Lip Fillers Gone Wrong? Here’s How to Prevent and Correct Filler Migration

Noticed that your lips have lost their defined contour or appear too puffy around the upper edge? This could be a sign of filler migration—a common but preventable issue. Many patients don’t realise that poor injection techniques, unsuitable fillers, or overfilling can cause the product to shift beyond the intended area, leading to unnatural results. At rtwskin, we believe that understanding the causes of filler migration is the first step to avoiding it. In this article, we’ll explain why it happens, how to prevent it, and what to do if it occurs, ensuring your lips stay beautifully enhanced and natural-looking

What Is Lip Filler Migration?

Lip filler migration occurs when the injected filler moves beyond the intended area, creating an unnatural look, such as “duck lips” or a puffy upper lip border. This can happen due to overfilling, poor injection techniques, or using the wrong type of filler.

Filler migration doesn’t always happen immediately after the injection. In some cases, it may take weeks or even months for the filler to shift, as it integrates into the tissue and responds to natural muscle movement. The severity of migration depends on the type of filler used, the amount injected, and the individual’s lifestyle habits—factors like excessive pressure, frequent facial expressions, or aggressive massaging of the lips can all contribute to unwanted movement.

Causes of Lip Filler Migration

1. Injection Technique

Inadequate skills and anatomical knowledge can result in poor injection practices, increasing the risk of migration.

Poor Injection Technique: Incorrect filler placement can lead to migration and uneven results. Common mistakes include:

• Injecting too close to the lip border, pushing filler beyond the lips.
• Placing filler too superficially, causing visible lumps.
• Needle or cannula size: Using an excessively small needle or cannula may contribute to filler migration.
• Over-injecting in a single session or using multiple sites improperly, leading to uneven lips.
• Inconsistent filler distribution, causing asymmetry.

Some patients are more prone to filler migration due to their natural lip structure. Those with thin lips or a weak vermilion border (the natural outline of the lips) may be at higher risk, as their lips have less support to hold the filler in place. In such cases, a specialist should use lower volumes of filler and avoid placing product too close to the lip border to prevent movement.

At rtwskin, our expert practitioners use advanced slow injection techniques to ensure precise placement, smooth integration, and natural-looking results.

2. Injection Volume and Speed

High-volume injections or rapid administration under pressure can cause filler to migrate.

Overfilling the Lips: Injecting big amounts of dermal filler creates pressure in the lip tissue, causing migration and an unnatural look.

The elasticity of the lips plays a key role in how well they retain filler. Overfilling in a single session can stretch the tissues beyond their natural capacity, making it difficult for the filler to stay in place. This is why gradual volume-building is always a safer approach.

At rtwskin, we adopt a conservative approach, typically starting with 0.5 mL to 1 mL per session, and never exceeding 2 mL for lip treatments.

We recommend building volume gradually over multiple sessions, spaced at least 4-6 weeks apart, to maintain natural results and prevent overloading the lips.

3. External Factors

Post-treatment massage, muscle activity, gravity, and lymphatic spread can displace filler material.

Patients should be extra cautious in the first few weeks after their procedure, as the filler is still integrating into the tissue. Repetitive lip movements such as pursing the lips, excessive chewing, drinking from a straw, or frequent pouting for selfies can place pressure on the newly injected filler, potentially causing it to shift.

Additionally, certain skincare products or treatments that promote collagen breakdown, such as strong exfoliants, aggressive facial massages, or excessive heat exposure (e.g., saunas, steam rooms), may accelerate filler migration.

4. Choosing the Correct Filler for Lips

Not all dermal fillers are suitable for lip enhancement. The right product should be soft, flexible, and designed to move naturally with lip tissue.

At rtwskin, we use only hyaluronic acid fillers specifically formulated for lips, including:

• Juvederm Volift: A soft, hydrating filler for subtle volume and definition.
• Juvederm Smile: A slightly firmer filler for added structure and long-lasting results.
• MaiLi Define & MaiLi Precise: Advanced hyaluronic acid fillers providing a smooth, natural finish while enhancing lip volume.

We are not using fillers like Juvederm Voluma and MaiLi Volume in the lips, as they are designed for deep tissue support and volumisation and can result in stiffness, lumps, and increased risk of migration when used in the lips.

The molecular structure of the filler also determines its likelihood of migration. Lower-density fillers designed for lips tend to be more elastic and better integrate into the natural movement of the mouth, whereas thicker, more cross-linked fillers meant for deeper facial injections can be too firm and lead to uneven distribution.

How to Avoid Lip Filler Migration

Choose an Experienced Injector: A skilled professional ensures proper placement and amount. Inadequate skills and anatomical knowledge can result in poor injection technique, increasing the risk of migration.

• Start with Small Amounts: Begin with 0.5 mL to 1 mL and gradually build volume.
• Use the Right Filler: Only hyaluronic acid fillers designed for lips should be used.
• Avoid Unsuitable Fillers: We never use Juvederm Voluma or MaiLi Volume in the lips.
• Inject Within the Vermilion Border: Staying inside the natural lip border prevents filler from spreading into surrounding skin.
• Follow Aftercare Instructions: Avoid excessive lip movement, drinking from straws, or applying pressure for a few days.
• Space Out Filler Sessions: At least 6-12 months between touch-ups, unless advised otherwise.
• Dissolve Migrated Filler: If migration occurs, hyaluronidase can safely dissolve misplaced filler.

In some cases, migrated filler may partially dissolve on its own over time, but for more severe cases, enzyme-based correction with hyaluronidase is the most effective way to restore the natural shape of the lips.

At rtwskin, our expert practitioners prioritise safety, precision, and natural aesthetics, ensuring the best possible results for every client.

Dr. Nina emphasises a conservative approach to lip enhancement, focusing on gradual volume addition to maintain natural aesthetics. She advocates for precise injection techniques and the use of appropriate fillers to ensure optimal results and minimise the risk of migration. Dr. Sheffield’s expertise in lip filler procedures is grounded in her extensive medical background, over 20 years of experience in aesthetics and a deep understanding of facial anatomy. She employs advanced techniques to achieve natural-looking results, focusing on refining lines, volumising, and lifting the lips to enhance their proportions, symmetry, curves and contours. Her approach ensures a smoother, fresher, and more youthful appearance for her patients.

At rtwskin clinic in Tunbridge Wells, Dr. Sheffield utilises only hyaluronic acid fillers specifically formulated for lips, such as Juvederm Volift, Juvederm Smile, MaiLi Define, and MaiLi Precise. These fillers are chosen for their softness, flexibility, and ability to move naturally with lip tissue, minimising the risk of complications like filler migration. Dr. Sheffield’s commitment to patient safety and satisfaction is evident in her personalised treatment plans, which are tailored to each individual’s needs to ensure optimal outcomes.

Considering lip fillers or need expert guidance on correcting migrated filler?

At rtwskin, we believe in enhancing your beauty while maintaining natural-looking, balanced results. Book a consultation with Dr. Sheffield and our team to discuss your options and receive a tailored treatment plan that aligns with your goals.

Visit our clinic in Tunbridge Wells

Schedule your consultation today

Book Now 

Your perfect lips start with the right expertise. Let rtwskin help you achieve stunning, natural results! ✨