Hyaluronidase
Pronunciation: hy-al-yoo-RON-id-aze
An enzyme that catalyses the degradation of hyaluronic acid, used in cosmetic dermatology as an emergency antidote for vascular occlusion or cosmetic reversal of hyaluronic acid fillers.
Full Definition
Hyaluronidase is an endogenous and commercially produced enzyme that hydrolyses hyaluronic acid, the primary substrate of most modern dermal fillers. In aesthetic medicine, it is used both electively (to dissolve unwanted filler results) and urgently (to manage vascular occlusion by degrading occluding filler and restoring perfusion). Editors must note that hyaluronidase does not dissolve non-hyaluronic acid fillers such as calcium hydroxyapatite or PLLA. The term should not be abbreviated in formal or regulatory documents. A common editorial error is describing it as a 'filler dissolver' in consumer copy without specifying it only applies to HA fillers.
Usage
Usage note: Specify 'hyaluronic acid filler' as the substrate in consumer copy; do not imply it reverses all filler types. Do not abbreviate in formal documents.
In Context
- "Hyaluronidase was administered immediately upon recognition of vascular occlusion signs, restoring perfusion to the nasal tip." — Complication management protocol
- "The brochure incorrectly stated that hyaluronidase could dissolve any filler; the editor added 'hyaluronic acid' as a qualifier." — Consumer marketing copy