FILLER MIGRATION

WHAT IS FILLER MIGRATION?

Filler Migration is often a side effect of a dermal filler treatment. It’s common for dermal fillers to shift very slightly in the few days after placement, but it’s only usually a few millimetres and goes unnoticed. When the result of dermal fillers shows lumpy skin or appears fuller in the area below or beside where the injections were administered, this can indicate ‘filler migration’. All patients need to consider the after effects of the filler treatment in the first few days, when swelling, redness and bruising are present. Only when all side effects have disappeared can we assess the final outcome, and whether the filler has moved. 

WHAT CAUSES FILLER MIGRATION?

There are a number of factors to consider when possible filler migration has occurred. Having too much filler applied can mean it’s too heavy for the tissues to support, causing it to shift. This is common in lip filler treatments, leading to the filler moving up into the space above the top lip (philtrum) causing ‘duck lips’ or a ‘filler moustache’. In cases where more than one session is needed to complete the treatment, performing the injections too soon can also cause the filler to clump together and become too heavy as the skin has not had sufficient time to take the filler in. It’s important to leave the treated area alone after treatment, including massaging the area immediately afterwards, as touching the area too soon can cause the filler to move. Specific filler densities are designed to treat different areas of the face, and using the wrong type of filler can be incompatible with the underlying tissues. Applying fillers requires a controlled technique, and when it’s administered too quickly it can put pressure on the treatment area, leading to filler migration. Lastly, significant swelling can shift the filler out of place. Although developing an adverse reaction is uncommon, it can occur in a small percentage of patients.

HOW CAN I TREAT FILLER MIGRATION?

Having your filler treatment carried out by a highly trained and experienced clinician is often the best way to ensure you achieve the desired result. Our clinicians ensure a pre-treatment consultation assesses each patient’s suitability for the treatment to reduce the risk of further complications. Thankfully, there is a solution to filler migration. In the same way we would correct unwanted filler, administering Hyaluronidase to the affected area helps to dissolve the filler so we can reapply the treatment a few weeks later.