If you’re unhappy with your lip filler results or dealing with issues like unevenness or migration, you may think about dissolving your lip filler. But the first question most people ask is simple: Does dissolving lip filler hurt?
You’ll feel some discomfort, but the treatment doesn’t usually hurt thanks to numbing and careful technique. Hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid fillers, works quickly, and most people describe the sensation as a brief sting or burning that fades fast.
In this guide, you’ll learn what dissolving lip filler feels like, how the procedure works step by step, how long recovery takes, and how to reduce discomfort for the smoothest experience possible.
What Is Lip Filler Dissolving?
Lip filler dissolving uses an injectable enzyme called hyaluronidase to break down hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm or Restylane.
Once injected, the enzyme starts working almost instantly, and the filler dissolves over the next few hours to 48 hours.
People choose to dissolve filler for several reasons:
- Filler migration above the lip
- Too much volume
- Uneven or lumpy texture
- Desire to return to a natural look
- Preparing to refill with a better technique
- Emergency correction (vascular complications)
This treatment is common, safe when done correctly, and quick, but knowing what it feels like helps you walk in with confidence.
Does Dissolving Lip Filler Hurt?
Most clients say dissolving lip filler feels uncomfortable but manageable. You may feel:
- A quick sting during injection
- A warm, burning sensation as hyaluronidase spreads
- Mild pressure in the lips
- Temporary swelling or heat
The discomfort usually lasts 10–60 seconds, not the entire appointment.
Why It Can Feel More Intense Than Lip Filler
Hyaluronidase is more acidic than hyaluronic acid fillers, so it creates a slight burning feeling. But injectors often use numbing cream or a local anesthetic to reduce that sensation.
If you’ve ever had lip filler, dissolving can feel sharper but much faster.
Pain Level (Average): 3–6 out of 10
It varies by person, sensitivity, and whether numbing is used.
What Happens During Lip Filler Dissolving
Let’s walk through the full process so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 1: Consultation and Assessment
Your injector checks:
- Where your filler sits
- Whether migration is present
- How much product needs to be dissolved
- Any allergies to hyaluronidase
If you’re unsure whether you actually need dissolving, they help you decide based on structure and goals.
Step 2: Numbing and Prep
Most providers apply:
- Topical numbing cream
- Sometimes lidocaine injections for extra comfort
This step keeps pain low and helps you stay relaxed.
Step 3: Hyaluronidase Injection
The injector places small amounts of hyaluronidase directly into the filler.
You may feel:
- A warm rush
- Tingling
- Burning for a few seconds
These sensations fade quickly. The enzyme starts breaking down filler immediately.
Step 4: Immediate Swelling
Swelling happens because:
- The enzyme irritates tissue slightly
- The lips are highly sensitive
- Your body starts processing the dissolved filler
Swelling typically peaks in the first 1–3 hours.
Step 5: Results Develop
You’ll start seeing your lips shrink as filler dissolves within:
- 15–60 minutes: noticeable changes
- 24 hours: major dissolving
- 48 hours: final results appear
If you’re dissolving filler before getting new injections, most injectors recommend waiting 1–2 weeks.
How Painful Is Lip Filler Dissolving Compared to Other Treatments?
Here’s a simple comparison to help you understand typical discomfort levels:
| Treatment | Pain Level (Average) | Notes |
| Dissolving lip filler | 3–6/10 | Quick burn, mild swelling |
| Lip filler injections | 2–4/10 | Pressure + pinches |
| Botox injections | 1–2/10 | Very quick and light |
| Microneedling | 3–5/10 | Surface-level prickling |
| PRP for face | 4–6/10 | Blood draw + microneedling |
Dissolving can feel sharper than filler injections, but it’s over in seconds.
Side Effects of Dissolving Lip Filler
Hyaluronidase is generally safe, but you may notice:
Temporary swelling
Common and expected.
Bruising
Small bruises can appear, especially if your lips are sensitive.
Tenderness or soreness
Usually fades within 24–48 hours.
Dryness or peeling
A mild, short-term reaction.
Allergic reactions (rare)
Most injectors perform a patch test if you’re dissolving a large area or have a history of allergies.
When side effects feel worrying
Signs that require immediate attention:
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives or widespread rash
- Severe pain
- Hard lumps forming
These situations are rare when you work with a skilled injector.
How to Reduce Pain and Swelling After Dissolving Lip Filler
You can make your recovery much easier with a few simple steps.
1. Apply cold compresses
Ice helps reduce swelling and discomfort.
2. Avoid touching your lips
Touching can increase irritation.
3. Skip workouts for 24 hours
Heat and heart rate spikes increase swelling.
4. Avoid alcohol and blood thinners
They can increase bruising.
5. Hold off on makeup for 24 hours
This keeps bacteria away from injection sites.
6. Don’t schedule refills too soon
Give your lips at least a week to settle completely.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Most people recover quickly:
- 24 hours: swelling reduces
- 48 hours: results appear more clearly
- 3–7 days: full recovery
If you’re planning to get lip filler again, you’ll likely wait 1–2 weeks before refilling.
When Should You Consider Dissolving Lip Filler?
You might choose to dissolve filler if:
- Your lips look uneven
- Filler migrated above the lip border
- Your lips feel lumpy or overly firm
- You don’t like the shape
- You want a more natural look
- You’re correcting work done elsewhere
- You want to start fresh before new filler
At Snap Glam, many clients dissolve lip filler to fix migration or outdated filler techniques.
If you want natural, smooth results afterward, our lip injections specialists use advanced methods for soft, structured enhancement.
Can You Dissolve Lip Filler in an Emergency?
Yes. Hyaluronidase is used in emergencies like:
- Vascular occlusion (blocked blood flow)
- Compression of tissue from overfilling
If you’re experiencing severe pain, white patches on the lips, or unusual discoloration, immediate dissolving is essential.
This is why filler should always be done by a medical professional trained in recognizing complications.
Can You Refill Lips After Dissolving?
Absolutely, most clients refill after dissolving, especially if:
- They want a more natural shape
- They want better technique (like tenting or lip flip + filler)
- They previously had outdated or migrated filler
Your injector may recommend:
- Waiting 1–2 weeks
- Letting swelling fade
- Allowing tissue to settle fully
Refilling too soon can lead to uneven results, so giving your lips some rest is key.
Does Dissolving Lip Filler Remove All the Filler?
In most cases, yes. Hyaluronidase breaks down hyaluronic acid completely. However:
- Older filler may need multiple sessions
- Deeply placed filler can take longer
- Some people metabolize filler slower
Your injector will tailor the dose to target only the areas that need correction.
Final Thoughts
Dissolving lip filler doesn’t feel pleasant, but it’s far from unbearable. Thanks to numbing and careful injection technique, most people describe the sensation as a quick burn that fades fast.
It’s the best option when you want:
- A fresh start
- Improved symmetry
- Correction of migrated filler
- Better long-term results
If you’re thinking about dissolving your filler and want a smooth, comfortable experience, Snap Glam Med Spa offers expert injectors trained in safe filler correction and natural-looking lip enhancement.
Ready to correct your lips or start fresh? Book your consultation anytime, you’ll be in safe hands.
