Dermal filler can change the way you feel about yourself. You get a new you with fewer wrinkles and more youthful skin. However, it has a rare complication known as Filler migration. It is the movement of the filler to an unintended location. This can be very frustrating but you have to address it properly. When you understand the cause, prevention is easier. Let’s find out more about it. 

Understanding Filler Migration

While dermal fillers are added to bring volume to the skin and enhance the facial aesthetics, due to certain reasons, fillers move from their position causing unevenness, lumps, and unpleasant changes in the facial contour.

What are The Causes of Filler Migration?

Several factors are responsible for causing filler migration, such as:

• Filler Type: If you have used thinner filler, then they are more prone to movement. 
• Injection Technique: How the fillers are injected plays a vital role. That is why it is important to get it done by only experienced dermal filler administrators. 
• Facial Anatomy: In many cases, even facial anatomy can also cause these unwanted movements of fillers.
• Post-Treatment Care: This can happen if you ignore your post-care instructions. 
• External Factors: There are cases where some factors like sleeping position or even gravity have affected the movement but these cases are very rare. 

How to Prevent Filler Migration?

There can be no guarantee to any such complications but if preventive measures are taken the risk of this type of filler migration can be reduced.

• The most important part of dermal fillers is the selection of a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive knowledge and experience in the field. 
• You must clearly explain your goals to the injector to avoid any confusion in choosing the type of fillers.
• Try to go for thicker fillers in the areas where filler migration can happen, like lips.
• Follow the aftercare instructions properly. 
• Maintain a good posture while sleeping. Do not put too much pressure on the filler to protect them. 

How to Address the Filler Migration?

If you notice the filler migration, you must contact your doctor immediately. They can guide you further after examination. Following are the recommendations, the doctor might give: 

• In some cases, the filler which is moved from one place can be distributive over time. Patients are asked to keep a watch on it for some time. 
• An enzyme called Hyaluronidase is applied to dissolve acid-based fillers.
• If the movement is very slight, you can go for more filler to balance the appearance.
• As guided by the injector, you can do a gentle massage which will help redistribute the fillers. 

Bottom Line

Dermal fillers can change the way you age. Making you more youthful but the complications of movement of filler can cause troubles. By understanding the importance of aftercare instructions, you can avoid this complication. Identifying a qualified plastic surgeon is the key to getting the dermal filler done right. If you notice any unwanted movement of filler or if your face is showing some kind of lump, that is the time to contact your doctor immediately.