Is My Filler Migrating?
As discussions surrounding dermal filler usage becomes more commonplace and less taboo, social media platforms such as TikTok have become abuzz with horror stories. The newest trend is ‘filler migration’, with users claiming cosmetic facial fillers have moved from their original location or created hard bumps beneath their skin. With so many users posting about the one topic it can seem overwhelmingly common when migration is actually a very rare side effect of dermal filler.
But what do you do when you think your filler has migrated and what are the signs and treatments? To first understand if your filler has migrated, you need to understand WHY filler migrates. Below are some common causes of filler migration.
TOO MUCH FILLER:
This issue present most often in clients who have had lip filler performed by an inexperienced injector. If more filler is injected than the lips can hold, it is more likely to migrate up and out from the top lip creating ‘duck lips’ or filler ‘moustaches’.
The undereye area is also a common zone for over-filling, with some client’s experience bumps appearing under the thin skin in this area.
INJECTIONS PERFORMED TOO CLOSE TOGETHER:
Similarly to too much filler, filler that is injected too closely together can overfill one area of the skin resulting in migration.
POOR INJECTION TECHNIQUE:
Poor injection technique can also affect the longevity of your filler and increase the likelihood of migration. Improper injecting methods can place excessive pressure on the area being treated, pushing the filler out of the desired zone.
HOW CAN I TELL MY FILLER HAS MIGRATED:
Filler migration may be difficult for you to notice as when filler migrates it does so incredibly slightly, within millimetres, in or around the treated area. The area you had filled may become puffy, lumpy or raised. The lip area is the most easily identifiable as the area outside your lip line may become puffier with migration.
While localised swelling is very common after dermal fillers, if this swelling occurs a considerable amount of time AFTER your treatment, or does not go away, you may be suffering from filler migration.
WHAT DO I DO IF MY FILLER HAS MIGRATED?
If you notice swelling you do not have to be scared. Filler migration rarely causes any type of medical complication and can be easily reversed in clinic with a dissolving treatment. Hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers can be reversed or dissolved by injecting the enzyme hyaluronidase into the previously injected filler. This enzyme breaks down the hyaluronic acid. Two weeks post dissolve you are able to book in another treatment to appropriately refill the area if you are wishing to correct the migration.
If you are concerned your filler has migrated, or have had your fears eased by this article and are wanting to book your appointment, you can:
Book over the phone by calling (07) 3003 4000
Or book via email at info@cosmeticimage.com.au