What is hyaluronidase and how long does it last? Everything you need to know

Hyaluronidase is a substance used in medicine (e.g., ophthalmology, urology, surgery, and gynecology) and aesthetic medicine. It is an enzyme that dissolves hyaluronic acid—its administration is associated with the need to remove complications after a previously performed procedure that was not performed properly. What is worth knowing about the specifics of hyaluronidase and its duration of action?

What is hyaluronidase and when is it administered?

The term hyaluronidase refers both to the enzyme itself and to the procedure aimed at removing the undesirable effects of hyaluronic acid fillers. Interestingly, there are five types of hyaluronidase in the human body, and some fungi and bacteria are capable of producing it themselves. This enzyme is also found in wasp and bee venom. Its main property is the breakdown of hyaluronic acid molecules. 

An absolute indication for administering hyaluronidase to a patient is severe side effects after previous use of hyaluronic acid, such as extensive allergic reactions, visual disturbances, abscesses or granulomas, as well as necrosis of the skin or subcutaneous tissue. However, the procedure is more often performed for aesthetic reasons, such as:

asymmetry caused by uneven filling of the lips, cheeks, or eye area,
displacement of the filler to an undesirable location on the face,
the appearance of lumps and unevenness—most often due to the acid being injected too shallowly under the skin.

How is the procedure performed and how long does hyaluronidase work?

The hyaluronidase treatment is similar to the administration of hyaluronic acid itself—the substance is injected precisely into the areas where the acid was previously placed. It is preceded by anesthesia of the skin with a special cream, which minimizes patient discomfort. In the case of minor corrections, such as one lip being overfilled, small amounts of the enzyme are injected under the skin. It is also worth noting that for larger areas (especially the cheeks), it may be necessary to repeat the procedure. Hyaluronidase works almost immediately, but its effects may be difficult to notice at first due to swelling, which is a natural phenomenon — it should disappear within a few days after the injection. It is assumed that hyaluronidase remains in the body for about 72 hours — after which time it is best to patiently observe the effects. A noticeable improvement in skin condition usually occurs gradually and lasts approximately 24 hours to 7 days from the moment of application.

What should you not do after hyaluronidase treatment?

It should be emphasized that hyaluronidase treatment can only be performed by a properly trained person who has experience and qualifications in aesthetic medicine—a doctor or cosmetologist. This is extremely important because the administration of hyaluronidase to a patient must be preceded by an allergy test. It is important to remember that for the first few hours after the treatment, the areas where the preparation was injected must not be touched at all. Within 72 hours, while the substance is still present in the body, it is best to refrain from rubbing or massaging the treated areas of the skin. 

Hyaluronidase preparations available from Cosmetix

At Cosmetix, you will find professional preparations for performing safe hyaluronidase treatments. These top-quality products are an essential part of the range of products used in the practices of aesthetic medicine doctors and cosmetologists. The hyaluronidase preparations available from the wholesaler guarantee the effective dissolution of hyaluronic acid that has been previously applied incorrectly. It is also worth noting that, for safety reasons, hyaluronidase preparations can only be purchased by qualified aesthetic medicine specialists—doctors and cosmetologists.