If you’ve heard much about injectable fillers, you may have heard that they are reversible. But are injectable fillers reversible? The answer is actually both yes and no. While many popular fillers, like Juvederm and Restalyne, are completely reversible, others such as Sculptra and Radiesse are not. The reason some fillers are reversible while others are not comes down to their ingredients and how they work. Let’s take a closer look at the science behind behind reversing injectable fillers.

Are Injectable Fillers Reversible? The Reversible Fillers: Juvederm, Restylane, Voluma, and Other Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Many injectable fillers (such as Juvederm, Restylane, and Voluma) are made out of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body. Hyaluronic acid is a sugar-based compound that helps your skin look plump and youthful through maintaining moisture in the skin. When a filler made out of hyaluronic acid is injected into the skin, it “fills” the treated area, helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles or sunken areas.

Fillers that are made out of hyaluronic acid can be easily reversed. Why? Because they can be quickly dissolved thanks to a substance called hyaluronidase. This substance, which is an enzyme, can rapidly break up injected hyaluronic acid. So, if a patient doesn’t like the results of their hyaluronic acid filler, their doctor can inject hyaluronidase into the treated area, quickly removing the effects of the filler.

Are Injectable Fillers Reversible? The Non-Reversible Fillers: Sculptra, Radiesse, and Other Collagen Stimulaters

While some fillers are easily reversed, others simply can’t be reversed. This is because of how they work. Some long-lasting fillers (such as Sculptra and Radiesse) work through stimulating the growth of our body’s collagen, which is a substance that helps skin look smooth and plump. This is often considered an advantage, as this collagen stimulation gives natural-looking results and lasts for far longer than hyaluronic acid fillers. While many hyaluronic acid fillers may last only 6 months to a year, collagen stimulating fillers can last for up to 3 to 5 years.

However, because these fillers work by stimulating the body’s collagen production rather than by injecting hyaluronic acid, they can’t be reversed. Hyaluronic acid can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. But with collagen stimulating fillers, there is no substance to dissolve so using something like hyaluronidase would not work.

Should I Choose a Dissolvable Filler or a Collagen-Stimulating Filler?

If you’re concerned with being able to dissolve fillers, short-term fillers like Juvederm might be the better choice for you. However, if you want longer-lasting results, collagen stimulating fillers like Sculptra are often a great option. Which one is right for you will depend on your unique body and your goals.

If you’re considering trying fillers, Dr. Zadeh can help you decide which might be right for you. To learn more about your filler options, make an appointment to schedule a consultation today.