Migration of filler is defined as the presence of filler at a location remote to the primary area of injection.
A brief literature review brings up a single case study that was published in 2016. In summary, A 33 year old lady presented with 2 lumps on her forehead 16 weeks after filler injection to her nose bridge and it was concluded to be due to filler migration. (1)
Nose augmentation with filler involves deep placement of filler to augment the nasal bridge ( in between the eyes), along the dorsum of the nose to the tip and including the columella . This can be performed with sharp needle or blunt cannula depending on the performing doctors preference.
Back to your question about migration to other parts of the face, nose fillers placed at the bridge may spread laterally and look wider over time. This can be related to filler properties (lack of cohesiveness) and excessive volume of filler injected in the area. Filler injected in the columella and nasal spine may migrate down towards the upper lip or philtrum area. This can be avoided by precise injection technique.
In my experience, use of fillers with high Cohesiveness (such as Teosyal Ultra Deep and Juvederm Volux), low volume low pressure injections and more than 1 treatment session can avoid this broadening and migration.(2)
Migration of filler is a possible but uncommon side effect of any filler injection. In the unfortunate event that you develop a lump in a site away from the primary injection, please consult your Doctor immediately.
Other possible causes of the lump include foreign body reaction/ granuloma, nodule formation or non-filler related causes. If migration of filler happens, it can be remedied with Hyaluronidase injection to dissolve the filler.
Hope this answers your question.
Regards
Dr Mark Lim
Reference
Chae SY, Lee KC, Jang YH, Lee SJ, Kim DW, Lee WJ. A Case of the Migration of Hyaluronic Acid Filler from Nose to Forehead Occurring as Two Sequential Soft Lumps. Ann Dermatol. 2016;28(5):645-647. doi:10.5021/ad.2016.28.5.645
Beer KR. Radiesse nodule of the lips from a distant injection site: report of a case and consideration of etiology and management. J Drugs Dermatol. 2007;6:846–847. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
