Help please! started with small amounts of filler, unsure of how it would look, but kept returning for "a little more." The last time, I was happy with the results and requested more than usual —but that same day I took no precautions (drank, partied, spent the day in the sun at a festival, kissed). I know it was a bad idea, but I hadn’t experienced swelling before, so I got overconfident. The next day, my lips were EXTREMELY swollen. I had to wait for it to subside before my doctor could dissolve some of the filler. After partial dissolution, I was happy with the results (1st photo) and chose to let the rest dissolve naturally. Note: There is a small reddish area under the bottom lip (visible under makeup), caused by old damage that left a circle of broken capillaries. Fast forward five years—the filler was still present and migrated. The previously damaged area with broken capillaries had detached and felt like loose skin (2nd photo). Note: I also caused further damage by picking at my lips daily, leading to bleeding and possibly chronic inflammation. After multiple consultations and trying to dissolve (minor improvement), I underwent surgery with an internal incision from corner to corner of the bottom lip to remove the filler. However, filler outside the lip was left behind (3rd photo). Can a second surgery remove the migrated filler? What can help the circle of loose skin? If theres scar tissue, will steroid injection help?
3 photos
Answers (1)
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May 17, 2025
Answer: Management of Long-Term Complications from Hyaluronic Acid Lip Filler: Surgical and Non-Surgical Approaches
I encourage you to return to your injector for an evaluation. At ten months the Botox effects should have worn off. The migrated filler can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. Keep in mind that sometimes it takes more than one treatment session.
Repeated trauma to the lips such as with boxing could impact the longevity of your filler and increase risk for migration. If it does migrate you can use hyaluronidase to dissolve it. Typically the filler is settled and all swelling is resolved after two weeks. You may want to wait to pass...
Yes fillers can be used to help improve asymmetry of the lips. This takes an artistic eye so be sure to visit with an experienced injector for treatment. Keep in mind that the lips swell so it can take up to two weeks for you to see your final result.