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Emergency Dermal Filler Dissolving 

While most dermal filler treatments are performed safely and without complication, as with any clinical procedure there are risks. The most serious risk is a vascular occlusion — where a blood vessel is blocked by filler. If untreated, this can lead to tissue damage. While such events are rare, our team at TT Medical Clinic is fully trained and prepared to respond quickly, ensuring you receive safe, expert care should an emergency ever arise.

Patient Safety First

At TT Medical Clinic, patient safety is our absolute priority. Complications from dermal filler are extremely rare when treatments are performed by highly qualified practitioners working within regulated clinics such as those registered with the Health Inspectorate Wales (HIW) or Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England. In these settings, injectable treatments are delivered by registered healthcare professionals with robust training, governance, and emergency protocols in place.

Unfortunately, complication rates may rise when treatments are carried out by practitioners or businesses that do not uphold these standards. For this reason, it is important to always choose a clinic that prioritises regulation, medical oversight, and patient safety.

At TT Medical Clinic, if a complication does occur, all emergency care is fully included in the cost of treatment*. Dissolving, medical management, and any refilling required after recovery are provided at no additional charge to our own patients. We will also only ever deliver filler to our own patients when we know that a senior nurse prescriber is available in the week or two following treatment, so that you are never left without access to urgent support if needed.

We strongly encourage our clients to contact us immediately if they are ever concerned after treatment, as early intervention is key.

Emergency Support for Patients Treated Elsewhere

If you have had filler carried out by another practitioner and are unable to access emergency care through them, TT Medical Clinic can provide support. In these cases, treatment is offered as a paid emergency service.

If you are able to find out which filler product was used, this will greatly assist us. Different filler types respond differently to dissolving treatment, and knowing the brand can speed up and improve management.

Please note: Our emergency service is subject to the availability** of our senior nurse prescribers. If we are away travelling or on leave, we can direct you to other excellent, trusted colleagues in South Wales who are also able to provide urgent care.

Recognising a Vascular Occlusion

The most serious complication of dermal filler is a vascular occlusion, where filler blocks or compresses a blood vessel. This restricts blood flow and can cause permanent tissue damage if not treated urgently.

Warning signs may include:

  • Sudden, severe pain during or after injection

  • White, dusky, or blotchy discolouration of the skin

  • Mottled blue/purple patches that worsen with time

  • Coldness or numbness in the affected area

What to do:

  1. Contact your treating practitioner immediately.

  2. If they are unavailable or unable to help, seek urgent medical care.

  3. Call TT Medical Clinic without delay — we are fully equipped to manage emergencies where available, or we will direct you to a trusted colleague if we are not.

How We Manage Complications

The main treatment for vascular occlusion is hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid-based fillers and restores blood flow. Hyaluronidase works rapidly but contains a substance related to bee venom, so allergy risks are considered before use. In true emergencies, however, it is a vital, life- and tissue-saving treatment.

We also manage other filler complications, including:

  • Infections: Our on-site independent prescriber can prescribe antibiotics, available the same day from our partner Maesteg Pharmacy (less than half a mile away) or via next-day delivery.

  • Persistent swelling or bruising: Assessment and supportive treatments to aid recovery.

  • Unwanted or migrated filler: Careful dissolving to restore a more natural result. While this is not an emergency, we can of course undertake dissolving for these reasons as part of a treatment plan to remove or redo an aesthetic treatment with filler.

Why Choose TT Medical Clinic?

  • Independent prescriber-led, HIW-registered medical clinic.

  • Advanced training in recognising and managing filler complications.

  • Immediate access to prescription medicines including hyaluronidase and antibiotics.

  • All emergency aftercare included in the treatment price for TT Medical Clinic patients.

  • We only carry out filler treatments when we know we are available to provide full aftercare in the days and weeks that follow.

  • Transparent and ethical care for patients treated elsewhere who need urgent support.

  • If we are unavailable, we can direct you to trusted colleagues in South Wales who will provide safe, timely treatment.

In Summary

Complications are rare in regulated, medically-led clinics such as TT Medical Clinic — but they must never be ignored. Our patients can be reassured that if an issue does arise, all emergency care is included in their treatment package.

If you have had filler elsewhere and cannot access the urgent care you need, we can help through our paid emergency dissolving service. Where possible, please provide details of the filler product used, as this helps us plan the most effective treatment.

⚠️ If you are worried about a filler complication, contact us immediately. Do not wait — urgent action can prevent long-term damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hyaluronidase?


Hyaluronidase is an enzyme used to dissolve hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers. It is injected directly into the affected areas where the filler is causing a problem, breaking it down quickly so the body can naturally clear it.

Does the dissolving injection hurt?


Some patients describe a stinging sensation during injection, but this is generally less uncomfortable than having filler placed. Discomfort usually settles quickly after treatment.

Will there be bruising or swelling after dissolving?


Yes, some temporary swelling or bruising is common. This normally resolves within a few days and is part of the normal healing process.

What happens to the lips after dissolving?


Lips may feel particularly dry or dehydrated after filler dissolving. At TT Medical Clinic we can recommend and provide high-quality lip products to help restore comfort and hydration during recovery.

Does hyaluronidase work on all fillers?


No. Hyaluronidase will only dissolve hyaluronic acid-based fillers (which account for the vast majority to reputable dermal fillers on the market). It does not work on other substances such as silicone or so called 'permanent' fillers. This is why it is so important to only ever undergo treatment with high-quality practitioners using regulated, dissolvable products — ensuring that if a complication does occur, it can be managed safely.

Do you know?


Hyaluronidase is made from proteins related to bee venom. This means that anyone with a bee sting allergy must not receive dermal fillers or dissolving treatment, as the risk of a serious reaction is too high. If you are unsure whether you have an allergy, a good clinic will perform a patch test (a very small injection into the forearm) to check for a reaction before treatment. It is vitally important to always share your allergy history with your practitioner — especially if you suspect or know you have a bee sting allergy.

⚠️ Allergy Disclaimer ⚠️


Hyaluronidase contains proteins related to bee venom. Clients with a bee sting allergy must never receive dermal fillers or dissolving treatment. Always inform your practitioner of any allergies — this information is critical to your safety.

* Complications required emergency treatment that will be treated free of charge to TT Medical Clinic clients are vascular occlusion, infection where there is a risk of worsening condition or vascular occlusion from swelling, or persistent swelling which may lead to vascular occlusion. Note that an elective decision to dissolve filler due to dissatisfaction is a paid for service.

** During  working hours clients will be seen asap in clinic. Please don't attend clinic without getting in contact first. Out of hours, we will endeavour to respond as quickly as possible and will return to clinic 24/7 to manage complications in our own patients without fail. Complications from other providers presenting out of hours - response will depend upon whether we are able to respond with life and home commitments.

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