2026-07-03
Understand and Use Hyaluronidase Properly
A comprehensive guide on the proper use of hyaluronidase, contrasting misuse with appropriate application, and explaining why understanding anatomical layers is crucial despite its diffusion capacity.

📊 Hyaluronidase Misuse vs. Proper Use Comparison Table
Category | ❌ Misuse of Hyaluronidase | ✅ Proper Use of Hyaluronidase |
Purpose of Use | Vague dissatisfaction ‘Let us just dissolve everything’ | Based on clear indications (Excessive filler, lumps, asymmetry, complications) |
Diagnostic Process | Procedure without anatomical evaluation | Determined after analyzing filler location, depth, and volume |
Dosage Setting | Using unnecessarily high doses | Gradual use starting from the minimum effective dose |
Injection Site | Wide area, random injection | Localized and precise injection into the problem area |
Treatment Interval | Repeated administration at short intervals | Additional injection if necessary after observing the reaction |
Anatomical Understanding | Administered without distinguishing between muscle and fat layers | Considering filler location (subcutaneous/supramuscular/submuscular) |
Result | Temporary excessive volume loss Unnecessary hollowing | Restoration of natural lines |
Perception of Side Effects | Misunderstood as ‘Hyaluronidase ruined my face’ | Recognizing that the issue lies in the method of use |
Long-term Impact | Increased anxiety, fear of retreatment | Safe retreatment possible if needed |
Does hyaluronidase spread so well that matching the layer is unnecessary?
1️⃣ Hyaluronidase is a drug with strong ‘diffusion capacity’ → Correct
To summarize the characteristics of hyaluronidase:
Breaks down the hyaluronic acid matrix
Widens the interstitial space between tissues
Spreads relatively quickly to surrounding tissues after injection
👉 Therefore,
✔ Even if you do not pierce exactly into the filler in ‘one shot,’
✔ It acts on HA fillers in adjacent layers.
This statement itself is a fact.
2️⃣ Why the ‘layer concept’ is still important
The core point is this 👇
Hyaluronidase spreads, but it does not spread ‘evenly across all layers.’
Reason ① Tissue barriers are different
The skin layer / subcutaneous fat / muscle / fascial layers
👉 Have different diffusion resistance.
Especially around the fascia / dense fibrous septa / retaining ligaments,
→ Diffusion is restricted.
=> Thinking ‘it will spread anyway, so roughly doing it is fine’ may be insufficient for fillers at different depths!
Reason ② The ‘abnormal layer’ where the filler entered is the problem
The layer where the filler should have properly entered + the layer where it entered abnormally—both must be acted upon.
✔ That is correct.
Therefore, hyaluronidase must be approached by ‘distinguishing the layers’ even more carefully.
For example:
Situation | Required Hyaluronidase Approach |
Normal layer (e.g., supramuscular fat) | Standard dose, localized |
Too shallow layer (intradermal) | Low dose, surface refinement |
Too deep layer (submuscular / periosteal) | Deep targeted injection |
Mixed layers (migration) | Multiplanar approach |
👉 If you just spray it into one layer,
✔ It acts excessively on some layers,
✔ And insufficiently on others.
3️⃣ The ‘diffusion capacity’ of hyaluronidase requires a strategy
The diffusion capacity of hyaluronidase does not mean ‘you can give up on accuracy,’ but rather
👉
**‘Inject accurately, and it can cover the surrounding area as well.’**
The point repeatedly emphasized in Landau’s paper is:
Localized action
Temporary enzyme activity
As much as needed in the required area
In other words,
🎯 You set a target and ‘utilize’ the diffusion; 🎯 You do not just expect it to spread without a target.
4️⃣ Summary in actual clinical practice
Hyaluronidase is a drug with good diffusion capacity, but it is not a drug to be used while ignoring anatomical layers. Rather, the more the filler is mixed between normal and abnormal layers, the more a hyaluronidase approach considering the multiplanar structure is necessary.