Hyaluronidase is the enzyme (sold as Hylenex® in Canada) used to safely dissolve hyaluronic-acid fillers when they need to be adjusted or reversed. It breaks down the hyaluronic acid in the treated filler, which the body then clears naturally.
Benefits
- Reverses or adjusts filler that is lumpy, misplaced, or overdone
- Fast-acting for urgent situations (vascular compromise, overfill)
- Helps correct asymmetry after filler treatments
- Useful before a new filler plan (e.g., after migration)
- Relatively well tolerated, with long safety history
Who it’s for
People who have received hyaluronic-acid filler and are unhappy with the result — for example a lumpy or uneven area, a filler that migrated, or a vascular complication that needs urgent attention — or who want to dissolve filler before starting a different plan. It only works on hyaluronic-acid fillers (such as Restylane, Juvéderm, Belotero) — not on other types of filler. A skin test may be offered for patients with a history of allergies, and a consultation is needed to establish whether the filler is dissolvable at all.
What to expect
After a consultation and (for some patients) a skin test, the enzyme is injected into the target area. Results begin fast — the filler often softens within 24–48 hours — and a follow-up visit a few days later checks whether additional treatment is needed for full dissolving. Swelling or bruising is common for a few days; results vary. You will be advised when it is safe to have further filler after dissolving.
Recommended sessions
A follow-up visit a few days later checks whether additional treatment is needed for full dissolving.
Before & after your visit
- Before: Tell us which filler was used, when, and by whom; bring records if you have them. Disclose allergies and medications. Any filler complications are assessed urgently.
- After: Expect swelling for a few days; avoid touching the area and follow any advice about cold packs or medications.
- Downtime: Minimal, but swelling may last 2–3 days.
- Results: Filler softens within 24–48 hours; full effect is judged at follow-up.
- Duration: Once filler is dissolved, it is gone; any reinjection is a separate decision.
- Risks: Temporary swelling, redness, bruising; rarely, allergy (including anaphylaxis) or damage to the body’s own hyaluronic acid in the area. If the wrong filler type was injected, results may be disappointing.
Frequently asked questions
Does it hurt?
The injection feels similar to filler injections; numbing can be used.
Will it dissolve my natural hyaluronic acid?
It can affect nearby tissue, but the effect is generally temporary and your body replenishes its own HA.
Can I get filler again later?
Yes — usually after the area has settled, often 1–2 weeks after dissolving.
How long before it works?
Softening begins within 24–48 hours; the effect is judged at your follow-up visit.
Is it safe if I’m allergic to bee stings?
Hyaluronidase is related to a wasp/bee venom enzyme; a skin test may be offered before treatment and your allergy history will be carefully reviewed.
Price & booking
$200.