‘Mere lips upar neeche ho gaye the’: Uorfi Javed recalls time she had to use ‘painful’ dissolver after her fillers went wrong

She adds, “Usse zyada painful hota hai I think dissolver. Jab filler galat ho jaata hai toh they put a dissolver and dissolve it. Maine maar kha kar karwayi hai. One doctor, she ruined my lips… yahan se usne itna daal diya, ek lump, yahan do lumps, yahan teen lumps so mere lips upar neeche ho gaye the.”

While aesthetic enhancements like Botox and fillers have become increasingly popular, many people still don’t fully understand their differences and potential risks. 

So, what should one know before opting for these treatments?

Dr Gunasekar Vuppalapati, Senior Reconstructive, Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon at GVG Invivo Hospitals, tells indianexpress.com, “Botox and dermal fillers serve different purposes in facial rejuvenation. Botox is a neurotoxin that temporarily relaxes the underlying facial muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles. By reducing muscle activity, it softens lines that appear with facial expressions, particularly around the forehead and eyes. In contrast, fillers, often composed of hyaluronic acid, are used to restore volume and contour areas like the lips, cheeks, and jawline. While Botox smooths wrinkles by preventing muscle contraction, fillers add structure and fullness, effectively addressing static wrinkles and volume loss. Their results differ not only in effect but also in duration; Botox typically lasts three to six months, whereas fillers can maintain results from six months to a year or more, depending on the product and individual metabolism.”

 

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Most common reasons why lip fillers go wrong

According to Dr Vuppalapati, “Lip fillers can produce unsatisfactory results for several reasons. One common issue is overfilling, where too much product is injected, leading to an unnatural, “lumpy” appearance. Inexperienced injectors or those unfamiliar with facial anatomy may inadvertently place fillers in the wrong tissue layer, causing asymmetry or irregular distribution. Additionally, using lower-quality or unapproved filler products can contribute to adverse outcomes.” 

To minimise risks, the doctor suggests that it is crucial for patients to seek treatment from board-certified and experienced aesthetic practitioners. A thorough consultation that includes discussing anatomical nuances, realistic expectations, and a personalised treatment plan is essential. Using high-quality, well-researched filler products and adhering to safe injection practices can significantly reduce the likelihood of complications.

On dissolving fillers

Dr Vuppalapati confirms, “When filler results are unsatisfactory, the primary corrective method involves the use of an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which breaks down hyaluronic acid fillers. This process, known as dissolving fillers, is inherently more painful than the initial filler or Botox injections due to several factors.” The injections of hyaluronidase are often administered in areas that are already sensitive from previous procedures, and the enzymatic reaction can cause significant local inflammation and discomfort. Moreover, the process may involve multiple injections to ensure even distribution of the enzyme, leading to further discomfort.