Does Filler Move? The Truth About Filler Migration (and How to Avoid It)

Gem Cooper
7 days ago
3 min read

You’ve probably seen the scary TikToks. Aesthetic disasters. Migrated lip filler. Faces that look... off. Cue the dramatic “Does filler move?!” panic Googling at 2am.

So let’s clear things up. Yes, filler can move. No, it doesn’t always. And yes, it’s usually avoidable if you go to someone who knows what they’re doing.

At Aesthetically Refined, we believe in subtle, strategic treatment, not overfilled faces and inflated promises. So here’s what you need to know about filler migration, how it happens, and how to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.

What Is Filler Migration?

Filler migration is when the product moves from the area it was originally injected to somewhere it shouldn't be. It’s most common around the lips, but can happen in other areas too.

Instead of staying put and doing its job (i.e. adding subtle volume or structure), migrated filler can drift into the surrounding tissue, making the area look puffy, swollen, or just... not right.

Why Does Filler Move?

The honest truth? Filler only moves when it’s misused, mishandled, or mistreated. It's not some rogue gel with a mind of its own.

Here are the usual suspects:

Too much product – Overfilling an area (especially the lips) puts pressure on the tissue and gives the filler nowhere to go but outwards.

Poor injection technique – If the filler’s placed too superficially or in the wrong layer, it’s not going to stay where it’s meant to.

Wrong product choice – Not all fillers are made equal. Using the wrong type for the job can lead to issues with movement or swelling.

Layering on top of old filler – You know that friend who’s had their lips “topped up” every six months since 2019? Yeah... not ideal.

Constant movement – High movement areas like the mouth are more prone to migration, another reason why less is more!

What Does Migrated Filler Look Like?

It varies depending on where it’s happened, but signs of filler migration can include:

Puffy or “duck like” lips (especially above the lip border)
A pillowy look under the eyes
Generalised swelling or blurring of definition
An area that suddenly looks overdone despite subtle treatment

It often happens gradually, which is why people don’t always notice it until they look back at an old photo and think, wait a second…

Can Migrated Filler Be Fixed?

Yes and no, but you don’t need to panic.

Migrated filler can be dissolved with a product called hyaluronidase (if it’s a hyaluronic acid-based filler, which most are). Once things have settled, you can start fresh with the right injector, the right product, and a less is more approach.

At Aesthetically Refined, we see quite a few clients looking for correction work, particularly lips. And honestly? It’s better to start again than layer new filler over the top of a bad job.

How to Avoid Filler Migration in the First Place

This bit’s easy:

Go to a qualified, medically trained injector (not a mate of a mate doing lips in their spare room)
Choose someone who understands facial anatomy, not just the latest trends
Don’t chase volume, chase balance
Be patient. Little tweaks over time always win over big changes in one go
Get old filler dissolved if it’s starting to cause problems

At Aesthetically Refined, every treatment is bespoke and we always err on the side of subtle. Because filler should enhance, not expand!

Filler Doesn’t Have to Migrate, But It Might if You Cut Corners

If you’ve ever worried “does filler move?”, here’s your answer: not when it’s done properly.

Migration happens when filler is overused, poorly placed, or layered on for years without a plan. But with the right injector, right product, and a bit of restraint, it’ll stay right where it’s meant to.

Want subtle, sculpted results without the migration mess?

Book your consultation with Gem and let’s do filler properly.