Dissolving Filler

Dissolving Dermal Filler with Hylenex®: Precision, Safety, and Balance

Dermal fillers are an excellent tool when placed appropriately—but sometimes filler needs to be adjusted, refined, or fully dissolved. Hylenex® allows us to safely and precisely dissolve hyaluronic acid–based fillers when results are not ideal.

At Metzner Aesthetics, filler dissolution is approached thoughtfully and conservatively, with a focus on restoring balance, safety, and natural appearance.

What Is Hylenex®?

Hylenex is a purified, recombinant form of hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid (HA)—the primary ingredient in most dermal fillers.

Because hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the body, hyaluronidase allows for:

Controlled breakdown of HA fillers
Targeted correction
Temporary and adjustable treatment

Hylenex does not dissolve non-HA fillers and is used only when appropriate.

Why Would Filler Need to Be Dissolved?

Filler dissolution may be recommended for a variety of reasons, including:

Overfilling or unnatural appearance- we often get patients who had filler done at other practices where they want to look more natural.
Asymmetry
Migration of filler
Lumps or irregular texture
Tyndall effect (bluish discoloration, especially under the eyes)- this is why we prefer to use PRFm and PRP for under-eye rejuvenation
Patient preference or change in aesthetic goals
Preparation for re-treatment with a different approach
Medical concerns requiring urgent correction

Dissolving filler is not a failure—it’s a tool for refinement and safety.

How Does Hylenex® Work?

Hyaluronic acid fillers attract water and provide volume. When Hylenex is injected into an area containing HA filler, it:

Breaks down the hyaluronic acid molecules
Allows the body to absorb and clear the filler
Reduces unwanted volume or irregularity

Results can begin within hours to days, depending on the amount of filler and enzyme used.

Who Is a Candidate for Filler Dissolution?

You may be a good candidate if you:

Are unhappy with prior filler results
Have visible lumps, swelling, or asymmetry
Experience persistent puffiness or heaviness
Want to reverse filler before new treatment

A thorough consultation is essential—not all concerns require full dissolution, and sometimes partial correction is all that’s needed.

Areas That Can Be Treated

Hylenex can be used to dissolve filler in areas such as:

Under-eyes (tear troughs)
Lips
Cheeks
Jawline
Chin
Nasolabial folds

Each area requires a tailored approach, with careful attention to anatomy and dosage.

What to Expect From Treatment

Treatment time: 15–30 minutes
Discomfort: Minimal
Downtime: Mild swelling or bruising possible
Results: Often noticeable within 24–72 hours

In some cases, more than one session may be needed for optimal correction.

Important Considerations

Hylenex dissolves hyaluronic acid, including your body’s natural HA temporarily
Over-dissolution can occur if used aggressively
Precision and experience are critical

For this reason, filler dissolution should only be performed by providers with a deep understanding of facial anatomy and injectable science.