You're not alone, and it can usually be fixed
Unhappy lip filler results are more common than most people think. The good news: most lip filler is made from hyaluronic acid, which can be dissolved. That means lumps, migration or an overfilled look can usually be corrected, and you can start fresh. At Cosmetica Med Spa, we help clients correct filler from anywhere, with every treatment overseen by our board-certified dermatologist.
Common lip filler problems
| Problem | What it looks like | How it's usually fixed |
|---|---|---|
| Migration | Filler spread above the lip line, creating a puffy "shelf" or blurred border | Dissolving, then redoing it conservatively if you want |
| Lumps or bumps | Firm spots you can see or feel | Massage if it's early, or dissolving |
| Overfilled lips | Lips that look too big or unnatural for your face | Partial or full dissolving |
| Asymmetry | One side fuller than the other | Small amounts of filler to balance, or dissolving |
| Swelling or unevenness in the first 2 weeks | Lips that look lopsided right after treatment | Usually nothing. It often settles on its own, so wait 2 weeks before judging |
First: give it two weeks
Swelling can make brand-new filler look uneven, lumpy or too big for the first several days. Unless you have warning signs (below), wait about two weeks for swelling to settle before deciding anything needs fixing.
How dissolving works
An enzyme called hyaluronidase is injected where the filler sits. It breaks down hyaluronic acid filler within about 24 to 48 hours, and your body absorbs it naturally. Some people need a second session for stubborn areas. Once the area has settled, usually after about two weeks, you can have new filler placed the way you want it. Bhad Bhabie is one of our clients who had her lip filler dissolved and redone at Cosmetica.
What can't be dissolved
- Sculptra and Radiesse aren't hyaluronic acid, so hyaluronidase doesn't work on them. Results fade gradually over time, and some issues can be softened with other treatments.
- Botox can't be dissolved. If a Botox lip flip or another Botox treatment gives you a result you don't like, it wears off on its own, usually within weeks to a few months.
- Unknown or permanent fillers need a careful assessment. Bring any records you have from your previous provider.
Warning signs that need care right away
Don't wait if you notice severe or worsening pain, skin turning white, gray, blue or dusky, blisters, or vision changes after filler. These can be signs of a blocked blood vessel, which needs treatment the same day. Call your injector or us at (561) 621-1578, or seek emergency care.
Bring this to your consultation
- The name of the filler used, and how much, if you know it
- When it was placed
- Photos from before your treatment
- Photos of lips you like, so we can plan your fresh start
Cost
Filler dissolving at Cosmetica starts at $199. If you'd like new filler afterward, lip filler starts at $699 per syringe. See our lip filler cost guide, and read our filler aftercare guide for what to do after treatment.