Hyaluronidase

Did you know that dermal fillers are fully reversible?

Dermal fillers are made of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that breaks down HA. Hyaluronidase breaks dermal fillers into carbon dioxide and water which then easily disperse in the tissues.

Hyaluronidase can be used in an elective planned setting when a patient is unhappy with their filler. Perhaps they had too much, or in the wrong place, or it was injected too superficially. Sometimes lip filler migrates into the area above and below resulting in “duck lips” (this is more common when the lip border has been compromised by repeated vertical injections). Hyaluronidase is used to treat complications like lumps or nodules. This is usually a delayed reaction happening up to two years after fillers. Patients with autoimmune illnesses are at risk of developing nodules. Fortunately, hyaluronidase can help here. Hyaluronidase is used in an emergency setting to manage vascular occlusion. If a dermal filler is accidentally injected into an artery and blocks the blood vessel it could lead to compromise or cellular death of healthy tissues.

Your aesthetic doctor should always have stock of hyaluronidase in their emergency kit. AAMSSA doctors follow the CMAC guidelines and protocols when administering hyaluronidase.

PLEASE NOTE: Injecting hyaluronidase is not to be taken lightly or done routinely. It has potentially serious risks and drug interactions.