Dissolving filler
Helsinki, Tikkurila, Tampere
Pori, Forssa
Free consultation
A consultation with surgeon Ville Männistö is free of charge,
and does not commit you to anything.
What?
- Filler is most often dissolved with hyaluronidase (Hylase). In some cases, encapsulated filler can be removed with just a needle.
- Sometimes one hyaluronidase treatment is enough, but quite often the procedure has to be performed two or even three times.
- Hyaluronidase only removes hyaluronic acid-based fillers. It is not effective on lactic acid or calcium derivatives.
Where?
- Surgeon Ville Männistö performs filler removals in the Helsinki metropolitan area, Tampere, Pori, and Forssa.
How do I get started?
- Book an appointment for a free aesthetic consultation with Ville. The consultation is free and does not commit you to anything.
- Book an appointment with Ebeling Kauneus (Helsinki or Tikkurila) online
- Book an appointment with Firm Medical Spa (Tikkurila) online
- Book an appointment online at Kruunu (Tampere)
- Book an appointment with Chillday (Pori) online
- Book an appointment with Salonki Henrietta (Forssa) by phone
- You can also start by sending Ville photos for a free assessment.
Why Ville Männistö's consultation?
- Ville is a top professional in aesthetic treatments and an Allergan trainer.
- During your consultation, Ville will create a treatment plan that suits your specific wishes and budget.
- During your consultation, you will find out how much your filler removal will cost.
- You will also receive information about flexible payment options.
- Ville's free consultation does not commit you to anything.
- The consultation can also be carried out remotely – using photos.
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How is filler removed?
- Before the actual procedure, Ville will assess the situation, your skin type and the type of filler used. He will almost always also perform an allergy test to ensure that the treatment proceeds safely.
- The area to be treated can be anaesthetised. If necessary, Ville will use a lead anaesthetic, which will eliminate the pain completely.
- Hyaluronidase is injected with a thin needle into the area from which the filler is to be removed.
- In some situations, treatment may need to be repeated, especially if there is a large amount of filler in the area or if the filler has spread.
- If you want a new filler treatment, Ville will schedule it for at least four weeks after the removal.
"The effect of hyaluronidase starts to show quickly, but the final result can only be assessed 2-4 weeks after the filler is removed."
Free image consultation
AESTHETIC TREATMENTS
Free consultations can also be done using photographs. You can send me a few photos of your face and a brief description of what concerns you about the treatment. I will assess your situation based on the photos and suggest suitable treatment options and their costs.
I review image consultations once a week, usually on Fridays. I will respond to you personally and tell you what treatment I would recommend and why. All images and messages are treated confidentially.
The image consultation is free of charge and does not commit you to treatment.
Aesthetic medicine
Partner Clinics
Hammasklinikka Kruunu Tampere
Chillday
Pori
Salon Henrietta
Forssa
Surgeon Ville Männistö talks about filler removal
Filler removal may be considered if the result of the filler treatment does not feel right or the filler has settled in the tissue in an undesirable way. The most common reason for removal is aesthetic; for example, the shape of the lips is desired to be restored to a more natural appearance.
Most often, hyaluronidase is used for removal, which breaks down the hyaluronic acid-based filler in the tissue. If there is a lot of filler or it has spread over a large area, the removal may have to be done more than once.
The aim of the removal is to restore a natural look. Often, patients coming for filler removal are nervous, and that's why I want to do this procedure safely and calmly, without rushing.
When is filler removal necessary?
Filler removal may be necessary for a number of reasons. Sometimes the filler has been injected too superficially or in the wrong place, sometimes the end result just doesn't feel right.
Sometimes a person who has undergone aesthetic treatments wants to return to their own natural look. If the features modified with filler treatments no longer feel like their own, hyaluronidase comes to the rescue.
The most common situations in which filler removal is considered:
- The filler has spread to the wrong place, for example, outside the lips
- The result of the filler treatment looks unnatural
- The filler causes delayed side effects
- The filler treatment has failed
Although filler treatments are generally very safe, professionals must also prepare for complications. Hyaluronidase is a prescription drug that belongs in every aesthetic medicine professional's first aid kit. If filler accidentally enters the bloodstream, the situation must be treated immediately — specifically with hyaluronidase. Complications are really rare, but still, everyone performing the treatment must work in so-called hyaluronidase preparedness. The medicine must always be within reach, and its use must be successful quickly and surely if necessary. So always make sure with your filler treatment provider that they have hyaluronidase and that they also know how to use it in a possible emergency.
How is filler removed?
Sometimes the filler can be removed with a needle, especially when it is a clear, superficial, and well-defined capsule. In such a situation, it is sufficient to make a small hole in the capsule through which the filler accumulation is squeezed out.
However, hyaluronidase is usually needed. Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid-based filler in the tissue in a controlled manner.
Needle or hyaluronidase enzyme?
- Needle removal: superficial, well-defined capsule
- Hyaluronidase: larger, vaguely spread filler patches
Hyaluronidase only works on hyaluronic acid-based fillers. If the filler is, for example, calcium hydroxylapatite or lactic acid, removal is considerably more challenging, sometimes even impossible without surgery. The same applies to impurities and foreign substances in cheap fillers, which are unfortunately found in many low-quality products. Hyaluronidase cannot break down these substances. Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that only affects hyaluronic acid.
What does the treatment involve?
Before removing the filler, I will carefully examine the area. I will look at it, feel it, and assess the condition of the tissue. If the situation requires it, I will do an allergy test with a small injection on your forearm. Once everything is in order, I will carefully numb the area before the actual removal.
During the removal, I inject hyaluronidase directly into the filler. The substance starts to break down the hyaluronic acid immediately. I will go through the situation with you calmly. If there is a lot of filler or it has spread, we will agree on further actions.
Quite often, one removal session is enough, but it is wise to be prepared for the filler removal to be repeated in 2–4 weeks after the first treatment.
Hyaluronidase aftercare
- Avoid makeup on the day of treatment.
- Sleep on your back and avoid pressure on your face.
- Avoid intense exercise for 24 hours.
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours.
- Avoid smoking for 24 hours.
- Do not touch or rub the treated area.
- Avoid hot showers, sauna and sunbathing until the swelling subsides.
- You can apply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth or paper towel to the treated area for 10 minutes at a time, 3–5 times a day.
- You can use makeup the next day.
- If bruises appear on the area, you can cover them with makeup in the days following the treatment.
- We can perform a new filler treatment on the same area no sooner than one month later.
How much does filler removal cost?
The price of filler removal depends on how much Hylase* is needed and how many treatments the removal requires. Often one Hylase ampoule is enough, but if there is a lot of filler or it has spread, we use two ampoules, and in some cases even more.
*) Hylase is the trade name for hyaluronidase. Hylase hyaluronidase is a prescription drug, and even requires a special permit.
The prices at Ebeling Kauneus in Helsinki and Tikkurila are as follows:
- 1 Hylase ampoule 319 €
- 2 Hylase ampoules 369 €
- Additional ampoules during the same visit 91 €/ampoule
- Follow-up treatment (at the next appointment) 191 €
The prices in Tampere, Pori, and Forssa are practically the same as in Helsinki. There may be slight variations of a few euros between locations, but the differences are not significant. I always go through the prices with you before the treatment to avoid any unexpected additional costs. I want the entire treatment process to be completely transparent from start to finish.
Did you know this?
- Hyaluronidase only breaks down hyaluronic acid; it does not affect the skin's own collagen or other compounds.
- Hyaluronidase also breaks down the skin's own hyaluronic acid. This phenomenon is feared unnecessarily. The skin's own hyaluronic acid regenerates within 24–72 hours, so the situation is quickly corrected.
- Filler removal does not cause the face to sag. If features feel empty after removal, it is because the filler previously masked the natural signs of aging.
- Hyaluronidase works quickly, but its effects continue in the tissue for several days after the treatment. Therefore, I recommend waiting at least two weeks before having a new filler treatment in the treated area.
- Sometimes the filler has settled deep or spread over a wider area than expected. In this case, the final result of the removal may not be fully visible until after several treatments.
Filler removal is always done calmly and carefully. I never use more than the normal dose of hyaluronidase as a precaution. I perform the treatment conservatively: I prefer to use too little rather than too much at once. If necessary, I will add more of the substance in a controlled manner during a follow-up visit. This ensures that the end result is natural and beautiful.
Side effects, risks and complications
These are common, temporary reactions associated with the use of hyaluronidase:
- Swelling and redness: common in the first few days, usually mild and temporary.
- Bruising: bruising may occur at the injection sites, which will disappear on their own within a few days.
- Tenderness or itching: mild tenderness or itching may occur at the treatment site.
- Temporary asymmetry: swelling or uneven breakdown of the filler may cause temporary asymmetry.
Although filler removal is generally a safe procedure, there are some risks associated with hyaluronidase treatment:
- Allergic reaction: Rare, but possible. Therefore, I perform an allergy test before treatment if necessary.
- Overdose: Excessive use of hyaluronidase can dry out the skin.
- Incomplete breakdown of the filler: In some cases, the filler does not completely break down in one treatment session. Additional treatments always incur additional costs.
Although hyaluronidase is generally a well-tolerated drug, it is important to remember that it can, in rare cases, cause an allergic reaction. Reactions can occur immediately during the injection or with a delay. Symptoms vary from mild redness, itching, and local swelling to more severe reactions, such as widespread hives or respiratory symptoms. Therefore, I carefully assess each patient's situation before treatment and, if necessary, perform a small allergy test on the forearm. This ensures that the treatment is as safe as possible.
Frequently asked questions
Does filler removal hurt?
Removing filler usually doesn't hurt. The area being treated can be numbed before the procedure. You might feel a slight pinch or pressure at the injection site, but actual pain is rare.
When can I exercise?
I recommend avoiding intense exercise for the first 24 hours. You can do light activities like walking on the same day.
How soon can I return to work?
You can return to work immediately if you feel well. Sometimes there is swelling or bruising in the area, which may be a social barrier, for example, in customer service work. The swelling usually subsides in a couple of days.
Take the leap
If you're considering filler dissolving or want to make sure if it's the right solution for you, book a free consultation with me. We'll go through your situation together and see what would be the best option for you.