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.
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.
Dissolving filler that's migrated
“The second option is using hyaluronidase to break down the filler in the area affected,” explains Dr Kal. “This is quick and effective if the patient has no contraindications for treatment.”
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.
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.
It's relatively safe to perform a cheek massage as a way to resolve lumps and swelling from hyaluronic acid fillers. It can also be done to manage side effects from other injectable procedures such as a lip filler or chin filler treatment.
Despite taking precautions, sometimes lip filler migration can still occur, or you may simply decide that you want to return to your natural lip shape. In such cases, it's possible to dissolve HA filler using a substance called hyaluronidase.
FAQ: Filler Migration and Dissolving with Hylenex Treatments
Yes, most lip fillers, especially those based on hyaluronic acid, naturally dissolve over time as the body gradually absorbs them. This process can take several months to a couple of years, depending on the type of filler used and individual factors.
Prolonged use of sunbeds can potentially accelerate the breakdown of lip fillers. Sunbeds emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can penetrate the skin and cause damage to collagen and elastin fibers. These fibers are responsible for maintaining the structure and firmness of the skin, including the lips.
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.
The dissolving process appears similar to the filler injecting process—but with a much different experience, and significantly lower price point, ranging from $300 to $600. A dissolving enzyme called hyaluronidase (Hylenex or Vitrase) is required, and from there it's injected under the skin and into the area of filler.
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.
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.
In addition, the pressure from massaging or kissing can potentially cause the filler to migrate, leading to unevenness or the filler traveling past the upper lip. Your lips may be a bit tender and swollen too, so minimize pressure whenever possible.
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.
Yes, lip filler migration can be reversed by injecting an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which dissolves the filler over a few days. After the filler is dissolved, you can choose to have the lip filler redone.
Vascular Complications
The enzyme used in lip dissolving may not only dissolve the lip filler but could also dissolve the surrounding tissue of the lips. The injection of the enzyme can cause blood vessels around the lips to become squashed, which leads to the tissue being deprived of blood.
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.
Any overcorrection resulting from the loss of your own hyaluronic acid will usually be temporary and is expected to resolve within a few days. The breakdown of the dermal filler will be permanent. Please contact your provider if redness, tenderness, itching, or swelling worsens after 3 days, rather than resolving.
If you've had dermal filler, you shouldn't dissolve it for cosmetic reasons for at least 14 days after the first treatment. This is because swelling will make it hard for you to see the final result before then, and you may find that you are happier with the appearance once everything has settled.
Some fillers, such as Sculptra, are designed to stimulate collagen production in the skin, which can lead to long-lasting results. These fillers may be more susceptible to breakdown if they are massaged or manipulated too much after the treatment.
Bumps from fillers usually go away, but not always.
The only non-invasive therapeutic options for granuloma secondary to dermal filler involve intralesional injection, like scar treatment, with a mixture of antibiotics (effective only if used before a biofilm has developed), steroids, fluorouracil, and hyaluronidase [10,11].