Can filler migrate by massage?

Author: Lolita Gerhold  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Massaging lip filler right after injection can cause migration, especially if done incorrectly or excessively. Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your injector to minimize the risk.

Can I massage filler migration?

Yes, massages can move the filler initially. It is generally recommended to wait at least 2 weeks before having a massage, manipulating the areas that have had filler added (try not to touch, if possible!), or having any additional treatments to the area immediately after.

Can you break down filler by massaging?

Answer: Massage Massaging the area will not make the product dissolve more quickly. Massage is generally used to help manage swelling and even out the product injected. The longer you wait after treatment, the less likely the massage will have an impact.

Can you move fillers by touching them?

Within the first week of getting a filler, you are not supposed to massage or touch the filler injected area to avoid moving the filler. However after 3 months, it is highly unlikely that you could have damaged or moved the filler. After 3 months, the filler should be set in the area.

Can you massage filler to change shape?

Yes, massages can move the filler initially. It is generally recommended to wait at least 2 weeks before having a massage, manipulating the areas that have had filler added (try not to touch, if possible!), or having any additional treatments to the area immediately after.

Should You Massage After Having an Injectable Filler? | Dr. Jonathan Sykes

Does massaging filler make it go away faster?

While there isn't a magic home remedy to instantly dissolve filler, a few practices can potentially speed up the process by encouraging circulation and boosting your body's metabolic rate: Massaging the Area: Gentle, consistent massage in the area where the filler was injected may help to break it down.

Can exercise move fillers?

It could also cause your dermal fillers to migrate to other areas. Any strenuous exercise that applies pressure on your cheek area, such as cardio, CrossFit, or swimming with goggles on, is prohibited. These activities may disrupt your injections from settling in the injection site and cause filler migration.

Can you accidentally move your fillers?

Yes, you can move your filler by accident; however, this often happens in rare cases. For instance, you may move your filler when undergoing a massage, sleeping, or even wearing eyewear immediately after your fillers.

How to tell if filler migrated?

How do I know if my dermal filler has migrated?
  1. Uneven or unnatural-looking results: If the filler has migrated from its intended location, the treated area may appear uneven or unnatural. ...
  2. Persistent swelling: Dermal filler migration may cause swelling in the area where the filler has migrated too.

Which filler migrates the most?

Fillers around the mouth and eyes are most likely to migrate, more so than dermal fillers in the cheeks or the jawline. Dermal filler for smile lines and dermal filler for under eyes are most likely to migrate because they are in areas of your face that move the most as you change facial expressions and talk.

Why no massage after fillers?

Getting a facial massage after fillers might seem like the perfect complement to refreshing your features, but you should avoid rubbing or pressing on the treatment area for about two weeks after the procedure. Facial massages can increase bruising and cause fillers to migrate outside of their precise placements.

What is a pillow face?

“Pillow face” occurs when too much filler is injected into areas like the cheeks, nasolabial folds (the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth), lips, and under-eye area. This repeated overfilling can result in a bloated, round appearance that looks far from natural.

Can I massage my own filler?

If there isn't anything suspicious, they may recommend massaging the injection site to help resolve the lumps. The massage can also help with other irregularities and help even out the filler for a smoother appearance. You can do the massage at home, but first, your provider will demonstrate how to do it the right way.

Will filler still dissolve if it migrates?

As difficult as it is for the patient to hear, the right action to take is dissolving and starting over. I would say 80% of patients request time to allow it to naturally dissipate, however migrated filler typically will not dissolve on its own, or at least within any reasonable amount of time.

How quickly can filler migrate?

Even though the results of filler will be visible right away, migration can happen almost immediately, with a few days or weeks, or even up to years later in rare circumstances, depending on what the root cause of the issue is. “If overfilling is the culprit, it will be noticeable almost immediately,” says Dr. Horn.

How to stop fillers from migrating?

Follow post-treatment instructions carefully

Afterward, we provide you with instructions on how to care for the treatment area. The most important things to remember to prevent filler migration are: Don't rub your skin and avoid touching the area. If you apply ice to reduce minor swelling, do so gently.

Can you massage out migration?

In some cases, the migrated filler may self-resolve over time. It's best to see a qualified provider experienced in treating migration complications. Don't attempt to massage or dissolve migrated filler on your own, as improper technique could worsen the situation.

Will touching fillers move it?

Avoiding Physical Disturbance to Facial Fillers

Resist the urge to touch, poke, or massage the treated area after your nose filler treatment or any other type of filler. Applying pressure or disturbing the treated area can potentially displace the filler, leading to suboptimal results.

Can you massage fillers back into place?

In some cases, gentle massaging and time may help redistribute the migrated lip filler. However, professional assistance using hyaluronidase injections, which dissolve hyaluronic acid-based fillers, is recommended for a more precise and effective correction.

What does migrated filler look like?

If you suspect that your lip filler may have migrated, there are a few signs that you can look for: Puffy or full look above or below the lips making your actual lip look even smaller – known as “Homer Simpson Look” Lost structure or border of your natural lips.

How long should you massage lumps after fillers?

Just use gentle pressure back and forth or in a circular motion. If the lump is in an area like your cheek, you can place one finger inside your mouth and one outside and squeeze the lump between your fingers. The general rule is to massage five minutes at a time, five times a day, for the first five days.

Can filler move if you sleep on it?

Filler migration

If you sleep on your face or side, the pressure could cause the filler to shift from its intended placement. This may lead to uneven results or filler spreading to unintended areas.

What is forbidden after fillers?

Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for a full day following your dermal filler treatment. Exposing your treated skin to direct UV rays could cause redness, bruising, and/or swelling around your fillers.

Can filler be displaced?

Filler migration is the movement of a dermal filler from its injection site to another area of the body. While it is possible for fillers to migrate, this side effect is extremely rare and can be avoided by choosing a qualified injector.

Does filler dissolve faster with exercise?

Every person's metabolism gradually dissolves the filler after injections, and while it has not been proven by any research studies, most injectors agree that patients who exercise frequently (like runners) and those with a fast metabolism seem to see their filler results fade slightly faster than those who are less ...

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