Filler Migration: Understanding the Risks, Causes, and Remedies

Facial or dermal fillers have redefined the way we approach aging. These revolutionary treatment procedures promote more plumper,  firmer, and youthful-looking facial skin. 

Facial fillers can restore lost volume and reduce or prevent the appearance of wrinkles effectively and safely.  Facial fillers can support collagen production and assist in countering the effects of aging that can cause skin sagging, fine lines, wrinkles, dull and dry skin texture, and loss of skin elasticity. 

Facial fillers in Philadelphia can dramatically reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin and can also provide a radiant glow to the skin, helping patients turn back the clock. Facial fillers are injectable gel-like substances, primarily made of Hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the skin. 

What Is Filler Migration?

Facial fillers provide immediate results with minimal downtime. However, potential risks of facial filler treatments, such as filler migration. Sometimes, fillers can migrate from the intended treatment area,  resulting in lumps or unevenness. Filler migration refers to the movement of facial fillers from the original injection site to an unintended area of the face. The risks associated with filler migration include: 

  • Vascular occlusion caused by a migrated filler moving into the blood vessels
  • Formation of uneven contours
  • Facial asymmetry
  • Formation of lumps
  • Swelling, redness, and puffiness 

The Causes Of Filler Migration

Filler migration can lead to facial asymmetry or a distorted appearance. 

Migrated filler may appear as visible bulging or puffiness. 

The leading causes of filler migration include:

Understanding the Risks Causes and Remedies of Filler Migration

  • Inexperienced Facial Filler Administrators

Choosing an inexperienced facial filler injector can increase the risk of improper filler placement. One of the leading causes of filler migration is poor technique.  

At Avellina Aesthetics, our skilled facial filler injectors understand facial anatomy, prioritize patient safety and satisfaction,  and provide natural-looking results. 

  • Improper Filler Placement

Incorrect filler placement can not only lead to filler migration but also increase the risk of filler treatment side effects such as swelling, bruising, and the formation of lumps. 

At Avellina Aesthetics, our experienced injectors know how and where to place filters. Experienced injectors place fillers at the right depth based on the treatment area. Deep injections are best suited for areas such as the cheeks and jawline. Areas like the lips and under eyes require precise application to prevent filler migration. 

  • Overfilling

Injecting excessive amounts of filler in one area of the face can increase the risk of migration. Areas of the face with thinner skin such as the lips and under eyes can’t always accommodate excess volumes of filler.  When these areas are overfilled, the filler may push out and migrate into surrounding areas. 

How To Avoid Filler Migration?

While filler migration is not a common phenomenon, it is crucial to take preventive steps if you are receiving facial fillers in areas such as the lips or under the eyes. 

The measures you can take to reduce the risks of filler migration and ensure the desired results include:

  • Start With Subtle Enhancements

Facial filler experts recommend that patients start their filler treatment journey with a conservative amount. This approach helps patients minimize the risk of filler migration and ensure a natural progression.

  • Adherence To Post-treatment Instructions

Post-treatment care plays a significant role in reducing the risks of facial filler complications and ensuring long-lasting,  natural-looking results. 

Avoiding strenuous workouts, alcohol, smoking, facial massages, and sleeping face down for twenty-four to forty-eight hours after the facial filler procedure can minimize the risks of filler migration or shifting.

  • Space Out Treatments

Patients should wait to schedule their next filler appointment to allow the body to adapt to the changes. Spacing out treatments prevents the risks of overfilling and filler shifting. 

Can Filler Migration Be Resolved?

If you are experiencing the effects of filler migration, the experts at Avellina Aesthetics can help you resolve the issue. The process, referred to as facial or dermal filler correction, is safe and can restore facial symmetry and a youthful look. 

Most Hyaluronic acid-based filters can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This substance can break down the filler, allowing your face to return to its natural state. 

Before dissolving the migrated filler,  a thorough evaluation of the patient’s treatment history is critical.  Once the filler is dissolved and the treatment area has healed,  you can work with the seasoned facial filler providers at our Philadelphia facial filler clinic to re-inject the filler correctly. 

Looking to address filler migration complications? Schedule a Consultation

Facial fillers are not a one-size-fits-all treatment.  At Avellina Aesthetics, our Philadelphia skin rejuvenation clinic undertakes essential precautions and post-treatment care to help minimize the risks of filler migration and ensure optimum, long-lasting results. 

If you have experienced facial filler migration or other complications in Philadelphia, don’t panic. Book an appointment by calling at 215-722-6022 to address filler migration or to learn more about our skin rejuvenation treatment procedures. 

FAQs

1. What is filler migration?

Filler migration occurs when dermal filler moves from the original injection site to another area, causing unevenness or puffiness in the skin.

Common causes include overfilling, incorrect injection technique, poor filler choice, or excessive facial movement after treatment.

Filler migration can often be dissolved using hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid fillers safely and quickly under professional care.

Choose an experienced injector, avoid massaging or pressing the treated area, and follow all aftercare instructions to minimize the risk of migration.