While it is possible for fillers to migrate, this side effect is extremely rare and can be avoided by choosing a qualified injector. Though filler migration is very uncommon, its likelihood increases when fillers are performed by an inexperienced or underqualified injector.
"Theoretically, all filler has the ability to migrate," says Dr. Diamond. "That is why it is so imperative that non-surgical injectable services are performed by experts with the anatomical knowledge to prevent this from happening.
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.
An injection technique that uses fewer incisions, therefore creating fewer "holes" in the "hose," will be less likely to result in migration, says Dr. Durairaj. Creating fewer punctures on the border of the lip is always the cleanest and best technique, she adds.
It is important all physicians assessing nodules/masses/swelling in the facial area be aware that soft tissue fillers may migrate to a location away from their intended site of injection by several mechanisms and persist in the tissue even years later.
Because dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring skin compound, they are naturally dissolved by your body over a period of 6 – 18 months.
Although considered a hot topic, true filler migration is still one of the least common filler complications and among the least problematic from a patient safety standpoint.
While it is possible for fillers to migrate, this side effect is extremely rare and can be avoided by choosing a qualified injector. Though filler migration is very uncommon, its likelihood increases when fillers are performed by an inexperienced or underqualified injector.
In reality, 0.5ml can be too much too. There is no arbitrary amount of filler over which it is too much or under which it is too little. Too much filler injected close to the vermillion border can result in migration of the filler into the area above it.
You can spot filler migration as it can give that ducky or “shelf-like” appearance above the lip border. In areas such as the tear-trough, migration can be seen as little lumps and ridges around the lower eye area.
Although extremely rare, dermal fillers are able to migrate within the skin if consistent and adequate pressure is applied to them. For this reason, we advise patients not to get a facial, massage (on the treated skin), or microdermabrasion for the first two weeks following their filler injections.
How Long Does It Take For Filler To Migrate? 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.
You should massage after having injectable filler in areas where the skin is thinner, such as the lips or lower eyelids, but massaging too much and in other areas could actually break down the filler, resulting in less volume. Or it may cause filler migration.
Generally, hyaluronic acid based lip fillers do not spread to undesirable areas so easily. They may diffuse a little but do not migrate freely.
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.
The lips may be swollen or sore initially, so some women may not be in the mood to kiss or be afraid of kissing. There isn't any known evidence that routine kissing will cause more rapid breakdown of the product or move the filler.
For those individuals who want a very very subtle change, the change I refer to as “hydrated and slightly defined” this would be achieved with a 0.5ml overall. This will not be noticeable to many around you but it is something you will see yourself as a hydrated/rejuvenated overall look.
It's a common misconception that dermal filler is going to dramatically change your appearance with the very first treatment. In actual fact, 1ml of dermal filler is just enough to create a very subtle result that clients can then build upon over time (if that's your goal).
For a longer upper lip you can get a few units of neuromodulator (Botox, Xeomin, Dysport) to help lift the upper lip. This works great when used with filler to add volume and also avoid a ducky appearance.
Over time, as facial movement increases in areas like the lips or cheeks, it causes the filler to break down and dissolve at a quicker rate. This makes the filler disappear faster in more active areas of the face.
Most patients want to keep the appearance very subtle and natural, whilst some younger patients want a more volumous look. We generally use half a ml for a very subtle change, 1ml for a average fullness that will never look overdone. Younger patients may want more than 1ml in total.
If they want more after that, they can do so after their lips have healed. We have several patients get 1 syringe in their lips and come back a week or two later to get a second syringe. It is also not uncommon for a person to come back a third time for more lip filler.
Increased Exercise
Because your body tends to metabolize fillers faster when you do extensive exercise routines. Doctors suggest that you don't give up exercise as your actual health should always be prioritized over your aesthetic needs. Regular exercise is still recommended, but it should be done in moderation.
Can your face go back to normal after fillers? Many patients fear that when the filler wears off, they will look worse than before. Though fillers may stretch your skin, it is elastic enough to revert to its original form before your treatment.