The Caveat You Need to Know
Today, various products are used to enhance the lips. Many people choose to temporarily increase lip fullness with dermal fillers. Common products used include base ingredients like:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
- Poly-L-lactic acid
In our Cincinnati office, we offer Juvéderm and Belotero hyaluronic acid fillers as well as Radiesse, a CaHA filler. It is beneficial to have as many choices as we do today because every person’s individual needs are unique and it would not be possible to meet them all with just one type of product. Hyaluronic acid fillers are a synthetic version of the same acid that occurs organically in the body. Hyaluronic acid assists in joint and eye lubrication as well as the moisture retention in the skin.
The natural tendencies of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers make them ideal for many parts of the face. In addition to looking and feeling very natural, hyaluronic acid fillers can also be dissolved. In fact, hyaluronic acid fillers are the only type of filler that can be reversed if a patient desired. Other fillers, including Radiesse, can only degrade over time.
How Lip Fillers are Removed
Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers aren’t literally removed from the lips or any other area; they are dissolved. This is possible by injecting an enzyme called Hyaluronidase. This is also an enzyme that is found naturally in the body. Its role is to metabolize hyaluronic acid. When injected in the same area as a hyaluronic acid filler, the enzyme breaks down the particles of hyaluronic acid, which releases the water molecules that have accumulated in the lips to add fullness.
Should You Have Lip Fillers Removed?
If you’re unhappy with the results of lip filler treatment, you may obtain injections of Hyaluronidase to reverse the effects of your initial procedure. However, it is important to know that this enzyme dissolves natural hyaluronic acid along with the synthetic version. This means that the lips may appear thinner than they were before dermal fillers. This usually resolves itself over time, but can present frustration in the interim.
It is beneficial to receive cosmetic enhancement, even dermal fillers, from a board-certified medical professional. Doing so can help you get results you love the first time around.
Learn more about removing lip fillers by calling our Cincinnati office at 513.985.0850.
