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.
Opt for the right product. Different fillers have varying properties that affect how they integrate with tissue. We help you choose the best type for your specific needs and treatment area. Using a filler that's appropriate for the intended depth and purpose reduces the likelihood of migration.
Increase your water intake: Hydration keeps wrinkles at bay and can help maintain filler injections. Drinking water throughout the day can hydrate your skin and slow the process of breaking down the filler.
In the 24-48 hours following your filler injections, it's recommended to avoid active cosmeceutical products such as AHAs, retinol, and vitamin C, as well as oil-based makeup. These products can potentially cause irritation or interfere with the settling period of the filler material under your skin.
Consider thicker fillers for a more stable and longer-lasting result. More viscous formulations are less prone to migration. Work with your practitioner to strategically place filler for optimal results. Targeting specific areas prevents fillers from wandering.
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.
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.
Calcium hydroxylapatite is biosynthetically produced, which means that no animals or animal products are used. This lowers your risk of an allergic reaction and no skin testing is required. This type of dermal filler is known to produce a very natural result, doesn't migrate and side effects are rare.
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.
You may also notice a 'ledge' effect, new creases and a loss of definition of the injected area. Persistent swelling: Dermal filler migration may cause swelling in the area where the filler has migrated too. This is most commonly seen around the eyes due to the delicate nature of the skin.
The type of cheek filler is a factor in filler migration. Most dermal fillers, especially the semi-permanent ones (i.e, Sculptra, PMMA, Radiesse) generally stay in place and don't migrate.
It's best to sleep on your back to lessen the stress that you place on your face and the movement of the cheek filler material, which may cause visible asymmetry.
Treating Filler Migration
In addition to causing little to no long-term side effects, HA fillers can be reversed using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. Hyaluronidase is a naturally occurring substance that breaks down hyaluronic acid.
In addition, Voluma is a solid filler which gives it the advantage of not migrating to the surrounding tissues. For patients who want more dramatic changes, Voluma allows for more product to be placed with less risk of displacement.
Providers use CaHA injections to add fullness to your cheekbones and to smooth deeper lines and wrinkles. Results from CaHA fillers usually last about 15 months.
“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.
Yes, you need to maintain the treatment to get the best results, but each injection should be scheduled appropriately and spaced over an appropriate amount of time. Finally, touching or “massaging” the areas of your face post-injection can cause the product to move.
Lip filler migration is often perceived as an inevitable consequence of getting lip filler, but this isn't entirely accurate. In reality, migration largely depends on several key factors. While some patients may experience this, it's essential to understand that it isn't a universal outcome.
Unlike implants or standard dermal filler, Sculptra will not harden or migrate. Once jump-starting collagen development is done, the PLLA naturally dissolves in the body. 5. Minimal downtime: Unlike surgical procedures, Sculptra Aesthetic requires minimal downtime.
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.
You can continue using your retinol and normal skin care products 24 hours after your filler treatment. Let us know if you have any other questions!