Confidential · Judgement-Free
Lip filler correction — when something isn't right
Migrated filler, lips that are too big, asymmetry, the “Russian lips” effect that aged badly — all correctable by a clinician with surgical training. Honest, no judgement, no pressure.
A note before you read on. Most of the patients we see for lip filler correction had their original filler placed somewhere else, often by someone with much less training than they realised at the time. You are not the only one. You are not silly. And there is no judgement at this clinic — only an honest conversation about what is actually there and what your options are.
What “wrong” can look like
Migration above the lip line
Filler that has spread above the vermillion border, into the skin between the lip and nose. Often looks like a faint “moustache shadow”, a flattened cupid's bow, or a blurred lip edge. The most common single reason for correction.
The “sausage” or “duck” lip
Heavy forward projection of the upper lip with no anatomical lift, often from too much filler placed too superficially. Aesthetically common ten years ago and increasingly recognised as something patients want corrected.
Russian-lip technique that hasn't aged well
The Russian lip can look striking when fresh and in proportion. Over multiple top-ups it often becomes top-heavy, asymmetric, or starts migrating. Patients often want to return to a more natural baseline before deciding what to do next.
Asymmetry that hasn't resolved
Most fresh-filler asymmetry settles in 2-4 weeks. After that, what you see is the result. Significant asymmetry can usually be rebalanced by partial dissolving of the heavier side and a small touch of fresh filler on the other.
Lumps, nodules, or chronic swelling
Clinical signs that warrant assessment. Usually fixable; some require dissolving the affected area then a wait before re-treatment.
A look you no longer want
Tastes change. The full lips you wanted at 25 may not be the lips you want at 40. “I don't want this any more” is a perfectly valid reason. No clinical problem required.
What the journey usually looks like
- 1
Free 30-minute consultation
A confidential conversation. We assess what is actually there, take photos for your records (kept private), and discuss honestly what dissolving will and won't do.
- 2
Dissolving session
Usually one session, sometimes two. Topical numbing, a few small injections of the dissolving enzyme. ~30 minutes. Significant swelling for 1-3 days afterward.
- 3
2-4 week settle
The lip returns to its natural shape. Many patients are surprised — and pleased — by how their unfiltered lip looks.
- 4
Decide what next
Three options. (a) Live filler-free. (b) A small, conservative re-treatment with a fresh anatomical plan. (c) Wait and decide later. There is no rush and no pressure to re-treat.
Vascular emergency? Don't wait.
Severe pain, white patches in the skin, mottled or dusky appearance — these are signs of a vascular complication and need urgent treatment. Contact us, your original injector, NHS 111, or A&E immediately. This page is not a substitute for emergency care.
FAQ
What is lip filler migration?+
Filler that has moved from where it was placed (inside the lip body) into the surrounding skin (above the vermillion border, into the cupid's bow ridge, or below the lower lip line). Visible as a flat, blurry lip border, a 'shadow' moustache above the upper lip, or a sausage-roll bulge.
Why does lip filler migrate?+
Three common reasons. (1) Too much product placed at one session, overwhelming the natural lip space. (2) Wrong product — using a thin filler designed for skin boosters in the lip leads to spreading. (3) Wrong technique — placing filler too superficially or too laterally. (4) Too-frequent top-ups before the previous filler has fully integrated. Migration is rarely the patient's fault.
Are 'Russian lips' the same as migration?+
Different but related. The 'Russian lip' technique is a specific injection method that emphasises vertical lift over forward projection, often producing a heart-shape or bunny-tip appearance. Done well by an experienced injector it can look striking. Done badly — or done with too much product — it commonly produces severe migration and an exaggerated upper lip that no longer matches the rest of the face.
Can migrated filler be fixed?+
Yes — almost always. Migrated hyaluronic-acid (HA) filler can be dissolved with the appropriate enzyme. After dissolving, the lip returns to its natural shape (with some swelling for 1-2 weeks). At that point, you can choose to leave the lip alone or have a fresh, anatomically-conservative re-treatment.
Will dissolving make my lips look much smaller?+
Initially yes — sometimes dramatically so. The lip will look temporarily smaller than your natural lip due to swelling distortion. Within 2-4 weeks the lip returns to its true natural size. Many patients are surprised at how good their natural lip looks once years of accumulated filler is gone.
How many sessions does correction usually take?+
Often one. Sometimes two — especially if there is a lot of filler or if it has been there for many years. We usually wait 2-4 weeks between sessions to allow swelling to settle and to assess the true result.
I had my filler placed by someone who isn't a medical professional. Is that OK to mention?+
Completely. We see this every week. There is no judgement at this clinic. We do ask what was used (if you know), when, and where — these inform the dissolving plan, not a moral assessment of your past choices.
How much does lip filler correction cost?+
Depends on how much filler is present and how many sessions are likely needed. Discussed openly at the free consultation, with a written treatment plan. We will not quote a price over the phone — too many variables. There is never an obligation to proceed.
Confidential, judgement-free consultation
Free 30 minutes with Dr Niru, GDC-registered dental surgeon (No. 170811). We assess what's there, what your options are, and never pressure you to proceed.
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