Can Filler Migrate After a Year? Here's What You Need to Know

What Does "Filler Migration" Mean?

If you're considering or have already had cosmetic fillers, you’ve probably heard the term "migration" tossed around. But what does it actually mean? Filler migration refers to the movement of injected dermal filler from the intended area to another part of the face or body. While dermal fillers are designed to stay in place, there’s always a chance that they can move over time, especially if proper techniques aren’t followed or if there are certain biological factors at play.

I remember discussing this with my friend Sarah who had gotten lip fillers a year ago. She was concerned because her filler seemed to shift a bit, and she wasn’t sure whether it was normal. I could totally understand her worry, because let’s face it, no one wants their cosmetic enhancements to go out of place!

Can Filler Really Migrate After a Year?

So, can filler migrate after a year? The simple answer is: Yes, it’s possible, but it’s relatively rare. The main reason this happens is that filler materials, like hyaluronic acid, break down over time. When they do, the consistency of the filler changes, which may lead to subtle shifts in the filler’s placement.

1. The Type of Filler Matters

Not all fillers are created equal, and the type of filler used plays a huge role in whether or not it will migrate. Hyaluronic acid fillers (like Juvederm or Restylane) are the most common and typically provide the most natural results. But, even with these, factors like movement, massage, or pressure on the area (e.g., constant facial expressions) can contribute to migration.

Some people I know, including Sarah, went for a more "plumping" treatment, and while it initially gave great results, they noticed subtle movement after some time. For her, the migration wasn't dramatic, but it was enough to make her wonder if she needed a touch-up.

2. The Injecting Technique

Another important aspect is the technique used by the injector. If too much filler is injected into one spot or the filler isn't placed deep enough into the skin, there’s a higher risk of migration. That's why it's essential to choose an experienced practitioner who understands the anatomy of the area being treated. I made the mistake of going to a cheaper clinic with a less experienced injector when I first got fillers, and let’s just say, it didn’t end well.

Sarah actually had her filler done by a highly skilled professional, and her results lasted much longer with minimal issues. This shows how important the professional’s technique is in ensuring the filler stays in place.

Why Do Fillers Migrate?

Now that we know it’s possible, let’s dive into why fillers might migrate even a year after the injection. There are several factors that can contribute:

1. Natural Movement of the Skin

Your skin changes over time. It stretches, moves, and reacts to daily activities like eating, talking, and even sleeping. These movements can slowly cause the filler to shift. That’s something I learned after noticing slight filler movement under my eyes. I hadn't expected it to shift so subtly, but my face was constantly in motion—who knew?

2. Pressure and Massage

Many people massage their face or apply pressure (like when sleeping on one side). While massaging the treated area is sometimes encouraged to make the filler settle, overdoing it or applying too much pressure can cause the filler to move from where it was initially injected.

When I first got my cheek fillers, I was a little too eager to “check” how they were settling, and this led to some minor shifts. Definitely a lesson learned.

3. Age and Changes in Facial Volume

As you age, the structure of your face changes—skin loses elasticity, and bone density can decrease. Over time, this can cause the filler to behave differently than it did when it was first injected. Even if you’ve had fillers for a year, the natural aging process can contribute to migration.

Sarah, for example, noticed that her filler under the eyes seemed to spread more than expected. As her skin aged a little bit (we’re both in our early 30s now), the filler began to change how it interacted with her skin.

How to Prevent Filler Migration

While it's not always possible to completely avoid filler migration, there are ways to minimize the risk.

1. Choose the Right Practitioner

Make sure you’re going to a qualified, experienced injector. A skilled practitioner will know the anatomy of the area, how to properly inject the filler, and how to avoid potential complications like migration.

2. Follow Aftercare Instructions

After your filler appointment, you’ll likely receive a list of aftercare instructions. These are crucial for preventing complications, including migration. Follow them carefully—avoid heavy exercise, direct pressure on the treated area, and certain skincare products immediately after your procedure.

3. Schedule Follow-Up Appointments

Touch-ups and follow-up appointments are key to maintaining optimal results. If you feel that the filler is migrating or not as effective as it once was, schedule a check-up with your injector to ensure everything is in place.

Final Thoughts: Is Filler Migration Something to Worry About?

The possibility of filler migration after a year is certainly real, but it’s not something that should immediately cause alarm. In most cases, if migration occurs, it’s subtle and can be addressed with touch-ups or adjustments. However, the most important takeaway is to choose a skilled injector, follow proper aftercare, and stay aware of how your skin reacts over time.

If you notice any significant changes or have concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your injector. And remember, it’s always better to catch any issues early. Just like Sarah and I learned through our experiences, taking good care of your fillers is key to getting the most out of them.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.