How quickly does hyaluronidase work?

Much of the effect is visible within 24 to 48 hours. We assess the final result after about two weeks, once the swelling has settled.

Can every filler be dissolved with hyaluronidase?

No. Hyaluronidase only works on fillers based on hyaluronic acid. Materials such as calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid or silicone are not broken down by it.

Is dissolving filler painful?

The injection is usually felt as a brief stinging. A slight feeling of tightness or swelling may last a few hours to a few days.

When can I have filler again after dissolving?

Usually after two weeks at the earliest. This allows swelling and residual enzyme effects to subside so the starting point can be reliably assessed.

How much does dissolving hyaluronic acid filler cost in Zurich?

At Esthetikon in Glattpark (Opfikon), hyaluronidase correction starts at CHF 450. The consultation is free; you receive the exact price in writing after the examination.

Hyaluronic Acid · 8 min read

Hyaluronidase: how hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved

Hyaluronic acid fillers have one major advantage over many other materials: they can be dissolved. This is made possible by hyaluronidase, an enzyme that specifically breaks down hyaluronic acid. It is used when a result is too voluminous, a filler has migrated, lumps can be felt – and in the rare emergency of a vascular complication. In this article we explain when dissolving makes sense, how it works, what the risks are and why we usually recommend patience after a correction.

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Gloved physician palpating the upper lip of a dark-haired patient to assess an uneven filler result before hyaluronidase treatment

In short: can hyaluronic acid filler be dissolved?

Yes. Fillers based on hyaluronic acid can be dissolved fully or partially with hyaluronidase. The enzyme is injected with a fine needle directly into the area of the filler and splits the hyaluronic acid into small fragments that the body clears. Much of the effect is visible within 24 to 48 hours. Other filler materials – such as calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid or silicone – cannot be dissolved this way.

When does dissolving make sense?

Not every irregularity needs to be dissolved. Shortly after treatment, swelling and slight asymmetry are common and resolve on their own. Dissolving is mainly considered in the following situations:

Overcorrection: lips, cheeks or chin look too full or unbalanced
Migration: filler has moved beyond the lip border or into neighbouring areas
Lumps or palpable firmness that do not resolve on their own
Tyndall effect: filler showing through bluish, for example under the eye
Emergency: suspected vascular occlusion after a filler treatment

The emergency: vascular occlusion

Very rarely, filler can block a blood vessel. Warning signs are severe or increasing pain, pale or mottled blue-purple skin and – most seriously – visual disturbances. Immediate medical help is needed, and hyaluronidase is used quickly and at higher doses. If you notice any change in vision, contact emergency medical services right away.

How does hyaluronidase work?

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that also occurs naturally in the body. In aesthetic medicine it has been used for many years to break down cross-linked hyaluronic acid. How quickly and completely this works depends on the filler used, its cross-linking, the amount and its position in the tissue. Some products dissolve quickly, others need a second session.

The body’s own hyaluronic acid is briefly affected too

The enzyme does not distinguish between filler and the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid. Immediately after treatment, the area may therefore look slightly flatter than before the original filler treatment. The body’s own hyaluronic acid is, however, replenished within a short time.

The hyaluronidase procedure at Esthetikon

Everything starts with a careful examination. It is important to know as precisely as possible which product was used, when, where and in what amount. If you can, please bring your treatment card or records from the previous practice.

Consultation, examination and photo documentation
Allergy screening, especially for bee or wasp sting allergies
A skin test before the actual treatment if needed
Targeted injection of the enzyme with a fine needle, usually 10 to 20 minutes
Review after about two weeks, with a second session if necessary

Sterile treatment set-up in the practice with an unlabelled glass vial, gauze swabs, gloves and a kidney dish — Hyaluronidase is used under sterile conditions and dosed individually.

Risks and side effects

Hyaluronidase treatment is generally well tolerated. Temporary redness, swelling, itching or small bruises are common. Allergic reactions are rare; the risk is higher in people with a known bee or wasp sting allergy. We therefore ask about this before every treatment and perform a skin test if appropriate.

Because the enzyme temporarily breaks down not only the filler but also the body’s own hyaluronic acid, we dose aesthetic corrections step by step. Two small sessions are better than one excessive dissolution.

Refilling after dissolving: how long should you wait?

After dissolving, we usually recommend waiting at least two weeks before new filler is placed. This allows swelling and any residual enzyme effect to subside so we can assess the true starting point. Many patients then opt for a noticeably more subtle approach.

Physician discussing a treatment plan on a tablet with a dark-haired patient at a desk after a filler correction — After a correction, we plan any new treatment together and with restraint.

Cost of dissolving filler in Zurich

At Esthetikon in the Lux Augenzentrum, a hyaluronidase correction starts at CHF 450. The exact price depends on the area, the amount of filler and the number of sessions; you receive a written quote after the consultation. The consultation is free. A later rebuild, for example of the lips, starts at CHF 650 – see our page lip fillers in Zurich (in German). If frown lines or crow’s feet are on your mind as well, read frown lines treatment in Zurich.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly does hyaluronidase work?: Much of the effect is visible within 24 to 48 hours. We assess the final result after about two weeks, once the swelling has settled.
Can every filler be dissolved with hyaluronidase?: No. Hyaluronidase only works on fillers based on hyaluronic acid. Materials such as calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid or silicone are not broken down by it.
Is dissolving filler painful?: The injection is usually felt as a brief stinging. A slight feeling of tightness or swelling may last a few hours to a few days.
When can I have filler again after dissolving?: Usually after two weeks at the earliest. This allows swelling and residual enzyme effects to subside so the starting point can be reliably assessed.
How much does dissolving hyaluronic acid filler cost in Zurich?: At Esthetikon in Glattpark (Opfikon), hyaluronidase correction starts at CHF 450. The consultation is free; you receive the exact price in writing after the examination.

Consultation at Esthetikon in Zurich

This article does not replace a medical consultation. In a personal appointment at Thurgauerstrasse 105, 8152 Glattpark (Opfikon), we assess your situation and discuss whether – and which – treatment makes sense for you. The consultation is free.

Book a consultation Lip fillers in Zurich (DE)

Sources and further reading

External medical sources for background information. They do not replace a personal consultation.