Dissolved lip filler left my border stretched. How can I fix this? (Photo)

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. It’s not uncommon to experience some looseness or changes in skin texture in areas where lip filler has been dissolved. After having filler, the surrounding tissue can stretch, and once the filler is removed, the skin may not immediately bounce back to its original state. This is a natural response, but it can be concerning when it feels loose. To address the looseness without adding more filler, there are several non-invasive treatments you might consider. Microneedling is one effective option. This procedure uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production. Over time, this can improve skin texture and firmness, helping to tighten the area. Another option is radiofrequency treatments, which utilize heat to stimulate collagen production deep within the skin. These treatments can help tighten loose skin and improve overall contour without the need for fillers. Similarly, chemical peels can promote skin renewal, enhancing texture and potentially helping the area appear firmer. In addition to these treatments, maintaining a good skincare routine that includes products with retinoids, peptides, and hyaluronic acid can also be beneficial. These ingredients can support skin health and improve firmness over time. I hope this helps and best of luck!

If lip filler has migrated and then been dissolved, leaving the lip border stretched or loose, there are several options to consider for improvement without adding more filler:

Microneedling or Radiofrequency (RF) Treatments: These non-invasive treatments can help stimulate collagen production in the affected area. Microneedling involves creating micro-injuries to promote healing and collagen synthesis, while RF treatments use heat to stimulate collagen production. Both can help tighten the skin and improve its texture.

Laser Treatments: Certain laser treatments, such as fractional CO2 lasers, can also stimulate collagen production and help tighten the skin. These treatments can be effective for improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of loose skin.

Chemical Peels: While primarily used for skin texture and tone, some chemical peels can help stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity.

Massage and Facial Exercises: Gentle massage and specific facial exercises can help improve blood circulation and potentially stimulate collagen production in the area.

Consult a Professional: It's important to consult with a dermatologist or a cosmetic professional who can assess the situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your specific needs and skin type.

As for whether this is normal, it's not uncommon for areas where filler has been dissolved to feel loose or stretched, especially if the filler had been in place for a while and caused some degree of skin stretching. However, the extent of this effect can vary from person to person.

In some cases, if the looseness is significant and other treatments do not provide satisfactory results, additional filler might be considered in the future to restore volume and shape. However, this should be a last resort after exploring other options.

Typically if you want to be certain about if filler is dissolved you can see a doctor who uses ultrasound at bedside to reverse filler. However , usually when it's done properly you should expect a return of your normal shape. You can easily have it filled to restore shape as well.

If you've dissolved large amount of filler you may find that your skin is loose in the area. One way to overcome this is with skin tightening procedures such as IPL, though that's mostly used for hyperpigmentation these days, and Morpheus for which results are unparalleled. Finally, consider Elacore to core 5-8% of skin with each session. Elacore was developed particularly for the midface area around the nasolabial folds and marionette lines. If you'd like to be more aggressive, consider a liplift, which is a relatively fast-recovery, in-office procedure. Let me know if you feel better informed or need more information.

If you are willing to tighten the skin of the upper lip, i would highly suggest trying Clearlift , non-ablative lip laser treatment to stimulate collagen production. It could potentially help reduce the appearance of the loose skin, also some patients notice improvement in the lip volume as well. You might need at least 4 treatments to notice results, in regular intervals. For best results consult with an expert in your area. Best regards- Dr Nari.

Over time the stretched skin should begin to settle and feel normal. To address the skin now you can consider Morpheus8. This treatment combines RF technology with microneedling to improve skin tone and texture. I've included a video that I hope you find helpful.