What is the name of the enzyme used to dissolve hyaluronic acid fillers?

The enzyme used to dissolve hyaluronic acid fillers is hyaluronidase.

Hyaluronidase is a family of enzymes that breaks down hyaluronic acid, also called hyaluronan. Because hyaluronic acid forms part of the extracellular matrix that helps give tissues structure and viscosity, degrading it makes tissue more permeable and allows the material to disperse more quickly.

In aesthetic medicine, an injection of hyaluronidase can reduce or remove dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid. It is commonly used when a filler has been overcorrected, placed incorrectly, or caused a complication. It does not reliably dissolve every type of cosmetic filler: products based on calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, or permanent materials require different approaches.

The enzyme also has important non-cosmetic uses. Doctors use it to improve the dispersion of injected fluids and medicines, assist some ophthalmic procedures, and manage certain medication extravasation injuries. A common mix-up is collagenase, which breaks down collagen rather than hyaluronic acid. Karl Meyer classified hyaluronidases into major groups in 1971.