Lip filler migration deep dive: what it is and what to do
side effects of lip filler
Lip filler is requested by many patients to achieve greater lip volume, a more defined Cupid’s Bow, a more luscious pout, or simply to restore hydration and volume to where their lips were several years prior. When performed correctly, the results can bring on a significant boost in confidence and self-esteem.
Austin, Texas is full of young, beautiful people, and lip enhancements are one of our most requested procedures. Here at Maui MedSpa, we have performed over ten thousand individual lip injection procedures, and we are continually perfecting the art of the perfect lip!
As with all procedures, side effects can and (thankfully rarely!) do occur. It is important to know about the unintended side effects and what can be done to minimize the chance of them occurring.
hyaluronic acid
All lip filler is made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in your body. The hyaluronic acid used differs from that which is found in your body in that it is modified to be much more slowly broken down by your body. The hyaluronic acid found in your body is continually broken down by hyaluronidase and replaced in a cyclical fashion. The hyaluronic acid found in lip filler is also broken down by hyaluronidase, just at a slower speed.
HA is the product of choice because it is flexible and retains water, giving it a full, soft appearance. These properties that make it perfect for the lips are also the properties that are responsible for some unintended side effects.
Lip Filler Migration
By far and away, the most common side effect seen with lip filler is a migration of the filler to unintended places in and around the lips.
With a skilled injector, migration should occur in a very small percentage of people. Notice I said “should”. This is because there is no way to eliminate the risk of migration, and even the most experienced injectors will unexpectedly see migration.
While migration of filler is cosmetically unpleasing, it is thankfully reversible! HA filler has the beneficial property of being able to be dissolved with Hylenex, a product we have readily available and are extensively trained on.
This means that if you have lip filler that migrates over the course of several months, the filler can be fully dissolved in one or two appointments. Having performed thousands filler procedures, our experience and training ensures that any migration is unforeseen and rare (and quickly caught!).
how does lip filler migration happen
Let’s talk about what is actually happening when filler moves from its original position.
The most common type of migration is when the lip filler moves up towards the nose, above the vermillion border. The vermillion border is the border between the pink part of the lip and the normal skin surrounding the lip.
Filler that moves above the vermillion border is pushed there by a combination of movement by the orbicularis oris muscle and the ease at which filler is able to move through the underlying tissue.
When we place lip filler, it is an artistic placement that will maximize the look you are going for while minimizing the chance filler will move. The most important aspect of placement is to maintain a depth that is below the skin, but above the orbicularis oris muscle, which our injectors are experts at doing. It is also important that the majority of filler is placed below the vermillion border, and when filler is used to line the border, it is placed in a single line in the deep dermal layers.
Even with the most ideal placement, the filler can migrate for one simple fact; some people have underlying connective tissue that is easier for filler to move through. Over thousands and thousands of contractions by the orbicularis oculi muscle (pursing lips, talking, chewing etc.) the filler slowly is pushed up and away from the lips.
What To Do About Migrated Filler
Thankfully, migrated filler is not dangerous, and happens slowly over time. The most important thing to do is to let your injector know if you may be noticing migration and schedule an appointment to come in for evaluation. If caught early on, we can minimize unwanted results and ensure that your lips are as minimally affected as possible. Generally speaking, the stories you hear of lip filler migration gone wrong is because people waited too long to have their injector reverse the filler!
get Lip Filler in Austin, Texas
If you’d like to book a Lip Filler appointment at one of our two locations in Austin, TX, simply head to our booking site here. Looking for more information? You can also give us a call at (737) 240-2212 for Avery Ranch or (512) 429-3681 for Downtown Austin. Our injectables are safe, affordable and aim to boost your natural beauty. We look forward to hearing from you!
