Can cheek fillers migrate?

Author: Constantin Crooks  |  Last update: Monday, June 5, 2023

In rare cases, facial fillers like Juvederm can migrate to another site of your face within a few days of your injections. This happens when the filler moves before it has fully bonded with your facial tissue.

How do I know if my cheek fillers have migrated?

This is because when filler migrates, it only does so very slightly (within a few millimeters) and rarely causes medical complications. But, if you see small lumps and/or raised skin around the treatment area, this may be an indication your filler has moved slightly or your skin has been overfilled.

What causes cheek filler to migrate?

"We have different tissue planes," says Dr. Samolitis. She explains that there are three layers to the skin: the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue, as well as fascia, which is on the bone. "Injecting the filler in the wrong layer can also cause the filler to (migrate).

How do you know if a filler has migrated?

Migrated lip filler is visibly noticeable and usually presents as lumps, but can also appear as a puffy upper lip, lack of a defined border between lip edge and above and/or below the lip border – think duck lips.

Can you fix migrated filler?

If you believe that your filler has migrated, then don't panic, as it can be treated. The beauty of modern-day filler is that it is semi-permanent, so over time your body will naturally break down and metabolise the substance.

Why Cheek Fillers Migrate & Prevention Strategies

Which filler is less likely to migrate?

Answer: HA filler migration

Kubederm voluma is the most cohesive filler and therefore the least likely to migrate!

Can filler migrate immediately?

In rare cases, facial fillers like Juvederm can migrate to another site of your face within a few days of your injections. This happens when the filler moves before it has fully bonded with your facial tissue.

What happens to cheek filler over time?

Over time, as facial movement increases in areas like the lips or cheeks, it causes the filler to break down and dissolve at a quicker rate. This makes the filler disappear faster in more active areas of the face.

Will filler migration go away on its own?

Will migrated filler go away on its own? In theory, yes, but the reality is a bit more complicated. When we dissolve fillers we inject an enzyme called hyaluronidase. Hyaluronidase is naturally occurring in your body and this is the reason that lip fillers will eventually dissolve on their own.

Will my cheek filler even out?

Please be reassured that it is normal to have some asymmetry after treatment as the face can swell in different areas. You could try cold compress over the area and this may help with the swelling. If at two weeks It has not settled then you should book to see your treating practitioner.

What happens when cheek fillers migrate?

Cheek filler migration, in particular, is the Spreading Of Fillers Outside The Cheek Area, thus causing long periods of pain and discomfort, swelling, and irritation around the eyes, nose, lips, jaw, and neck.

Can you fix migrated filler with massage?

Filler Massage

The product will remain somewhat malleable for about a month after it has been injected. If you think that your filler has migrated to unwanted areas or isn?t as smooth as you? d like, massage is always an option.

How long does it take for cheek filler to smooth out?

The filler can take several weeks to soften and settle into your skin. This means that patients won't see the ultimate results of their treatment immediately. Although individual results will vary, many people achieve the full effect within two weeks after receiving their injections.

Does cheek filler expand over time?

How Can Injectable Fillers Stretch Out Skin? Injectable fillers can stretch out the skin if they are used too often and in large doses. This occurs because the fillers are stretching skin that is producing less collagen and elastin to maintain youthfulness; therefore, once the filler is gone, the skin cannot contract.

What does too much cheek filler look like?

When you have had too much filler, then you may appear to have a bulging forehead, an overly pointy and sharp chin, and overly protruding cheekbones. Furthermore, the filler can stretch and weigh down your skin over time, which is known as filler fatigue.

Is cheek filler high risk?

Cheek filler is a low-risk procedure, but complications may include: Bleeding. Bruising. Bumps that look like acne.

How long does cheek filler last?

How long they last. Depending on the type that you choose, cheek fillers can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years before results are no longer noticeable. The dermal filler material eventually dissolves and metabolizes into your skin tissue.

How common is filler migration?

Tijion Esho, founder of Esho Clinic and ESHO lip products, says true filler migration is actually quite rare. “The face has fixed facial compartments and filler can only move where there is adjacent space,” he says.

How much does it cost to dissolve migrated filler?

It is important to wait this 2-4 week period before re-injecting with filler. This allows any inflammation to subside and for the tissue to completely heal so that the new filler will look its very best. I know it's hard, but wait it out! Dissolving filler costs start around $500.

What does filler migration look like?

According to Dr. Sherber, filler migration tends to be most noticeable in thin-skinned areas, like under your eyes. “It can give the look of puffiness under the eyes after under eye filler or create a 'filler mustache' above the upper lip after lip filler,” says Dr. Sherber.

Can cheek filler migrate downwards?

Fillers should not migrate downwards after injection due to gravity. Therefore you should not be worried about jowling and sagging if you use a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist for injection.

Why does my face look uneven after fillers?

This happens when the filler was injected too superficially. Patient may take notice to the uneven appearance several weeks post treatment or 3+ months post treatment when the body starts to slowly metabolize the filler. Additional areas that can be “botched” are cheekbones, chin, marionette lines, etc.

How do I know if my filler is botched?

Some of the most common signs of bad lip injections include the following:
  1. Bruising. Bruising is one of the most common complications that occur when lip fillers go wrong. ...
  2. Lumpiness. Uneven, lumpy lips are a common sign of bad lip fillers. ...
  3. Necrosis of the lip tissue.

Why does my cheek filler look lumpy?

Within the first two weeks after your injections, lumps and bumps are normal because the cheek filler is settling. If they are particularly pronounced, your injector may recommend massaging the filler. Secondly, if it is after two weeks, your injector will likely still recommend massage first.

Previous article
What is the strongest age for a human?
Next article
Which grade of acne is the most severe?