Lip Filler Migration: A Guide

Lip filler is a fantastic lip enhancement treatment. 

It can transform thin lips, creating subtle volume and a more defined lip shape. 

In the hands of a skilled injector like Amanda Azzopardi, it is a safe and effective cosmetic treatment beloved by many.

 However, we still see some clients who have had unsatisfactory previous filler experiences elsewhere, and lip filler migration is one of the most common issues.

What is lip filler migration?

Lip filler migration occurs when the dermal filler used to enhance your lips moves away from the original injection site.

 Filler migration can happen within the lip border or even affect the surrounding tissues.

Common signs of migrated filler

You may notice some puffiness around your lips straight after your lip filler treatment, but this normal swelling will disappear within a week or so.

Lip filler migration usually develops gradually over weeks to months, and persistent fullness should be evaluated by your injector at a follow-up appointment.

These are the common visual signs of a migrated lip filler:

Filler moustache

You may notice a shadow developing about your upper lip. This is created by a migrated filler that has accumulated into a shelf above your upper lip.

Undefined lip borders

Your lip line may start to look blurry as filler moves beyond the natural lip border, making your lip line less defined and spoiling your natural lip shape.

Flattened cupid’s bow

Your cupid’s bow may lose its natural shape and definition along with your lip line.

Lip asymmetry

The natural shape of your lips may become uneven and bumpy as dermal fillers move away from their intended site within the lip tissue.

Causes of lip filler migration

Lip filler migrates for a few reasons.

Incorrect filler placement

Lip filler may be one of the world’s most popular tweakments, but like all injectable treatments, it should only be delivered by a skilled injector  like Amanda Azzopardi who understands lip anatomy.

Poor injection technique, superficial placement, and filler placed too close to the lip border may cause filler to migrate into surrounding skin tissue.

Overfilled lips and frequent touch-ups

Overfilling the lips will create a duck-lip effect, but it may also force the filler beyond the margins of the lip tissue, creating the shadow effect above the upper lip.

Individual anatomy

Some people do seem more prone to lip filler migration than others. The reason isn’t clear, but it may be due to individual anatomy or excessive lip movement that forces the filler out of its intended position.

How we fix lip filler migration

Fortunately, we can help to correct lip filler migration by dissolving the filler.

By carefully injecting a substance called hylase into the lip tissue, we can encourage hyaluronic acid fillers to break down. Once the lip fillers are dissolved, they are eliminated by the body.

We advise clients to wait a couple of weeks after treatment for the lip filler to dissolve, then make a fresh start with a skilled injector.

How to prevent lip filler migration

There are ways in which you can prevent lip filler migration and have natural-looking and long-lasting results from your lip enhancement treatment.

Choose your practitioner wisely

Look for an experienced practitioner who advocates for natural-looking results and uses premium-quality hyaluronic acid-based fillers.

An experienced injector will take a conservative approach, building the lip contour gradually by placing the filler at the correct depth and using an appropriate amount of filler.

Avoid frequent top-ups

As much as you may love your freshly injected lips, it is essential to leave a reasonable interval between treatments. Lip overfilling will ultimately result in the duck-lip effect and make lip migration more likely.

Follow aftercare advice

You must follow aftercare advice to ensure the best results from your lip filler.

• Avoid placing excessive pressure on the injected area after treatment
• Avoid heat sources such as showers, steam rooms, hot baths, or strenuous exercise, as these can increase blood flow to the lip tissues and may cause the filler to move.

Lip Filler with Amanda Azzopardi

Amanda is an experienced practitioner with a medical background and an extensive knowledge of facial anatomy, making her an ideal person to give lip filler injections. You can read more about Amanda here.

Whether you need migrated lip filler dissolving or want a fresh start, Amanda will create the perfect lips for you, so why not book an appointment today?

BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION HERE

MEET THE AUTHOR

Amanda Azzopardi, an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Aesthetic Medicine Prescriber, specialises in ageing-related changes. With a Masters in Advanced Clinical Practice, she's trained at the renowned Harley Academy in London and the Level 7 accredited Derma Medical Academy. Boasting over 15 years of global experience in acute medical settings and extensive aesthetic insurance, Amanda combines care, skill, and professionalism to ensure your treatments are in trustworthy hands.