluron pens. The agency has issued a clear warning not to use these devices because of the “serious adverse events that have been reported in connection with their use, such as permanent damage to the skin, lips, and eyes.”

Hyaluron pens are sold over the counter and online for home use by using a legal loophole. Namely, selling hyaluron pens isn’t illegal, but the product must not be marketed as a dermal filler. Many untrained, non-medical professionals also provide hyaluron pen treatments in cosmetic salons.

Hyaluron Pen Side Effects

Since the hyaluron pen disperses uncontrolled amounts of HA into the skin, there is a high chance of unwanted results and adverse health outcomes.

The risks of using a hyaluron pen include:

Safer Alternatives to the Hyaluron Pen

Responsible medical professionals advise patients interested in face rejuvenation – especially lip augmentation – to use treatments with a high safety profile. Consider the following cosmetic treatments and products.

Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers

HA dermal fillers are FDA-approved and administered in sterile environments by licensed professionals. The medical provider uses a needle or a cannula, which allows for the safe and precise administration of hyaluronic acid to the treated area.

The two most popular HA dermal fillers are Juvéderm and Restylane. Each brand has a series of products designed for specific facial skin issues, from thin lips to deep nasolabial folds. Both filler brands provide amazing results and last up to 18 months.

Juvéderm Ultra Plus
Restylane Lyft

Botox Lip Flip

The Botox lip flip is a safe alternative to hyaluron pens when performed by licensed medical professionals.

Unlike fillers, it doesn’t volumize lips with hyaluronic acid but causes the upper lip to curl to create a subtle pout – giving the appearance of fuller lips. The results last up to two months because of the low Botox dosage (4 to 6 units), but they can be maintained with regular treatments.

The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and more cost-effective than dermal fillers.

Note: For more information, refer to our comprehensive guide to Botox lip flip treatments.

Lip Flip

Lip-Plumping Skincare Products

People who are not comfortable with needles can still enjoy more volumized lips using advanced skincare formulations.

SkinMedica® HA5® Smooth and Plump Lip System is a two-step treatment for plumper, rosier, and more hydrated lips. It is formulated with dimethicone and hyaluronic acid, helping lips retain moisture and appear fuller.

SkinMedica® Lip System

Conclusion

The idea of having full lips and a wrinkle-free face without an injection may sound tempting. However, hyaluron pen treatments are not safe. That is why our skin experts recommend sticking to the proven dermal filler injections until the cosmetic industry comes up with an even less invasive (and safe!) treatment.

Under-Eye Filler: All You Need to Know

Dark circles and hollowness in the under-eye area greatly contribute to a tired, older look. They are typically the result of collagen loss and the consequent loss of volume in the under-eye area. Such changes are most often attributed to aging or genetics.

As a quick fix, many people use concealers to disguise the unflattering look. However, innovations in the cosmetics industry now provide longer-lasting results. One such solution is getting an under-eye filler.

This article explains how under-eye fillers work and what results to expect from the procedure.

Under eye dermal filler

What Are Under-Eye Fillers?

Under-eye or dermal fillers are injections of a gel-like substance in the treated area. The active ingredients of fillers boost the production of collagen and elastin, adding volume and rejuvenating the skin.

Not all dermal fillers are the same, as they differ in their main active ingredient. The most common active ingredients of dermal fillers are hyaluronic acid, poly-l-lactic acid, and calcium hydroxylapatite. Filler providers typically use hyaluronic acid (HA) for tear troughs.

What Is the Best Under-Eye Filler?

Medical providers choose different filler types for the under-eye area depending on the patient’s desired goals, their health, the severity of wrinkles, and other skin concerns.

Most providers steer away from poly-l-lactic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite fillers because they are more likely to cause lumps and can’t be dissolved. For the under-eye area they typically use HA fillers.

Our bodies naturally produce hyaluronic acid, so HA dermal fillers rarely cause severe side effects such as allergic reactions and lumps. The most popular HA dermal fillers for the under-eye area are Juvéderm, Restylane, and Versa.

Note: This article on the best fillers for under the eyes provides more details and recommendations for specific filler types.

The main advantage of HA dermal fillers over others is that they can be dissolved with a natural enzyme called hyaluronidase. This is useful when the patient is unhappy with the results.

Under-Eye Filler Benefits

Under-eye fillers build collagen and elastin, helping to give you a more youthful look.

You may expect the following benefits from a dermal filler treatment:

It is important to determine whether the discoloration and hollowness in the under-eye area are the result of pigmentation issues. In the case of hyperpigmentation, dermal fillers can’t help. For this reason, it is best to consult your medical provider to determine the cause of darker skin under your eyes.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Under-Eye Fillers?

You are a good candidate for dermal fillers if the loss of volume in your under-eye area is caused by aging or genetics.

If dark circles under your eyes are the result of hyperpigmentation or lifestyle, dermal fillers can’t help you.

The procedure may not be safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is also not recommended for smokers because smoking may inhibit the healing process. 

How to Prepare for the Under-Eye Filler Treatment

If you are considering an under-eye treatment, the first step is to come in for a consultation with your chosen medical provider. They will examine your medical history and take a close look at your under-eye area to determine the cause of the issue and discuss your desired results.

Your medical provider may instruct you to stop using blood-thinning medications one or two weeks before the procedure. Doctors also advise refraining from alcohol for several days and avoiding chemical peels, laser, and other more invasive treatments for several weeks.

What Can You Expect During the Under-Eye Filler Procedure?

The treatment involves injecting one or two syringes of filler under the eyes, below the orbicularis oculi muscle. The medical provider may use several tiny needles or a longer cannula, which requires a single injection.

The treatment lasts 10-15 minutes. If you have a low pain threshold, your medical provider will apply a topical numbing cream to the treatment area. This adds 30-40 minutes to the procedure. 

Is the Under-Eye Filler Procedure Safe?

Under-eye fillers are safe when performed by experienced, board-certified skin experts. Most fillers are not FDA-approved for cosmetic under-eye procedures (apart from Juvéderm Volbella and Restylane Eyelight), but they are widely used as an off-label treatment.

To ensure the safety of the procedure, stop taking blood thinners before the procedure, as instructed by your doctor. Also, avoid alcohol to minimize the chance of bruising and swelling.

Choose a board-certified medical practitioner, as the skin around the eyes is delicate and full of blood vessels. An experienced provider with specialized knowledge will know what to do to avoid incorrectly injecting the filler, causing injury.

Does Under-Eye Filler Hurt?

Patients report minimal pain and only a mild pricking sensation or pressure during the under-eye filler treatment. Some patients feel unease from the needle’s proximity to the eye.

The numbing cream ensures minimal discomfort during the procedure. 

The Under-Eye Filler Procedure Results

Under eye filler results - before and after treatment.

Under-eye fillers effectively reduce wrinkles, under-eye hollowness, and other signs of aging and tiredness in the area. They provide instant results without any downtime. A skilled medical provider will ensure the fillers bring the desired results while maintaining the patient’s natural look.

How Long Do Fillers Last Under the Eyes?

The longevity of under-eye filler results depends on the filler type and the candidate’s lifestyle. HA fillers for tear troughs typically last between six months and a year, unless alcohol, nicotine, sun exposure, and other skin-damaging factors cause a faster filler breakdown.

Is Under-Eye Filler Reversible?

Most under-eye fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, making them reversible. If the injection causes the formation of lumps under the eyes or the patient doesn’t like the outcome for other reasons, the medical provider can inject the enzyme hyaluronidase into the region, dissolving the hyaluronic acid.

What Happens When Under-Eye Filler Wears Off?

When the under-eye filler wears off, the skin reverts to its original state, showing wrinkles, hollowness, and other aging signs. Filler patients usually seek another treatment to continue its anti-aging effects.

What Are the Downsides of Under-Eye Fillers

The main downsides of under-eye fillers are short-lived results compared to some other filler types.

When performed by experienced, board-certified medical providers, dermal fillers rarely cause serious side effects. Mild side effects of fillers usually disappear within a week and include:

Rare and moderate side effects include:

Very rare and severe complications include:

Severe complications are more likely if you choose an inexperienced, non-medical provider. Without expert knowledge of anatomy and extensive experience injecting fillers, your provider may mistakenly inject the filler into a blood vessel, resulting in tissue cell death (necrosis) or blindness, in the very worst case.

Under-Eye Filler Aftercare

The following under-eye filler aftercare tips minimize the chances of side effects:

Consult your medical provider for additional aftercare recommendations.

Under-Eye Filler Cost

At Vibrant Skin Bar, under-eye dermal filler prices range from $625 to $850 per syringe. The total cost depends on your under-eye issue and desired effects.

Check out the Vibrant Skin Bar’s price list for more information on the costs of under-eye filler.

Conclusion

Under-eye fillers are a popular cosmetic treatment for dark circles and a tired look caused by aging or genetics. The procedure is safe and minimally invasive when performed by skilled professionals.

Do your research and weigh the pros and cons of each filler to find the best filler for under the eyes.

Nasolabial Fold Fillers: Procedure, Benefits, Results

Nasolabial folds are one more reminder of aging. They are prominent lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, making us look older. They pull the skin down, creating an angry or sad appearance. 

Nasolabial folds appear in our 20s or 30s and deepen as we age because our skin loses the collagen and elastin that keep it smooth and plump. They may be more prominent if you smoke, excessively expose your skin to UV rays, don’t get enough sleep, or have severe weight fluctuations.

Fortunately, there’s a quick and easy fix for nasolabial folds – dermal fillers. Here, we’ll explain how they work and what you can expect from the procedure.

Fillers for nasolabial folds

What Are Nasolabial Fold Fillers?

Nasolabial fold fillers are a quick, minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that requires little preparation and no downtime. It involves injecting FDA-approved compounds into the area around the mouth and nose. The injectable contains a skin-volumizing substance such as hyaluronic acid, poly-l-lactic acid, or calcium hydroxylapatite.

As we age and lose collagen and elastin in the skin, fat pads shrink and droop, and bone resorption occurs. When this happens, there is less support in the cheek and nasolabial folds appear.

Medical professionals correct the problem look by bracing the cheek with deep dermal filler injections in the cheek and pyriform aperture (the pear-shaped nasal opening in the skull). The results are natural-looking and quickly apparent. 

How Do They Work?

Your chosen filler provider first determines whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. They’ll examine your medical history and the lines around your mouth.

The medical provider starts the procedure by cleaning the treatment area. Many nasolabial fold fillers contain lidocaine, but if you have a low pain threshold, you will receive a topical numbing cream on the treatment area.

Your provider injects the filler into the cheeks and pyriform aperture to act as support for the nasolabial fold and cheek. Small amounts of soft, flexible filler are also placed directly into the fold to soften the actual lines.

The injection process lasts about 15 minutes. The provider then massages the area to ensure no lumps form and instructs you how to behave in the following weeks.

Note: Find out how Botox and fillers are different.

Before and After Nasolabial Fold Fillers

Patients who receive fillers for nasolabial folds experience plumping of the cheeks and the area around the mouth. The wrinkles spreading from the nose to the mouth won’t disappear, but the treated area will be lifted and appear smoother, resulting in a more youthful look.

before and after fillers for nasolabial folds

Nasolabial Fold Fillers Benefits

Expect to see the following results from nasolabial fold fillers:

These benefits come with minimal pain and no downtime.

Nasolabial Fold Fillers Treatment

Dermal fillers are a safe, routine beauty procedure, but first-time patients are usually concerned about the pain level, potential side effects, and the longevity of results. Here we answer frequently asked questions about the treatment.

Is the Treatment Painful?

Dermal fillers for nasolabial folds such as Juvéderm Voluma and Restylane Lyft typically contain lidocaine which numbs the pain. Patients can also request a topical numbing cream to ensure no pain or discomfort during the treatment.

How Many Doses Do You Need?

The amount of filler needed to correct nasolabial folds depends on the state of the patient’s skin and the type of dermal filler used.

Hyaluronic acid-based products like Juvéderm and Restylane typically require one or two syringes of the product injected during one session. The results last up to 18 months.

Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite) requires two or three syringes injected during one session, and the results can last up to 24 months.

Sculptra (poly-l-lactic acid) typically requires one or two vials and two or three sessions. The results last up to 24 months.

Note: Learn how the two HA-based fillers, Juvéderm and Restylane, differ.

Nasolabial Fold Fillers Side Effects

The side effects of the treatment are mild and quickly resolve on their own. The most common side effects are bruising, swelling, redness, and itching at the injection site.

Rare and more severe side effects include:

If you experience a severe side effect, call or visit your medical provider.

Nasolabial Fold Fillers Cost

The cost of nasolabial fold fillers depends on the patient’s skin concern and the location and expertise of the medical provider.

At Vibrant Skin Bar, we offer all FDA-approved injectables for nasolabial folds. Our medical experts often use Juvéderm Voluma, which costs $850 per syringe, and Restylane Lyft, which costs $749 per syringe.

Radiesse costs $749 per syringe, and Sculptra costs $900 per vial.

Nasolabial Fold Fillers Aftercare

After the filler treatment, follow these tips to minimize the chance of bruising, swelling, and other potential side effects:

Note: Find more information about how to take care of your skin after dermal fillers.

Conclusion

Nasolabial folds are a common sign of aging and dermal fillers are a convenient way to reduce their appearance and help you enjoy a youthful look. The above information can help you decide if this is the right treatment for you.