The short answer is that it takes around four to six weeks for the body to break down and absorb hyaluronidase. However, there are a number of factors that can affect this process, such as the amount of product injected, the depth of injection, the type of product used, and individual patient metabolism. In some cases, residual effects may be seen for up to three months or longer.
Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a substance that naturally occurs in our skin and helps keep it hydrated and plump. When injected into the skin, HA can help reduce wrinkles and fill in facial hollows. However, over time, the body will break down and absorb HA. This is why repeat injections are often necessary to maintain results.
Hyaluronidase speeds up this process by breaking down HA more quickly. It is often used to dissolve unwanted lumps or bumps after injectable filler treatments. It can also be used to spread out injectable filler treatments so they last longer. The most common side effect of hyaluronidase is temporary bruising at the injection site(s). Other potential side effects include swelling, redness, pain, itching, and rarely- serious allergic reactions.
If you have received an injectable filler treatment within the past week or two and are unhappy with the results, you may be considering dissolving them with hyaluronidase. Or perhaps you are considering an injectable filler treatment but are worried about what will happen if you don’t like the results – in this case using hyaluronidase may give you some peace of mind knowing that any unwanted lumps or bumps can be easily dissolved. Either way, it’s important to understand how long it takes for hyaluronidase to work so you can make an informed decision about whether or not this treatment is right for you