Common Symptoms of Lip Filler Migration and How To Treat Them
- Juvenology Clinic
- Jan 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 27

Let's Chat About Lip Fillers (And When They Wander!)
Hi there! Nurse Marina here from Juvenology Clinic in Maidstone.
Ever noticed those gorgeous lips on your Instagram feed and thought, "I'd love a bit of that fullness"? You're not alone! Lip fillers have become super popular for adding a touch of plumpness or definition to your natural lips.
But let's talk about something that might worry you—lip filler migration. Sounds scary, right? Don't worry! I'm here to explain what it is, how to spot it, and most importantly, how we can fix it if it happens.
What Exactly Is Lip Filler Migration?
Simply put, lip filler migration is when the filler decides to take a little trip from where we originally placed it. Instead of staying put, it moves to areas where it wasn't intended to be.
Think of it like drawing inside the lines of a colouring book. Migration is when the colour sneaks outside those lines!
This can happen for a few reasons:
Too much filler in one spot
Filler placed too superficially
Touching or massaging your lips too soon after treatment
Even sleeping face-down can sometimes cause it!
I had a client last month who was so excited about her new lips that she kept touching them. By her follow-up appointment, we noticed a tiny bit of migration. Quick fix? Absolutely! And now she tells everyone to "keep their hands off" for the first few days.
How Do I Know If My Filler Has Migrated?
Let's talk about the signs to watch for:
Uneven lips – One side looks fuller or shaped differently than the other
Little bumps – Feel like tiny peas under your skin
A "shelf" above your lip – That's filler that's wandered up above your lip line
Persistent swelling – Some swelling is normal at first, but if it doesn't go away or seems uneven
Discomfort – Any unusual pain or tenderness
The most common spot I see migration? Right above the cupid's bow—that cute little "M" shape at the top of your upper lip.
It doesn't happen often, but if you notice any of these signs, don't panic! And please don't be embarrassed to come back and see me. Catching it early makes it so much easier to fix.
How We Fix Wandering Fillers
Good news! Lip filler migration is totally fixable.
The most effective solution is something called hyaluronidase—I know, it's a mouthful! It's basically an enzyme that dissolves hyaluronic acid fillers. Think of it as an "eraser" for fillers.
Here's how we can help:
Dissolve and start fresh – For significant migration, we might recommend dissolving the filler completely and starting over once your lips heal.
Spot treatment – If it's just a small area, we can precisely target just the migrated filler.
Massage and redistribution – Sometimes I can gently manipulate the filler back where it belongs without additional injections.
I remember helping a client who came to me after having fillers elsewhere. She had that telltale "duck lip" look from migration. We used a tiny bit of hyaluronidase in just the right spots, and two weeks later, she had the natural, subtle enhancement she originally wanted!
Preventing Migration Before It Happens
Want to know the best way to deal with migration? Prevent it in the first place!
Here's my advice:
Choose your injector wisely – Experience matters! (That's why I'm constantly training and learning)
Follow aftercare instructions – They're not just suggestions!
Don't touch or massage your lips after treatment (I know it's tempting!)
Sleep on your back for a few nights
Avoid extreme facial expressions for the first 24-48 hours
One of my regular clients jokes that she becomes "expressionless as a statue" for two days after her lip treatments. A bit extreme? Maybe! But her results are always flawless.
Why Come to Juvenology Clinic?
When it comes to your face—especially your lips—you want someone who truly cares about giving you beautiful, natural results.
At our clinic in Maidstone, we take the time to really understand what you're looking for. Want just a subtle enhancement? Or something a bit more noticeable? Let's talk about it!
During your consultation, we'll:
Look at your natural lip shape
Discuss what you love (and maybe don't love) about your lips
Create a treatment plan just for you
Talk through all the aftercare tips
We use only premium hyaluronic acid fillers that feel natural and integrate beautifully with your own tissue.
My favourite part of my job? When clients look in the mirror after treatment and say, "These are the lips I was meant to have!" That natural, just-right look is what we aim for every time.
Got questions about lip fillers? Worried about a previous treatment? Pop in for a chat at 82 King Street in Maidstone. I'd love to meet you!
Nurse Marina