While it is possible for fillers to migrate, this side effect is extremely rare and can be avoided by choosing a qualified injector. Though filler migration is very uncommon, its likelihood increases when fillers are performed by an inexperienced or underqualified injector.
How Long Does Lip Filler Migration Last? The good news is fillers are only semi-permeant. Depending on how recently the filler was injected, the migration will last approximately 6-18 months. During that time your body will naturally metabolize and break the filler down over time if left alone.
Lip filler migration is one of the few common side effects of aesthetic injectables. It occurs when the dermal filler spreads or migrates to another region separate from the area in which the injection was placed.
Lip filler migration commonly occurs as a result of too much filler being injected into an area and “bleeding” elsewhere.
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.
Although extremely rare, dermal fillers are able to migrate within the skin if consistent and adequate pressure is applied to them. For this reason, we advise patients not to get a facial, massage (on the treated skin), or microdermabrasion for the first two weeks following their filler injections.
Generally, within two weeks the lip filler is no longer malleable. You should be able to massage or move your lips without changing the shape of them given you are two weeks post-injection. Though it is not exactly the same for each patient, lip filler stops being malleable after about one week.
DON'T: massage your lips.
Massaging freshly injected lips risks moving the filler around causing the possibility of desportation and undesirable results.
"With lip filler, the upper lip border becomes less defined and a mound develops in the skin above the lip, causing the 'duck lip look,' says Dr. Nichols. "In cases of undereye filler, migration is seen as bumps in the lower eyelid and/or upper cheeks areas underneath the eyes."
You can spot filler migration as it can give that ducky or “shelf-like” appearance above the lip border. In areas such as the tear-trough, migration can be seen as little lumps and ridges around the lower eye area.
The swelling that can often occur after Lip Fillers can cause the lips to look a little uneven for a short time. This doesn't necessarily mean that anything has gone wrong and it may just take a little time for the product to fully settle and for residual swelling to subside.
Do I massage my lips after lip fillers? Do not massage your lips for 24 to 48 hours after the treatment. Once your swelling subsides down, you can gently massage your lips with light pressure.
Dr. Frank says the best way to deal with migration is to dissolve the filler with hyaluronidase (an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid gels). In just a few hours, hyaluronidase softens the filler and returns the lips to a more natural shape, projection, and size.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I MASSAGE LIP FILLER? Lumps that are noticeable 5-7 days after the treatment can take 2-3 days to dissolve with lip massage. So repeat the massage 2-3 times a day until your lumps disappear and your lips feel smooth and even.
During this two week period, the hyaluronic acid in your filler will settle into your dermal tissues and begin to interact with the water in your skin. This process will hydrate your skin and give you a healthy, youthful appearance.
The filler will start to break down and soften immediately, although depending on the location and how much needs to be dissolved, it may take up to two weeks for it to completely dissolve and settle back to natural.
Final Results. This filler works naturally, much like the hyaluronic acid your body already produces. Because it works this way, it takes two to three weeks to fully settle into your skin. This means that while you'll see an immediate improvement, you won't see your final results right away.
An injection technique that uses fewer incisions, therefore creating fewer "holes" in the "hose," will be less likely to result in migration, says Dr. Durairaj. Creating fewer punctures on the border of the lip is always the cleanest and best technique, she adds.
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.
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.
The following tips will help your lips as they heal: Apply an ice pack for up to 10 minutes to reduce inflammation, pain and swelling. Avoid wearing lipstick, lip balm or any other product on your lips for at least 24 hours. Refrain from touching or puckering your lips, including kissing and sipping from a straw.
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.
Are Lip Fillers Supposed to Feel Hard? Your lips may feel stiff or rigid immediately after injection with dermal fillers. Don't worry — this is entirely normal, and the lip fillers will soften with time. Your lips may also be swollen and tender, which can contribute to the lip filler feeling hard under the skin.
My lips are swollen, lumpy, and a little uneven, when will they get better? This is the most commonly asked question on Realself.com. The lips take about 7-10 days to settle down after getting filled.