Migration inner lip. Haven’t been able to find an answer anywhere (Photo)

Question

I haven’t had lip filler done for at least 2.5 years. The last time I did, it was .5 and then a year before that was another .5. Noticed these “blisters” about 8 months ago. They never changed in size etc just noticed they were there. Assumed it was blisters as I noticed I was sucking on my lip often without knowing. I saw someone about it and they said it was lip filler.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

I can understand why this would be concerning, especially since these bumps appeared long after your last filler treatment.

Based on your history, filler migration is one possibility, but it is not the only explanation. Since you only had a total of 1 mL of filler over two sessions and your last treatment was about 2.5 years ago, significant migration would be less common, although hyaluronic acid filler can sometimes persist much longer than expected in some individuals.

The fact that these bumps:

appeared about 8 months ago,
have not changed in size, and
are located on the inner aspect of the lip

raises a few possibilities.

One possibility is that they represent small deposits of residual filler or a delayed filler nodule. These can occasionally become more noticeable months or even years later, particularly if the filler attracts water or if scar tissue develops around it.

Other possibilities include:

Mucoceles (mucous cysts) from minor salivary glands.
Small areas of scar tissue or fibrosis.
Benign enlargement of the minor salivary glands.
Irritation from repetitive lip biting or sucking, which you mentioned you've noticed yourself doing.

If the bumps are truly residual hyaluronic acid filler, they may respond to hyaluronidase, which dissolves HA filler. However, it's important to be certain of the diagnosis before treating, because hyaluronidase will not improve mucoceles, salivary gland tissue, or scar tissue.

One reassuring feature is that the bumps have remained stable for many months without enlarging or becoming painful. That makes a serious condition much less likely.
I can understand why this would be concerning, especially since these bumps appeared long after your last filler treatment.

Based on your history, filler migration is one possibility, but it is not the only explanation. Since you only had a total of 1 mL of filler over two sessions and your last treatment was about 2.5 years ago, significant migration would be less common, although hyaluronic acid filler can sometimes persist much longer than expected in some individuals.

The fact that these bumps:

appeared about 8 months ago,
have not changed in size, and
are located on the inner aspect of the lip

raises a few possibilities.

One possibility is that they represent small deposits of residual filler or a delayed filler nodule. These can occasionally become more noticeable months or even years later, particularly if the filler attracts water or if scar tissue develops around it.

Other possibilities include:

Mucoceles (mucous cysts) from minor salivary glands.
Small areas of scar tissue or fibrosis.
Benign enlargement of the minor salivary glands.
Irritation from repetitive lip biting or sucking, which you mentioned you've noticed yourself doing.

If the bumps are truly residual hyaluronic acid filler, they may respond to hyaluronidase, which dissolves HA filler. However, it's important to be certain of the diagnosis before treating, because hyaluronidase will not improve mucoceles, salivary gland tissue, or scar tissue.

One reassuring feature is that the bumps have remained stable for many months without enlarging or becoming painful. That makes a serious condition much less likely.

A careful examination by someone experienced with filler complications is the best next step. In some cases, high-frequency ultrasound can even identify whether the bumps contain residual filler, helping guide treatment and avoiding unnecessary procedures.

From your description, this does not sound like the typical pattern of dramatic filler migration that changes the lip shape. Instead, it sounds more like a localized, stable finding, which is often manageable once the exact cause is identified.
A careful examination by someone experienced with filler complications is the best next step. In some cases, high-frequency ultrasound can even identify whether the bumps contain residual filler, helping guide treatment and avoiding unnecessary procedures.

From your description, this does not sound like the typical pattern of dramatic filler migration that changes the lip shape. Instead, it sounds more like a localized, stable finding, which is often manageable once the exact cause is identified.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

HA fillers may be dissolved with hyaluronidase. Since these bulges occurred after your last treatment, you may wish to consider having this dissolved with the enzyme. Wishing you well. Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin. This is a great question. I highly recommend scheduling an in-person consultation in order to better assess your areas of concern and discuss an appropriate treatment plan to help achieve your aesthetic goals and/or determine if dissolving your filler may be needed. Our office phone number is: (312) 944-0117. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If lip filler is still present and HA fillers were used, you can have the filler dissolved.  Visit your injector for a treatment of hyaluronidase.  This should resolve the issue.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

An oral mucocele is a type of benign cyst that forms in the mouth, usually due to injury or trauma to the mucous membrane. It's typically filled with clear fluid and often appears as a painless, soft swelling. These cysts commonly occur on the inner surface of the lips, tongue, or floor of the mouth.
These are usually best treated by plastic surgeons, ear, nose, and throat doctors, or possibly oral surgeons.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Migration inner lip. Haven’t been able to find an answer anywhere (Photo)

Answers (5)

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