Online searches for ‘dissolving dermal fillers’ have increased
Woman’s shock as filler dissolver leaves her looking “like a child”
Cosmetic injectables have been part of many Aussies ‘glow-up’ but now we’re seeing a ‘glow-down’ trend spearheaded by celebrities and the social media platform TikTok.
Beauty booking platform Fresha reports online searches* for ‘dissolving dermal fillers’ have increased by 150 per cent and ‘dissolving lip filler’ by 52 per cent in the last year Australia-wide.
Perth-based content creator and cosmetic injector Lorna King shared her lip-dissolving journey on TikTok @lorna_king. Like many beauty enthusiasts, Lorna said she was “so nervous” and “dreading” having her filler dissolved.
(Lorna King)
Lorna had originally got lip filler when she was 18 years old to hide scar tissue from an injury she had as a child explaining “That's where the slippery slope of dermal filler started.”
Seven years later, her boss at Angel Aesthetics suggested she dissolve her lip filler before injecting more to help with migrated filler and achieve a more natural look.
Lorna explains, “I thought I was going to have paper-thin lips for two weeks.”
“After getting over my mini-meltdown, I realised that social media had a massive impact on me regarding beauty standards and that we can get lost in all the unrealistic expectations that social media can portray.”
([Lorna King] Left: Before lip dissolving. Right: 48 hours after lip dissolving)
As a cosmetic injector, Lorna knew there would be swelling so she aligned her lips dissolving with personal downtime to get readjusted with her new lips. She says the process is straightforward unless you have an allergic reaction which should be known with a patch test.
(Lorna’s swelling immediately after lip filler dissolving)
Lorna explains, “Dissolving your lips typically refers to the process of breaking down and removing lip fillers, which are usually made of hyaluronic acid (HA). This is done using a substance called hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid.”
“The hyaluronidase is diluted with normal saline and lignocaine hence why it stings with the first few injections. Immediately after treatment there is usually swelling and bruising present; these are both common side effects of dissolving."
“If the process is straightforward the swelling typically lasts 24 hours before you see the natural size and shape of your lips again.”
Like many other beauty enthusiasts, Lorna refilled her lips again after having them dissolved because she “felt like a child again and filler makes me more confident.”
However, this time, she went to a reputable injector, creating a more natural look by adding height and definition to the border of the lips.
Lorna adds, “My lips look more defined but still natural and I have no migration. They feel more plump and hydrated and no one can see the scar tissue on my lip which was an insecurity of mine.”
“If I needed to dissolve my lips again I would. Although lip filler does make me feel more confident, it was important to realise that it doesn't define me, and I don't look any less beautiful without it.”
Many Aussies are ditching filler in favour of the ‘less is more’ look whether that be to reverse botched lip filler or embrace their natural beauty.
One community on Facebook, run by a Victorian woman, named ‘Botched Filler & Hyaluronidase Damage Support Group’ has over 12,000 members and there are many more.
Lorna has noticed the natural-looking enhancements and lip dissolving trend in-clinic saying she dissolves two to three lips per week.
(Lip filler before and after)
She adds, “I have noticed that some social media influencers have used their platforms to openly discuss their cosmetic procedures and the transparency educates the public about the possibilities and encourages a more natural approach.”
“There has also been a lot of backlash against the overdone look. The heavily altered ‘plastic’ look was popular in the 2000s but has faced significant backlash. People are now aware of the unnatural outcomes of excessive procedures and are leaning towards subtle enhancements.”
As with adding filler, dissolving filler comes with risks and while not extremely common, can still occur. Adverse side effects can be allergic reactions, tissue damage and over or under-correction.
Lorna says it’s paramount to have the procedure performed by a qualified and experienced medical professional to minimise risks.
She adds, “The face is a complex area regarding anatomy and physiology. Not only is it important to see a reputable person, but it's important to find someone who makes you feel comfortable in what can be a confronting environment.”
“If you're considering having fillers dissolved, discussing potential risks and complications with your healthcare provider can help you make an informed decision.”
Lorna says while “It’s nice to see a lot more people feel comfortable in their own skin” she does think more can be done to better regulate the beauty industry and educate practitioners and patients.
She adds, “I think that there could be more education provided around filler and more practical learning days on an injector's behalf and more education for the public about migration and why it may occur, as that is usually the indicator for dissolving.”
*Search Volume Data
Search volume data was taken from the online search tool SEMrush with an Australian locality. The key search terms were compared from June 2023 to June 2024 and highlighted the increase in volume YoY. The data is correct as of 17 July 2024 and is subject to change.
