Surgical Lip Filler Removal: When Hyaluronidase Isn't Enough

Dr. Monica Kieu, a facial plastic surgeon based in Southern California, recently shared a video detailing a rare procedure: the surgical removal of lip fillers. While the enzyme hyaluronidase is commonly used to dissolve hyaluronic acid fillers, Dr. Kieu explains that in some cases, surgical excision is necessary. This is particularly true for patients who have had fillers for an extended period or have received multiple syringes in a single session. In the video, Dr. Kieu demonstrates the procedure on a patient, showing the process and the results. She explains that the procedure is performed under local anesthetic and involves carefully marking the areas to excise before injecting a local anesthetic and performing the excision. She also mentions that the small sutures used dissolve within a week, and the swelling typically subsides within two to four weeks. The results, she emphasizes, are permanent. Dr. Kieu's video highlights both the common and uncommon aspects of filler removal, providing valuable insights into the field of cosmetic surgery.