One of the most common worries we hear is "my lip filler has moved". You might see a ridge or a shadow above the lip line, sometimes called a filler moustache. Many people assume the only fix is to dissolve everything and start again. On a recent TikTok Live from our Brentwood clinic, Paul, our Clinical Director, treated our nurse Bina's own lips to show why that is not always the case.
Miss B is our AI treatment guide. The treatment footage is real, filmed live with consent. Results vary.
Why does filler migrate?
Filler can move for several reasons. Placing filler on top of filler over the years, injecting too much at once, or injecting with too much pressure can all push product beyond where it was meant to sit. Movement of the mouth plays a part too. Migration is not inevitable, but technique and the amount used make a big difference.
Spotting migration
Signs include a raised or puffy border above the lip, a loss of a crisp lip line, or a duck-like look where the top lip pushes outwards. Bina is happy with her lips, but when she presses gently on her bottom lip you can see a small bulge of migration at the side. That is exactly the kind of thing that does not need the whole lip dissolved.
You may not need the whole lip dissolved
We advise against dissolving the whole lip unless filler has been pushed into the wet border and is causing bubbling under the lip. If the problem is migration on the top, we can use a special technique to dissolve just along the borders of the lip. That means the filler that is still sitting where it should can stay, and the lip keeps its shape.
How the border technique works
The product used to dissolve filler is an enzyme that breaks hyaluronic acid filler down. Paul places it very precisely along the border, injecting at an angle and going slowly, so it targets the migrated filler rather than the whole lip. Slow, controlled placement is the key part of the technique, and it is what we teach clinics in our masterclasses.
Will the dissolver spread?
This is a fair question. With careful, precise placement and small amounts, the aim is to work on the border only. Some swelling straight afterwards is normal and settles.
Frequently asked questions
Does dissolving filler hurt?
Most people describe it as quick. In the video Bina rated it as low on pain and over fast, though everyone's experience is different.
Can I have filler again after dissolving?
Often yes, once everything has settled and we have assessed the area. We would usually plan a smaller, more precise amount.
Should I have my migrated filler dissolved somewhere else first?
Book a consultation first. We will assess where the filler is and whether partial dissolving, full dissolving or no treatment is right for you.
Are you a clinic wanting to learn the border technique?
We teach it in our advanced masterclasses. Trade accounts are available to approved clinics at 65medical.co.uk.
Book a consultation
If you think your lip filler has migrated, book a consultation at our nurse-led clinic in Brentwood and we will talk you through your options.
Results vary. Treatments are for adults aged 18 and over and are subject to a consultation.
Results vary from person to person. Every treatment starts with a consultation with a registered clinician.