How often does filler migrate?

Question

Hi! I am wondering how common it is for Juvederm (including voluma) to migrate months or years after the injection. I saw a youtube video this week by a doctor in Australia stating that this can happen.

Richard Burgmeier, MD · Answer

Not only can hyaluronic acid fillers migrate they can also expand as they break down and absorb water. I have seen many patients over the years come to me for a second opinion after getting fillers placed in the past. The most common area of migration and swelling  I see is from the NLF to the adjacent cheek area. HA fillers are a gel that can be squeezed in this high pressure area laterally to the lower pressure cheek area.  Amazing how much better a person looks after I dissolve the filler lateral to the NLF. The most common area of delayed swelling I see is in the area around the eyes. I have dissolved filler in this area that had been placed years earlier. I have also seen migration from the upper lip to the area above the lip. I call it the Marge Simpson look.

Peter N. Butler, MD, FACS · Answer

The video you are referring to is a series of MRI studies showing residual filler in patients who report not having injections in many years.  Above the lip is a common area we see filler migration in patients who have been treated multiple times over the years. However, this could be related to original product placement versus migration.

Monica Boen, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concern. However, it is very rare for filler to migrate and if it does, it typically occurs within days after the injections, not months or years. Research has shown that these fillers bind with the tissue in the treatment area quickly and at that point, they will not migrate to another locations. Hyaluronic acid fillers only last a few months in most cases, as the HA is reabsorbed by the body over time. 
When you schedule your filler treatment, make sure it is with a board-certified dermatologist who has expertise in these procedures. With the right filler and an experienced providers, you should see very good results from your treatment without worry over possible migration of the product.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Fillers typically tend to last 9 to 12 months. I would advise you to schedule a consultation with a board certified expert injector for a detailed examination to discuss all possible treatment options and what your expectations are.

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Once the Juvederm is placed, you can mold it around. Juvederm typically lasts 6-9 months, so there is no way for it to migrate after years and even after months. It integrates with the surrounding tissues shortly after being place.

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

Hyaluronic Acid based fillers do not tend to migrate and certainly do not migrate years after they are placed.  Studies have shown that these fillers integrate into the local tissue within a short period of time after being placed.  So not sure what this Australian person was talking about.I hope that helps and wish you the very best!Warmest regards,-Gregory A Buford MD FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon and AuthorCertified Allergan National MASTER Facial Injectables Trainer`

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

fillers rarely migrate now days especially with newer fillers that are made to move with your tissue and stay where injected.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Dmitriy Schwarzburg, MD · Answer

It's rare but it does happen. It should be quick and easy to notice if filler does migrate. Please contact a qualified provider or a board-certified physician with extensive experience in these procedures.

Selena Lantry, MD · Answer

Filler can be somewhat malleable immediately after the injection.  However, it should not migrate months or years after the injection.  Generally, fillers dissolve somewhere between 6 months to 1 year, so there should be nothing left to migrate at that point.

Esta Kronberg, MD · Answer

The hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvederm and Restylane products) rarely migrate and last up to 1 year. So the product does not persist past a year.They are slightly malleable  for a short while after injected.

How often does filler migrate?

Answers (17)

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