💋 Let’s Talk About Lip Filler Migration

💋 Let’s Talk About Lip Filler MigrationYou’ve probably heard people talk about lip filler migration online and it can sound a little scary. But I believe knowledge is power. Understanding why migration happens and how we prevent it helps you make informed, confident choices.
So you ask, what is Lip filler migration? it’s when a small amount of filler moves slightly beyond where it was originally placed, usually just above the lip line or around the mouth area. It can cause a soft puffiness or blurred border that terrible Duck beak appearance, but it doesn’t mean anything has gone wrong. It’s simply how some products and tissues can behave over time.There’s a lot of talk online about overfilling or “bad product,” but one of the main reasons migrations occurs (in my opinion) is actually piercing or injecting through the vermilion border the natural edge where the pink lip meets the surrounding skin.
It matters because if the needle or cannula goes too high or through the vermilion border, it can create a small channel where filler can leak into the surrounding tissue.This can blur the crisp edge of the lip and create that subtle “filler shelf” look above the lip line.Other factors that can increase the risk include:Too much product or to frequent appointments! Lips need time to integrate and settle between treatments. When patients come to me and say “I haven’t had lip filler in 12 months it must need re filling”. I’m like well NO (after assessment or just looking) filler seems to last in the lips, for most people, much longer than 12 months this I believe is why we are seeing so many over filled lips! The lips have there own little pocket so metabolisation of product happens over a much longer time frame – meaning we are placing filler over filler at every appointment causing over filling.
Another reason can be filler that sits too close to the surface of the lip can easily shift with movement or using the wrong filler consistency thicker gels made for structure don’t always suit the delicate lip tissue pushing it where it may not be wanted. And of course, what iv previously mentioned… existing filler that hasn’t broken down yet, layering new filler over old can change how it sits.
So how do we prevent this from happening? Every treatment starts with a comprehensive consultation. Registered nurses and prescribing practitioners should assess your lips, existing filler (if any), and natural anatomy before creating a plan tailored to you and your needs.I like to choose products suited to lip mobility and structure; I Inject at the correct depth (submucosal plane just under the pink lip tissue) I always avoid piercing the vermilion borderI encourage my patients space treatments appropriately so your lips can heal and maintain natural definition
If You Think You Have MigrationDon’t panic it’s more common than people realise, and it can be corrected safely. Sometimes we can dissolve old filler to create a fresh, clean base before re-treating once the lips have settled. ( *Remember this is not for everyone, it holds its own risks and will require a thorough consultation and a Dr prescription and approval, the results vary from patient to patient and may not be for you.)If you’re unsure, book a consultation. Your Nurse/Doctor will assess the area, explain what’s happening, and guide you through your best next steps.
Remember: Lip filler migration isn’t something to be embarrassed about! it’s just something to understand. With careful planning, product selection, and the right technique, your lips can stay soft, defined, and beautifully balanced.