Can lip fillers migrate into your cheek?

Question

Is it possible for restalyne lip injections to migrate to my cheek right next to my upper lip? Can feel a mass inside my mouth and it has caused my cheek to swell and is very painful. I acquired this mass 2-3 days after injections. Also, I've already went to my dentist thinking it may have to do with a tooth but was told they couldn't see anything serious going on in my mouth the cause a mass to form like that in my cheek. X-rays were done of my upper right jaw.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. Yes, Restylane can migrate slightly, but not from the lip to the cheek. It is possible that you have swelling adjacent to the injection site. See an experienced injector for comprehensive evaluation and discussion of treatment options.Good luck,

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  If placed by an injector familiar with fillers you should not anticipate migration of the fillers from your lips into your cheeks.  Fillers tend to be gel-like making movement of it once injected very difficult. I would return to your injector and have an in-person examination. They should be able to help diagnose and treat your concerns.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It's difficult to tell without pictures and needs an in-person evaluation. It is unlikely that your lip injections migrated to your cheek. I recommend following up with a cosmetic dermatologist. If necessary, this can be reversed with hyaluronidase. It may take a series of treatments. Best, Dr. Emer

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. No, Restylane cannot migrate to the area you have described. However, this most likely due to misplacement of the filler. You can try gently massage the lump to help resolve it or have hyaluronidase to dissolve it. I recommend having a follow up with injector to discuss your concerns and to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

Restylane will not migrate to the area you are describing; however, most likely this is the result of misplacement of the filler. it can be treated with hyaluronidase and massage may help.  Be sure you are seeing a board certified dermatologist

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

It depends upon the type of filler injected the amounts. This could be an infection, abscess, granuloma. But only in person examination can offer dx and potential treatments. Did you return to see you injecting MD? Or did you use a non MD to inject????

Matthew Elias, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Yes, it is possible the bumps in your cheek may be caused by your lip filler.  This can be due to many reasons including improperly placed filler, granuloma formation, biofilm formation amongst many others.  Typically bumps after filler smooth out at about 2 weeks with massage and time.  If you are still unhappy with your Restylane please follow up with your board certified Dermatologist/PS who injected you for further evaluation and management.  Regards, Dr. Matt Elias

Can lip fillers migrate into your cheek?

Answers (7)