FACIAL FILLERS

The Truth About Facial Filler Migration

Recently, TikTok videos have been popping up with women complaining of lumps or bumps on their faces resulting from so-called “filler migration”. With over several thousand likes, comments and shares, these video have left a lasting effect on viewers. In fact, TikToks with the hashtag #fillermigration have generated concern among many women about the phenomena of facial fillers migrating to unexpected parts of the face, leaving a visible hump or series of bumps in their wake.

But, as with absolutely anything that appears on TikTok and other social media platforms, it is important to remember that these videos may or may not be real, may or may not contain accurate information, and in many cases are grossly exaggerated.

Dr. Ali and our nurse injectors have helped thousands of women in the Birmingham, MI area look younger and more beautiful with facial fillers – without any “filler migration” at all! In this article Dr. Ali discusses the alarming #fillermigration trend and helps dispel many of the myths and rumors surrounding “filler migration.”

What is “Facial Filler Migration”?

It turns out that filler migration is not quite as prevalent — or as significant — as it seems on social networking platforms. Continue reading to learn more about filler migration, when and why it (rarely) occurs, and how to remedy it if it does.

Facial filler migration is a term that refers to the process by which a facial filler is injected into one place but moves or “migrates” to another. However, it must be stressed, however, that filler does not migrate from one area of the body to another. What being discussed on social media is simply so-called migration of a few millimeters within the same anatomical regions where it was injected.

Where Facial Filler Migration Occurs

In rare cases where there is facial filler migration, it typically occurs in two locations. They are most likely to migrate around the lips or under the eyes. It often is shown on social media as protruding [or receding] slightly, like an artificial trail of lumps.

Why Facial Filler (Rarely) Migration Occurs

In some very rare cases, filler migration may be caused by another unrelated illness in the patient’s body. Because hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is found in our bodies, it seldom causes an inflammatory response itself when injected. However, if a patient is suffering from inflammation caused by an illness or injury, the filler cells might expand inside the dermal layers and enter what doctors sometimes refer to as “fighting mode,” resulting in the movement of intracellular and matrix fluids, culminating in migration.

This type of very rare migration, due to illness, is more likely to occur months or even years after the facial filler was injected and is deep in the dermal layers, even close to the bone.

Other Cause of Facial Filler Migration

Because filler migration is so exceedingly uncommon, it’s sometimes impossible for physicians to pinpoint a cause in those rare occasions where it does occur. But in most cases of facial filler migration it is probably due to the fact the patient was injected by an inexperienced or untrained provider, who didn’t know what they were doing.

Facial filler migration can occur when the incorrect filler is used in the incorrect spot. If a thin, low-cohesive filler is applied in large amounts in an area where a thicker, more cohesive filler would have been a better choice, the filler can tend to settle or fail to adhere.

Similarly, if regions are filled beyond their anatomic capacity, the filler may move to locations other than the intended area.

Attaining beautiful, natural results from facial fillers requires skilled administration of the injections that is truly “part art and part science”. This is why it is important to only obtain facial fillers from skilled, trained, certified and experienced facial filler provider, like Dr. Ali and his certified nurse injectors.

Treating Facial Filler Migration

The body will likely metabolize the displaced facial filler molecules over time, depending on the type of filler, as various fillers have varying molecular structures and types of linkages.

Nonetheless, the best course of action in rare cases of facial filler migration is to have a highly trained injector, like Dr. Ali and his certified nurse injectors, inject hyaluronidase into the region, which will swiftly destroy any HA-based filler.

If facial filler migration is treated with hyaluronidase, Dr. Ali recommends waiting at least 72 hours following hyaluronidase injection before having more fillers injected.

Preventing Facial Filler Migration | Birmingham, MI

The injector’s expertise and experience with facial fillers are critical. While it is essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon’s office, you should also ensure that they have extensive expertise and an active filler practice.

Attaining beautiful, natural results from lip fillers requires skilled administration of the injections that is truly “part art and part science”. So, bear in mind that, while facial filler is a safe therapy with a high rate of patient satisfaction, the injector’s competence makes all the difference!

Facial Filler migration is extremely rare, but that hasn’t prevented it from trending on social media. To ensure you receive the most beautiful and natural facial filler results schedule a consultation at AMAE Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Birmingham, MI today.

Facial Fillers | Birmingham, MI: 248.335.7200