If I had a problem with a Juvederm injection, is it okay to use hyaluronidase to fix it?

Dr. Irwin
August 6, 2012
Hi Dr. I, Recently I've had Juvederm injections, but I'm not happy with them and I suspect the doctor I went to didn't really know what he was doing. Before the follow-up appointment I read that hyaluronidase can damage the natural hyaluronic acid in the skin when used to dissolve Juvederm. When I met with my doctor and showed him what I wasn't happy with, he said he could use hyaluronidase, but that he's against using it on me because it also dissolves the hyaluronic acid you have naturally and there's no telling how long your body will take to replace it". Needless to say, I'm now afraid to have the Juvederm dissolved for fear the areas he injected will look worse after it's done. However, I really don't like the job he did on my face. (Lines from nose to corners of mouth.) I'm going to see another doctor soon, but I wanted to know what you suggest.

Hundreds of expert dermatologists, plastic surgeons and most expert injectors, have used hyaluronidase to fix problems with hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm and Restylane, including me. Generally, if the hyaluronidase is used correctly, cautiously and in small doses applied to a good end result, results are excellent.   Mostly what it does is to undo the cross linking so that it smooths out the overfull area.  Remember that these fillers are cross-linked hyaluronic acids. 

Yes, I suppose that if a someone overdid it and injected too much hyaluronidase, a problem could occur. The bottom line for me is that if you are not confident in your doctor, please do some research and find someone that inspires your confidence to fix this.  Good luck to you!  Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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