What does filler migration look like?

Author: Kelsie Keeling  |  Last update: Saturday, June 17, 2023

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. If you're prone to lip filler migration, you may be wondering why it keeps happening.

How long does it take for filler to migrate?

People think that they should wait until the filler dissolves and in reality, it takes an extremely long time. It can take two to three years and beyond.

Can filler migration be fixed?

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.

Can you massage away filler migration?

Many of these videos recommend massaging your treatment area immediately following your injection—but this can be harmful. In some cases, we recommend our patients massage their fillers following treatment to smooth them out below the skin; however, too much massage too soon may cause the filler to migrate slightly.

Can you massage out migrated filler?

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.

Are Your Lips BOTCHED? - 3 Signs You Have Lip Filler MIGRATION - Dissolving Lip Filler

Did my filler migrate or is it swollen?

If your lip fillers have migrated, it will almost always be noticeable visually. This can be presented in many ways; from a puffy upper lip, a lack of a defined border between the lip edge and above and/or below the lip border.

Will filler migration eventually go away?

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.

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!

How do I know if my 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.

How do you know if filler has gone wrong?

If you think your fillers have gone wrong and if you have any of the following symptoms, CONSULT A MEDICALLY QUALIFIED PERSON NOW: Severe pain. Blanching of the skin and/or white spots. Mottled skin.

What does an occlusion from filler look like?

Bruising may occur if an artery or blood vessel has become blocked due to filler injection. Bruising may range from a blue discoloration to a dusky purple-grey appearance. Swelling is likely to occur in and around the injection site if vascular obstruction is present, and may range from mild to severe.

What does too much 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.

What does a reaction to filler look like?

These include injection site redness, swelling, or bruising. However, disastrous outcomes can occur, including necrosis, vision loss, and cerebrovascular accidents. In cases of HA filler related complications, certain treatments can be attempted, such as hyaluronidase, massage, and hyperbaric oxygen.

What are the signs of necrosis after filler?

Answer: Skin necrosis is rare after injection of filler

Signs of skin necrosis include changes in skin color (a blue, dusky, or dark hue in that area), pain, and “breakdown” of the skin.

Can filler shift in your face?

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 long after filler can it go wrong?

[68] The main risk is infection that often develops after 8-12 months or even later.

Will my filler 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.

Can too much filler age you?

As well as stretching of the skin, excessive use of fillers can result in longer term damage including wrinkling of the lip and disturbance of the attachment of the facial fat pads and some degree of irregularity and ageing of the skin, he explains.

Which are the signs of ischemia after filler injection?

The resulting ischemia produces a dusky discoloration associated with sluggish or absent capillary refill after digital compression, as well as possible loss of function. Therefore, pain out of proportion in terms of severity or persistence after the treatment should be further investigated.

How soon does vascular occlusion happen after filler?

There have been cases reported that occurred 12-24 hours after being injected but almost always it occurs immediately. If no treatment is initiated to improve the vascular flow, the skin will start to appear dusky, a bluish tint, with fine reticulations (lace like) to areas WELL BEYOND THE SITE OF INJECTION.

What do filler granulomas look like?

When foreign body granulomas occur in patients who have been treated with Artecoll, they generally show the features of sclerosing granulomas. Several months after the filler injection, they appear as hard and bluish nodules with congested dermal capillaries on their surfaces.

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.

Does migrated filler take longer to dissolve?

Fillers usually get dissolved over time, regardless if it has migrated. HA fillers like juvederm/restylane/perlane they last about a year before they are absorbed by the body. If you are unhappy with the look than I would encourage you to return to your doctor or another expert injector for an evaluation.

Can you reposition filler?

It is not likely that the filler products would move if you wait at least a few days before pressing really hard on the areas and having extractions. The hyaluronic acid fillers settle nicely into the skin, and once any swelling goes down, it would be pretty unusual for anyone to be able to displace them.

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