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Lip filler dissolving is in growing demand due to complications like migration, lumps, or overfilling, often caused by poor technique or multiple treatments over time.
Dissolving involves the enzyme hyaluronidase, delivered either via blind injection for general correction or ultrasound guidance for precise targeting, especially useful in complex or previously treated cases.
Ultrasound-guided dissolving is a game-changer for practitioners, offering enhanced safety, precision, and visibility of filler and vascular structures.
For patients, dissolving is safe and effective, with temporary swelling post-treatment and minimal risk when done by trained professionals.

In recent years, we’ve witnessed a significant rise in demand for lip filler dissolving procedures across the UK. As dermal fillers become increasingly more accessible, so too has the need for correction when things don’t go as planned. At our Liverpool-based dental and aesthetic clinic Smileworks, we get patients every week seeking help with migrated filler, overfilled lips, and complications from poorly executed treatments.

Lip filler dissolving is not merely a corrective measure; it’s a critical skill for any aesthetic practitioner who injects filler. Our lead instructor and founder, Dr MJ Rowland-Warmann, has extensive experience in this area and regularly performs both standard and ultrasound-guided dissolving procedures for patients with problematic filler.

Whether you’re a patient considering dissolving treatment for lips you’re unhappy with or a practitioner looking to enhance your clinical skills, this post will provide all the insights you need to know the why, when, and how of dissolving lip filler.

What is Lip Filler Made Of? (And Why It Can Go Wrong)

Most dermal fillers used in the lips today are made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in our bodies. HA fillers are popular because they can be dissolved if needed, unlike permanent fillers such as silicone.

However, even the best quality HA fillers create problems over time. Filler migration, when the product moves from its original injection site to nearby areas of the face, can occur months or even years after treatment. This migration happens gradually as filler breaks down and interacts with the surrounding tissue.

What many patients don’t realise is that ‘lip filler gone wrong’ isn’t always the result of a recent treatment. Problems often develop over time as the filler degrades or as multiple treatments are layered on top of each other.

The lips have complex anatomy with various tissue planes, muscles, and blood vessels. When filler is placed incorrectly or begins to migrate through these structures, it can create visible lumps, asymmetry, or an unnatural appearance.

Understanding lip anatomy for fillers is crucial for both injecting and dissolving filler safely. The orbicularis oris muscle, superior and inferior labial arteries, and labial mucus glands all play important roles in lip structure and function, and must be respected during any lip procedure.

When Should Lip Filler Be Dissolved?

There are several reasons why lip filler might need to be dissolved:

Visible lumps or nodules that cannot be massaged away
Asymmetry or uneven distribution of filler
Overfilled lips that look disproportionate to facial features
Migration of filler above the lip border (often called a ‘duck lip’ or ‘shelf-like’ appearance)

Vascular complications (requiring immediate dissolving)
Patient preference for a return to natural lips

One of the most important principles to understand is that you cannot fix ‘bad filler’ by adding more filler. This approach typically compounds the problem, creating greater distortion and increasing risks for complications. Good injectors will recommend dissolving any problematic filler before adding more.

For patients concerned about the dissolving process, you can rest assured that dissolving doesn’t mean permanent damage to your lips. It’s a standard corrective step that allows your lips to return to their natural state before considering any further treatments.

How is Lip Filler Dissolved?

Hyaluronidase is the enzyme used to dissolve hyaluronic-acid based fillers. It works by breaking down the molecular bonds of the hyaluronic acid, allowing your body to metabolise and remove the filler naturally.

There are two primary techniques for dissolving lip filler.

Blind/Unguided Dissolving

This method is appropriate for broad correction when filler is diffusely distributed throughout the lips. In this technique, the practitioner bathes the subcutaneous tissue with hyaluronidase, effectively targeting multiple small deposits of filler in one treatment. This is often the most efficient approach for generally overfilled lips or widely migrated filler.

Ultrasound-Guided Dissolving

This method offers precision targeting for specific filler deposits. This is especially useful in cases where previous unguided dissolving was attempted but stubborn deposits remain. Using ultrasound allows practitioners to visualise the exact location of filler, distinguish it from normal anatomical structures (like labial mucus glands), and ensure the dissolving enzyme reaches its target.

The choice between these techniques largely depends on the specific clinical situation. At the Smileworks Aesthetic Training HUB, we teach both approaches, ensuring practitioners have the complete toolkit needed to address any complication that comes their way.

VIDEO PREVIEW: Dissolving Lip Filler Under Ultrasound Guidance

Watch Dr MJ demonstrate how to dissolve lip filler with ultrasound guidance as taught on our Advanced Facial Ultrasound Course.

In this preview, you’ll see in real-time how an expert identifies hyaluronic acid deposits using ultrasound technology, distinguishes them from normal anatomical structures like labial mucus glands, and confirms their location using Doppler imaging.

Notice the precise, targeted application of hyaluronidase (just 0.1ml per deposit), demonstrating how small amounts can be highly effective when placed accurately.

Want to learn how to do this safely and confidently? Enrol in our Advanced Facial Ultrasound Course, and start your online learning today.

For Practitioners: Why You Should Consider Ultrasound Guidance

Ultrasound guidance is increasingly becoming the gold standard in aesthetic medicine, particularly for complex cases and complications. Using ultrasound for filler procedures offers several significant advantages:

Enhanced patient safety by visualising vascular structures and avoiding inadvertent intravascular injection
Visual confirmation of filler placement and distribution
Ability to identify encapsulated filler that might be resistant to standard dissolving techniques
Detection of vascular compromise or other complications that may not be clinically apparent

Documentation of pre and post treatment status

At the HUB, we’re leading the way in ultrasound training for medical injectors. Our courses provide the theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills needed to incorporate this valuable technology into your practice.

With our Foundation Facial Ultrasound and our Advanced Facial Ultrasound courses, you’ll learn hands-on in small-groups in Liverpool. You can start your ultrasound journey right now with our online learning modules.

For Patients: What to Expect When Getting Lip Filler Dissolved

Considering getting your lip fillers dissolved? Here’s what you can expect:

Your appointment will begin with a thorough consultation where your practitioner will assess your lips and discuss your concerns and goals.
Before the procedure, your injector will numb you to ensure your comfort. At Smileworks, we use effective anaesthetic techniques including dental blocks when necessary, as dissolving injections can otherwise be uncomfortable.
The actual dissolving procedure typically takes only 10-15 minutes. Your practitioner will inject small amounts of hyaluronidase into the areas where filler needs to be removed.
Immediately after treatment, your lips will swell. This is completely normal and doesn’t indicate the final result. The swelling usually subsides within 24-48 hours, though full results may take up to two weeks to be visible.

While risks are minimal with proper technique, potential side effects include temporary swelling, bruising, and redness. In rare cases, allergic reactions to hyaluronidase can happen. Your practitioner will provide detailed aftercare instructions to minimise these risks.

When Lip Filler Goes Wrong, What Next?

Having to dissolve lip filler doesn’t mean failure. It means taking the right steps to correct an issue. With the rise of unregulated practitioners and ‘back-street- clinics, we’re seeing an increasing number of patients seeking help for problematic filler work.

The good news is most issues with hyaluronic acid fillers are reversible. Even in cases where filler has been present for years or has significantly migrated, dissolving can often restore the natural lip appearance.

At Smileworks, we take an ethical approach to correction. Sometimes this means fully dissolving existing filler before considering any new treatments. This allows the tissue to fully recover and provides a clean slate for future work if desired.

If you’re based near Liverpool and unhappy with your lips, we can help. Book a consultation with our team.

Learn From The UK’s Best Injectors

Dissolving lip filler is a clinical skill that every injector should master, not a sign of failure. As the aesthetic industry continues to grow, so does the need for practitioners who can safely correct complications and poor outcomes.

Discover the Smileworks Aesthetic Training HUB – an esteemed aesthetic training centre based in the UK. We pride ourselves on our wide range of online and hands-on courses tailored for every skill level.

If you’re still a beginner injector, the best starting point is our Botox & Lip Filler course. You’ll learn all of the basics to start a flourishing aesthetics practice. We design our courses specifically with medical professionals like doctors, dentists, and nurses in mind. You’ll walk away with the skills and knowledge necessary to start practicing on real patients right away.

Already have some injecting experience under your belt? Look no further that our Foundation Facial Ultrasound Course and our Advanced Facial Ultrasound Course, two musts for injectors who want to learn how to dissolve filler. Ultrasound is the single most important too for ensuring safe and effective treatments every time.

For those looking for more in-depth training, we recommend booking a one-to-one mentoring session with Dr MJ. These sessions at 100% customisable, and you’ll receive personalised instruction based on your skill level and goals.

It’s time to embrace the prospering world of aesthetic medicine. The HUB provides you with all the right training and guidance you need to succeed. Take control of your professional journey and step into a future filled with endless potential and opportunities.

Join us at the HUB. Let’s shape the future of aesthetic medicine together and ensure safe, effective, and transformative results for every patient.

Want to try out our courses before committing? Take advantage of our free trial for a taste of what learning at the HUB is like.

Related blog posts:

How to Take Before and After Photos for Facial Aesthetics
Facial Assessment: The Scientific Approach to Aesthetic Beauty
8 Signs of Lip Fillers Gone Wrong (And How to Prevent It)
Should You Massage Lips After Filler? Insights From an Expert