Most common problems after HA fillers
- Problem: Lips too large / duck-lip effect — What happened: Too much product or poor technique — Solution: Hyaluronidase — partial or full dissolutionProblem: Lips too large / duck-lip effectWhat happened: Too much product or poor techniqueSolution: Hyaluronidase — partial or full dissolution
- Problem: Lip asymmetry — What happened: Uneven distribution — Solution: Targeted hyaluronidase + correctionProblem: Lip asymmetryWhat happened: Uneven distributionSolution: Targeted hyaluronidase + correction
- Problem: Ridge beside the nose — What happened: Poor application technique — Solution: Hyaluronidase at the site of the deformationProblem: Ridge beside the noseWhat happened: Poor application techniqueSolution: Hyaluronidase at the site of the deformation
- Problem: Pillow-face effect on the cheeks — What happened: Too much product / too shallow — Solution: Hyaluronidase, possibly redistributionProblem: Pillow-face effect on the cheeksWhat happened: Too much product / too shallowSolution: Hyaluronidase, possibly redistribution
- Problem: Uneven nasolabial fold — What happened: Uneven injection depth — Solution: Hyaluronidase + correctionProblem: Uneven nasolabial foldWhat happened: Uneven injection depthSolution: Hyaluronidase + correction
- Problem: Results lasting too long — What happened: A long-lasting product — Solution: Hyaluronidase for accelerated removalProblem: Results lasting too longWhat happened: A long-lasting productSolution: Hyaluronidase for accelerated removal
- Problem: Visible implant (Tyndall effect) — What happened: HA injected too shallow — Solution: Hyaluronidase + repeat injection at a deeper levelProblem: Visible implant (Tyndall effect)What happened: HA injected too shallowSolution: Hyaluronidase + repeat injection at a deeper level
Hyaluronidase — how does it work?
Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid. Injected into an area with HA filler, it triggers enzymatic degradation of the product within 24–48 hours.
Important:
- Breaks down ONLY hyaluronic acid (HA) — it has no effect on Sculptra, Radiesse, CaHA, or threads
- The effect is irreversible — after HA is dissolved, wait at least 2–4 weeks before topping up again
- Possible allergic reaction — a patch test is needed for anyone allergic to bee stings (hyaluronidase is derived from bovine testicular tissue)
- May slightly dissolve your own natural HA too — this is temporary, and natural HA returns
Visit duration: 30–45 minutes.
How long to wait between hyaluronidase and the next treatment?
Minimum 2 weeks — the enzyme needs time to finish working. We recommend 4 weeks, so the skin can settle and the doctor can assess your starting point.
Lip correction — in detail
Lips are the most common reason for correction. The most frequent issues:
"Duck lips" — excessive upper lip volume
A lip-flip effect gone wrong — too much product in the upper lip, leaving the lips out of proportion.
Solution: Hyaluronidase in the upper lip → wait 3–4 weeks → correction with another doctor using a "natural lip enhancement" technique.
Asymmetry
Uneven volume on each side. This can either exaggerate a natural asymmetry or result from a technical error.
Solution: Dissolve the excess side → rebalance if needed.
"Sausage lips" — no philtrum definition
Too much volumising product without any work on the contour.
Solution: Hyaluronidase + contouring of the Cupid's bow and philtrum (specialist technique).
Problems after other treatments — what can be corrected?
After Sculptra (PLLA) — too much product / lumps
PLLA is a biostimulator — there's no "undo" option. Lumps can be masked or, in extreme cases, removed surgically. Key point: massage after Sculptra for the first 5 days, 5 minutes, 5 times a day — this prevents lumps.
After Botox — drooping eyelid
Botox placed above the eye can migrate into the levator muscle. Treatment: apraclonidine drops (Iopidine 0.5%) — these contract the Müller's muscle. The effect resolves on its own after 6–8 weeks, as the Botox breaks down.
After skin biostimulator — lumps
Bumps may appear after skin biostimulator injections. Their cause and management depend on the product, technique and symptoms. Not every biostimulator contains HA, and there is no single time frame for these changes to resolve. Persistent or concerning symptoms require medical assessment.
When to seek urgent help (not "whenever")
🚨 Immediately (within hours) — contact your doctor or hospital A&E:
- A white patch of skin after the treatment — this may indicate a blocked vessel → risk of necrosis
- Severe pain or throbbing after the treatment (in the following hours)
- Visual disturbances after treatment near the nose or eyes — risk of blindness if the filler enters a vessel
How to avoid problems in future
- Always choose a doctor with a visible portfolio and verifiable certificates
- Ask about the product — is it a registered CE/MDR preparation?
- Start with a smaller dose — you can always add more
- "Before" photos — focus on what you realistically want to change, not on influencers
- Discuss a "backup plan" with your doctor: what happens if you don't like the result?
J'ADORE INSTYTUT — Krakow | Warsaw Żelazna | Warsaw Aleje
→ Medical consultation — assessment and correction | → Lip augmentation — natural results | → Facial volumetry — techniques
