Can Lip Filler Migrate? Yes — and Here’s How to Prevent It

Lip fillers are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for the face. Lip fillers are a type of dermal filler that are used to give your lips extra volume or definition. The procedure involves a dermatologist or other healthcare professional injecting a gel-like substance in your lips.

But you may have seen images or viral videos showing that lip filler moved from its intended place in the lips. So how worried should you be about lip filler migration?

Here we’ll review what you need to know about lip filler migration, including why it happens and steps you can take to lower your risk.

What is lip filler migration?

Lip filler migration happens when filler that was injected into your lips moves away from its intended site. In other words, the filler ends up where it’s not supposed to be —  whether that’s in another part of the lip or somewhere outside of the lip. It can create unnatural distortions to the face. 

This can happen soon after the procedure, or even months later.

It’s not known how common lip filler migration is as there hasn’t been any research on lips specifically. There are a few studies on migration of filler in other parts of the face and they show that the risk ranges from 1% to 8%.

Lip filler migration signs and symptoms

Most of the time, it’s pretty easy to spot lip filler migration. It can happen any time after the procedures, but usually starts to be noticeable in a few weeks or months after the procedure. Here are some signs to look for around your lips:                        

• The borders of your lips seem uneven

• Small bumps around the lips

• A poorly defined lip line

• Puffy upper lip (a “duck” lip)

• Puckering

What causes lip filler to migrate?

There are a few reasons that lip filler can migrate. One common thread with each of the causes is that they often depend on the skill and experience of the person performing the procedure. So it’s important to go to a qualified, experienced professional (more on that later).  

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Injection technique

The most common cause of lip filler migration is that the person injecting the filler makes errors. Injecting lip filler requires training and experience. Some of the mistakes that can happen include: 

• Choosing the wrong filler

• Injecting too much filler

• Injecting too quickly

• Using a needle that’s too small

Too much filler 

Getting too much filler can increase the risk of migration. This can happen from getting too much filler at once. It can also happen if you get repeated injections too often. Having too much filler makes it more likely that it will be pushed out of place.

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Keep in mind that more filler isn’t always better. Getting too much filler can also lead to an unnatural-looking result.

Filler type 

There are different types of fillers that a healthcare professional can choose. All fillers have the potential to migrate, but some have physical properties that increase the risk of migration. 

For example, low-viscosity fillers tend to be more fluid and thinner than high-viscosity fillers. Low-viscosity fillers may be more likely to migrate to an unwanted location. 

When getting any type of filler, it’s important to use one that’s FDA approved to make sure it’s been adequately studied for safety. These include:

• Hyaluronic acid, like Juvederm and Restylane Refyne

• Calcium hydroxylapatite, like Radiesse

• Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), like Sculptra

• Polymethylmethacrylate beads (PMMA), like Bellafill

Anatomy

Each person’s lip anatomy is a little bit different. Some of these differences, like lip shape and composition, can play a role in filler migration. For example, softer, less firm lips have less structural support to hold the filler in place. This means the filler may move around easier and be more likely to migrate. So the cosmetic professional might choose a thicker filler.

Physical pressure

Physical pressure on the lips can also contribute to filler migration. For example, sometimes the cosmetic professional will gently massage the lips to help distribute the filler evenly, or they may ask you to do it. But too much massage could cause it to migrate. Also, too much muscle activity, like puckering your lips, may cause filler migration. 

This is why it’s important to follow your aftercare instructions and avoid actions that can physically displace the filler, especially during the first 1 to 2 days.  

Prevention tips

You can’t completely prevent lip filler migration. But, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk. The first — and most important — prevention tip is to find a reputable and experienced cosmetic healthcare professional to do the procedure. 

To find a qualified person, look for a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with experience and training in cosmetic injections. You can also ask these questions:

• What specific cosmetic training have you had?

• How much experience do you have doing lip filler?

• Have you ever had lip filler migration in people you’ve treated?

• Can I see your before-and-after photos?

You can also help reduce the risk of lip filler migration by following aftercare instructions while you’re healing. For at least 1 to 2 days after the procedure, try to:   

• Avoid using lipstick or lip balm.

• Avoid pressure on the lips. 

• Minimize mouth movements (like kissing, puckering, or using a straw).

• Don’t sleep on your face.

• Avoid exposure to high heat (like saunas).

• Avoid smoking.

How to fix lip filler migration

Treating lip filler that has migrated depends on the type of filler used. For example, if the filler is hyaluronic acid, it’s temporary and treatment isn’t always necessary. It usually will dissolve on its own in 6 to 12 months. 

However, if it’s very noticeable, you may not want to wait that long. In that case, a medication called hyaluronidase can be injected into the hyaluronic acid. This will dissolve the filler quickly, and results are usually noticeable within a day.

Hyaluronidase doesn’t work for other types of fillers. Here are some options to try and change or remove other fillers that have migrated:

• Massage: This can help with mild lumpiness, but it should be done under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

• Time: Semipermanent fillers (like Radiesse) will fade naturally, but it can take a year or longer. 

• Injection: A steroid injection into the area can sometimes help reduce unwanted bumps by lowering inflammation.

• Surgery: Permanent fillers may require surgery to be removed.   

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Written by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

Edited by:

Laurie Tarkan

Laurie Tarkan is a senior health editor for general health and well-being at GoodRx. She has an extensive background in health journalism, and wrote regularly for The New York Times for a decade.

Reviewed by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

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