Longidaza

Sometimes situations arise where the results of dermal filler injections turn out to be quite different from what the patient or the cosmetic doctor expected. A low-quality product may migrate, the patient’s body may mount an unwanted immune response, or the doctor may select the wrong dose or injection site. As a result, instead of harmonious features and a small amount of natural volume in the desired areas, asymmetry, overfilled “duck lips,” granulomas, and an unnatural facial expression appear.

The enzyme hyaluronidase, isolated from the testicles of cattle, breaks down hyaluronic acid into low-molecular-weight fragments, which are eliminated naturally fairly quickly. The enzyme is produced in the human body in low concentrations, so it does not reach the foreign fillers injected with a syringe.

“Longidase,” “Lidase,” “Lirase,” and other preparations have long been used in medicine to improve drug absorption and to treat ulcers, wounds, and joint stiffness. Cosmetologists have adopted the beneficial properties of the enzyme and begun using it as an antidote for the undesirable effects of filler injections.

HOW DOES HYALURONIDASE WORK?

To accelerate the biodegradation of fillers, a cosmetic doctor injects the enzyme into the problem area. This breaks down the bonds between hyaluronic acid molecules, causing the filler to dissolve within two to three days. The specialist selects the dosage and injection site depending on the problem. For example, if a granuloma has formed, the minimum dose of the antidote is injected into the center of the papule. The length of time since the filler was injected is irrelevant, so hyaluronidase is effective even in cases of late complications following contouring procedures.

WITH WHICH FILLERS IS THE ENZYME USED?

The density and composition of the filler used play an important role in correcting side effects, as some products are more susceptible to hyaluronidase. The higher the strength and density of the filler, the more difficult it is to remove from the body. The enzyme is used only when working with biodegradable gels based on stabilized hyaluronic acid without impurities. This antidote does not work with fillers whose main active ingredients are silicones, polylactic acids, or collagen—only a plastic surgeon can handle these cases.