What is the recommended dose of Hylenex (hyaluronidase) to dissolve Restylane Defyne (hyaluronic acid filler)?

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Hyaluronidase Dosing for Dissolving Restylane Defyne

For dissolving Restylane Defyne, 20-40 units of hyaluronidase (Hylenex) per 0.2 mL of filler is recommended, as Restylane Defyne is among the more resistant hyaluronic acid fillers to dissolution. 1

Understanding Hyaluronidase for Filler Dissolution

Dosing Considerations

  • Restylane Defyne requires higher doses of hyaluronidase compared to other Restylane products due to its more robust cross-linking properties 1, 2
  • The standard approach is to use 1 mL of hyaluronidase solution for each 1 mL of extravasated or injected filler material 3
  • Research shows Restylane Defyne falls into the "moderately resistant to more resistant" category of hyaluronic acid fillers, requiring more aggressive dissolution protocols 1

Specific Dosing Recommendations

  • For Restylane Defyne specifically, studies indicate 20 units of hyaluronidase per 0.2 mL of filler as a starting dose 1
  • For complete dissolution, up to 40 units per 0.2 mL may be required for resistant areas 2
  • Multiple treatments may be necessary, with reassessment after 30 minutes to 3 hours (when the most dramatic changes typically occur) 4

Administration Technique

  • Inject hyaluronidase directly into the area where the Restylane Defyne was placed 5
  • A "feathering" technique may be used to ensure even distribution of the enzyme throughout the treatment area 6
  • For larger areas, multiple small injections are more effective than a single large bolus 3

Clinical Considerations

Patient Safety

  • Hyaluronidase should not be administered to patients with known bee venom allergy due to potential cross-reactivity 3
  • When allergy to hyaluronidase is suspected, prick testing may be used for confirmation before proceeding 3

Expected Results

  • The most significant dissolution typically occurs between 30 minutes and 3 hours after hyaluronidase injection 4
  • Complete dissolution may require follow-up treatments, particularly with resistant fillers like Restylane Defyne 1
  • Continued gradual degradation may be observed through the second week post-injection 4

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Underdosing is the most common mistake when treating resistant fillers like Restylane Defyne 1
  • Failure to wait an adequate amount of time before reassessing and potentially reinjecting can lead to overdissolution 4
  • Not accounting for the specific resistance profile of the particular filler being treated (Restylane Defyne being more resistant than other Restylane products) 1, 2

Remember that individual patient factors and the specific location of the filler may influence the required dose, and clinical judgment should guide any adjustments to these recommendations.

References

Research

Response of 21 Hyaluronic Acid Fillers to Recombinant Human Hyaluronidase.

Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, 2023

Research

Response of twelve different hyaluronic acid gels to varying doses of recombinant human hyaluronidase.

Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS, 2021

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Managing inflammatory reaction to restylane.

Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery, 2005

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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