Lip Filler Migration: What Are The Signs & How To Fix It?

Written by an Expert Aesthetic Content Writer Lisa.
Reviewed by Expert Medical Director Dr. Raj Thethi
Published on: March 25, 2025
Lip Fillers

lip filler migration

Lip filler migration is a condition where the filler gel moves beyond its original place, resulting in an unnatural or uneven appearance. While lip fillers are a safe and quick lip-plumping treatment, sometimes things do not go as planned. It may be disappointing but do not worry—the chances of such incidents are rare. 

Knowing why lip filler migration occurs, how to avoid it, and how to correct it is crucial to achieving smooth, symmetrical, and natural-looking lips. Continue reading to learn about its initial warning signs to professional-endorsed solutions—everything you need to know.

What is Lip Filler Migration?

Lip filler migration is when the filler migrates past the desired area, creating lumps, puffiness, or an uneven shape. It may happen on the upper lip, within the lips, or even along the lip edges. Although quite rare, it is more probable to occur in the lips than in the rest of the face because your lips are in constant motion and have fine tissue structure.

Many people mistake normal post-treatment swelling for filler migration. Mild swelling is expected after a lip filler procedure and typically subsides within a few days. However, if the shape of your lips continues to change or appears uneven weeks after the procedure, it may indicate migration.

How Often Does Lip Filler Migration Happen?

Even though you see a lot of videos on social media, lip filler migration isn’t as common as it seems. This issue usually arises when the injector lacks proper training or experience.

According to research, both silicone and HA-based fillers can cause lip filler migration.It means choosing the right practitioner comes on top when you consider getting lip fillers. While there’s no way to guarantee that fillers will stay perfectly in place, visiting a board-certified practitioner significantly lowers the risk of lip filler gone wrong.

The Signs: How to Tell if Lip Fillers are Migrating?

As soon as you recognise the signs of lip filler migrations, you may avoid serious or long-term complications. Observe that what seems to be a lip filler migration can be merely swelling, a usual side effect that resolves within a few days.

The most frequent lip filler migration symptoms are the following:

  • Duck Lips: Less distinct upper lip border.
  • Lip filler moustache: Puffiness above the upper lip.
  • Blister-like spots on the inside of the lips
  • Rolling out of one or both lips.
  • Stiff, rubbery lips
  • Asymmetrical or uneven lips
  • Distorted lip  contours
  • Unnatural appearance
  • Bumps and lumps
  • Swelling for a long time
  • Protruded lips
  • Pain to touch
  • Numbness
  • Inability to move the lips

If you observe any of these symptoms, it’s always a good idea to see a professional to assess the extent of migration and the extent of corrective action.

What Causes a Lip Filler to Migrate?

There are multiple reasons why filler migration can occur, varying from injection methods to personal body reactions. The most common reason include:

  • Ineffective Injection Technique

Injecting the fillers incorrectly—too rapidly, too superficially, or in the wrong direction—can cause filler migration and uneven distribution under the skin. 

  • Overfilling the Lips

Too much filler stretches the lip skin and tissues beyond their normal ability— shifting the product beyond its original space. Excess filler migrates into undesired locations over time, leading to puffiness or lumps.

  • Selecting Unsuitable Filler Type

Not all fillers are suitable for the lips. Some have a thicker consistency and are better for areas with more support, like the cheeks. Injecting such fillers into the lips may go wrong. 

  • Overlooking Natural Lip Contour

Everyone’s lips are different. If the injector does not consider your natural lip shape, size, and how your lips move before injecting the fillers, it may increase the chances of lip filler migration.

  • Natural Metabolism

Each person’s body handles fillers differently. Some may break down the filler too fast, while others might experience swelling or inflammation that pushes the filler out of place. Since this is a natural reaction, it cannot be fully prevented.

  • Improper Aftercare

Pressing, rubbing, or massaging lips too early after treatment will cause the filler to shift. It disturbs the natural and even distribution of hyaluronic acid under the skin leading to migration.

  • Natural Lip Movements

Your lips move continuously when speaking, eating, or smiling. These movements can slowly cause the filler to shift over time, particularly in individuals with higher metabolisms since their bodies metabolise it faster.

  • Frequent Touch-Ups Without Proper Spacing

Too frequent scheduling of filler appointments will make newer fillers push older injections into areas that are undesirable. Specialists advise waiting at least 6–12 months between touch-ups unless told otherwise.

Now that you know what can cause a lip filler to migrate let’s see what to do if it happens. 

How do you Fix a Migrating Lip Filler? Taking Actions Instantly

Does lip filler migration go away? Yes, it does! But How? If you think your lip filler has migrated, there are a number of methods to repair it, depending on how serious the problem is.

  • Contact the Practitioner

The initial step is to meet with your injector to assess the situation. Some instances of minor migration may improve over time. If the filler continues to migrate, a professional can suggest treatment methods.

  • Opt for Filler Dissolving Injections

For hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, a practitioner may use hyaluronidase, an enzyme that dissolves the filler and returns your lips to their natural contours. This only takes a few minutes, but it can take up to two weeks for complete effects. 

  • Give your Lips a Gentle Massage

When the lip filler migration is not very obvious, a professional can use a soft massaging motion to redistribute the filler. To prevent further displacement, this should only be performed under the supervision of a professional.

  • Wait it Out

Sometimes, if the migration is minor and does not develop into significant aesthetic issues, your provider will recommend waiting for the filler to break down naturally over time. Most HA-based fillers degrade within 6–12 months.

What Happens if Lip Filler Migration is Left Untreated?

Although lip filler migration isn’t typically risky, not treating it may lead to increased swelling for weeks, asymmetrical lips, and unhappiness with the overall appearance. On rare occasions, migration of fillers can cause clogged blood vessels, which might result in vascular occlusion (a condition that may lead to tissue damage). If you observe signs of severe pain, bruising, or swelling for extended periods, have it treated by a medical professional right away.

How to Prevent Lip Fillers from Migration?

Lip filler migration can be prevented with proper precautions before and after treatment.

  • Select an experienced and skilled injector who is familiar with lip fillers and knows how to place them correctly.
  • Select the appropriate filler for your lips. Softer, more pliable fillers last longer and are less prone to migration.
  • Follow the suggested dose, and don’t overfill your lips during a single sitting.
  • Allow your lips to heal before booking repeat treatments.
  • Minimise facial movements during the initial days post-procedure to avoid filler migration.
  • Adhere to proper post-procedure care, such as avoiding heat, massaging, or pressure on the lips.

Final Thoughts

Lip filler migration is not very common, yet it can be disappointing.  Lip fillers Treatment from an expert practitioner will make you look better, but acknowledging how it happens, its fixes and prevention can be helpful. Never compromise on selecting an expert practitioner to have a proper and safe lip filler procedure. Stick to the aftercare—it will allow you to have fuller, more natural-looking lips without adverse effects.

If you notice filler migration and want to correct it, book a consultation with a trained professional to explore the most suitable option.

FAQs

1. Will filler still dissolve if it migrates?

Whether migrated or not, the hyaluronic acid-based fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase injections. 

2. Can kissing cause filler migration?

The pressure on the lips during kissing may cause lip filler migration if the treatment is done a while ago. It’s best to avoid pressurising your lips for 2-3 days.

3. Does smiling make filler migrate?

No, smiling does not migrate lip fillers. However, avoid continuous lip movements for optimal outcomes and let your lips rest. 

4. How quickly can fillers migrate?

Lip filler may migrate right after or within a week after the treatment; in rare cases, migration may occur even after a year.

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About Dr. Raj Thethi - Medical Reviewer

Dr. Raj Thethi

Yorkshire Skin Centre in Leeds is a CQC-registered medical clinic. It is led by Dr Raj Thethi who completed his core surgical training in hospitals around West Yorkshire before branching into aesthetics. Dr Raj Thethi is a Northern Territory Regional Expert for an international dermal filler company called Teoxane. He also sits on their National UK Faculty.

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