Expert Filler Correction by a Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Unwanted or poorly placed dermal filler can disrupt facial balance and confidence.  Over time, some filler (especially under eye or “tear trough” filler as well as lip filler) can change, becoming more visible or even spreading beyond the original placement site. This can arise even several years after placement, in some cases.  

At our Nashville practice, filler removal is performed exclusively by Dr. Mary Lynn Moran, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with more than 32 years of experience devoted solely to the face and neck. Her physician-led, anatomy-driven approach is designed to safely dissolve filler while restoring a natural, proportionate appearance—never overcorrected, never rushed.

What Is Filler Removal?

Filler removal, or dermal filler dissolution, is a non-surgical treatment used to reduce or eliminate hyaluronic acid-based fillers that are causing aesthetic or functional concerns. There are different types of soft tissue facial fillers.  The most popular and commonly used fillers are hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, RHA, etc.  

Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally derived filler made of a sugar that is responsible for healing and hydration.  It is present in many tissues of the body.  Fillers that are made of hyaluronic acid can be dissolved with hyaluronidase.  Some HA fillers are easier to dissolve that others.  Some patients can see a full response in one session, where as others may need more than one treatment. 

There is another category of fillers made of synthetic substances such as calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, and polymethylmethacrylate (Radiesse, Sculptra, and Bellafill, respectively).  These fillers are not susceptible to hyaluronidase since they do not contain hyaluronic acid. There are no easy ways to remove these fillers.

Using hyaluronidase, an injectable enzyme, Dr. Moran precisely breaks down Hyaluronic Acid filler in targeted areas. Because the face contains delicate vascular and soft tissue structures, safe and predictable results require advanced facial anatomy expertise.

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Benefits of Filler Removal

  • Corrects overfilling, asymmetry, migration, and distorted contours
  • Performed by a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon
  • Relieves pressure, tightness, or chronic fullness
  • Restores a more natural, balanced appearance
  • Allows refinement, full reset, or preparation for future treatments

Am I a Good Candidate?

You may be a good candidate if prior hyaluronic acid-based filler treatments did not produce the results that you desired (puffiness, asymmetry, overcorrection, unnatural appearance), if the fillers no longer reflect how you want to look or feel, or have changed over time causing migration or a distorted appearance. When hyaluronic acid fillers are too close to the surface of the skin, they can cause a “tindle” effect.  That is when the skin appears to have a bluish tint over the site of the filler.  This can usually be easily treated with hyaluronidase. Fillers can be removed immediately after initial placement, several years after placement, or any time in between.  

Occasionally, patients will come in seeking surgery for bags or puffiness under the eyes, when in fact the issue is the presence of filler from a previous filler treatment for the “tear trough” under eye region, or even the cheeks.  It can even have been from filler placed many years ago.  

Filler removal may also be recommended prior to certain facial surgical procedures. During your consultation, Dr. Moran will evaluate your anatomy, treatment history, and goals to determine the safest, most effective approach.

Schedule A Consultation

615-805-5846 Contact Us
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Mary Lynn

Moran MD

Why Choose Dr. Moran?

Filler removal is a highly nuanced medical procedure, requiring experience and expertise. Dr. Moran’s qualifications include:

  • Double board certification in facial plastic & reconstructive surgery
  • 32+ years focused exclusively on the face and neck
  • All injections and procedures performed by Dr. Moran
  • Conservative, safety, anatomy-first philosophy
  • Reputation for natural, balanced outcomes

Patients trust Dr. Moran, who is considered an expert in the field of injectables, for complex corrections because of her meticulous technique, extensive experience and expertise, as well as patient-centered care. She has served on injection safety task forces, lectured extensively on injectables at National Meetings, and served as a Medical Expert and Investigator for injectable companies.

Your Consultation

Your consultation is an essential part of the process. Dr. Moran will review your medical and injectable history, listen carefully to your concerns, and perform a comprehensive facial evaluation.  If you believe that you would like or need to have injectable filler dissolved, it is helpful to know what type of filler, when, and how much was placed. 

Having records of your previous treatment is extremely helpful and can improve the safety and efficacy of your filler removal treatment. Medical practices (including Medspas) are required to keep detailed records of medical treatments for several years after treatment. You have the legal right to request a copy of your records, and practices are required to provide them.

The consultation includes 2D and 3D imaging to discuss how the presence of the filler is impacting your appearance and explain how the treatment will look after fillers are removed. If filler removal is recommended, she will explain whether partial or complete dissolution is appropriate and outline a personalized treatment plan so you can move forward with confidence if you so choose.

Cost of Filler Removal

The cost of filler removal in Nashville depends on the amount of filler present, the areas treated, and the complexity of correction. Because treatment is individualized, pricing is determined after an in-person evaluation. All fees are discussed in advance.

Treatment, Recovery & Results

Filler removal is performed in-office and typically requires a brief appointment. After cleansing the skin, hyaluronidase is carefully injected into targeted areas using a very fine needle. Comfort measures are used as needed.

Some improvement may be visible immediately, with continued changes over several days as the filler breaks down. Downtime is usually minimal, with possible mild swelling, bruising, redness, or tenderness resolving quickly. Additional sessions may be recommended depending not the type or amount of filler.  Avoiding blood thinners for a week or two before your treatment and for a few days after treatment can reduce the risk of side effects.  

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Filler Removal FAQs

Can filler be dissolved years after it was placed?

Does filler removal hurt?

Will all of my filler be removed?

Will I need more than one session?

How quickly will I see results?

Can filler removal reduce persistent swelling or puffiness?

Is filler removal safe?

Can I receive new filler after removal?

Can filler be dissolved years after it was placed?

Yes. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers can often be dissolved long after placement, although response may vary depending on the product used and individual tissue changes.

Does filler removal hurt?

Most patients experience mild discomfort similar to other injectable treatments. Measures are taken to maximize comfort during the procedure.

Will all of my filler be removed?

Not necessarily. Dr. Moran may recommend partial or complete dissolution depending on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Will I need more than one session?

Some cases require multiple sessions, particularly when treating larger volumes or longstanding filler.

How quickly will I see results?

Some improvement may be visible immediately, while full results typically develop over several days.

Can filler removal reduce persistent swelling or puffiness?

Yes. Dissolving excess or migrated filler often improves chronic fullness or heaviness in treated areas.

Is filler removal safe?

When performed by an experienced facial plastic surgeon, filler removal is considered safe and controlled.

Can I receive new filler after removal?

Yes. Many patients choose to refine or replace filler after the area has stabilized (typically at least a week after hyaluronidase injection).

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