Every Alien Lip Rehab journey begins with a detailed consultation and assessment.

During this appointment we carefully examine the lips and surrounding tissue to understand what has happened with the existing filler. We assess:

• the position of the current filler
• whether migration has occurred
• overall lip anatomy and proportions
• tissue health and elasticity
• whether dissolving is necessary

If dissolving is recommended, we will perform a small intradermal test (IDT) to check for hypersensitivity to hyaluronidase, the medication used to dissolve dermal filler. This involves placing a tiny amount of the medication into the skin and observing the area to ensure there is no adverse reaction before proceeding with treatment.

If the IDT is negative, dissolving treatment can be carried out from four hours after the test.

If you would like to have Step 1 (assessment and IDT) and Step 2 (dissolving) on the same day, please contact the clinic in advance so we can arrange your appointments accordingly.

Alternatively, dissolving must be carried out within 14 days of the IDT, so we recommend only booking Step 1 when you are ready to begin the lip rehab process.

Once the intradermal test has confirmed that hyaluronidase is suitable, we can proceed with dissolving the unwanted filler.

During this stage we use hyaluronidase (commonly the brand Hyalase®) to break down the hyaluronic acid filler that is currently in the lips.

Unlike lip filler treatments where small amounts of product are placed carefully into specific areas, dissolving requires a different approach. The area is flooded with the enzyme so that the medication can come into contact with as much of the existing filler as possible.

Following the injections, we will massage the lips firmly to help distribute the enzyme throughout the tissue and ensure that all areas containing filler are exposed to the medication.

Because this process breaks down filler that may have been supporting the lip tissue, the lips can become very swollen immediately after treatment. Swelling can be significant and may last for up to four weeks while the tissue settles. Bruising is also common during this stage of treatment.

The aim of this step is to remove the existing filler completely, allowing the lips to return closer to their natural baseline before we consider any further treatment.

In some cases, particularly where there is a large amount of filler or significant migration, more than one dissolving session may be required.

Like any aesthetic treatment, dissolving filler comes with some potential side effects:

Swelling & Bruising: The most common reaction, typically resolving in a few days.

Mild Discomfort: The injection process can sting, but it’s manageable and pretty quick to have done.Once the filler has been dissolved and the lips have fully settled, we can reassess the area and discuss the next step.

This stage usually takes place around 4–6 weeks after the dissolving treatment. Allowing this time is important because the lips need to recover from both the dissolving process and the swelling caused by hyaluronidase. Waiting ensures the tissue has returned to its natural baseline so we can accurately assess the lip shape, structure and proportions.

At this point, clients usually choose one of two options.

Some patients prefer to leave their lips without filler. Once the previous product has been removed, the lips gradually return to their natural structure. Your body will also continue producing its own collagen over time, which helps support the tissue and maintain lip health.

Others choose to rebuild the lips with a fresh treatment plan. Starting again from a clean baseline allows us to place filler carefully and rebuild the lips in a way that respects your natural anatomy.

As part of our Alien Lip Rehab package, we usually recommend 1ml of lip filler once the lips have healed. This allows us to restore structure and shape while maintaining good support within the tissue.

Rebuilding in this way helps create a more balanced result and reduces the likelihood of the same issues developing again.

Once the swelling goes down, you’ll see your natural lip shape return. Some people find their lips feel smaller than they remember, this is because the dissolving enzyme isn’t intelligent enough to know what is your natural hyaluronic acid or what was synthetic so some natural volume can be depleted, plus they’ve been used to seeing them filled, so this can be a pretty dysphoric experience. But rest assured, your natural tissues will replenish and if you decide not to refill then you’ll be back to your natural shape/size soon!

If you decide to refill, we recommend waiting at least four weeks to ensure all your tissue has enough time to recover. This helps avoid overcorrection and ensures a better long-term result. In some cases we may even suggest 6 weeks if there has been significant trauma to the lip or overfilling. 

If you’re unhappy with your lips or just want to start over, dissolving might be the best move. The goal is never to discourage filler, it definitely plays an important position in our industry however we want to make sure you feel confident and in control of your aesthetic journey and that you’re safe in the knowledge that any dermal filler treatment performed at Alien Aesthetics can be safely reversed with minimal to no long lasting damage.

If you’re ready to book your Alien Lip Rehab, let’s chat! If you’re certain you need to enter into Rehab then just book in Alien Lip Rehab Appointment 1! Don’t do this until you’re ready as this includes the IDT to start the process.