This trend involves taping the lips to prevent the migration of lip fillers. While this trend is relatively new, it has proven to be extremely popular on social media channels like TikTok. However, there are many questions about its effects, safety, and effectiveness. Our doctor Rose Bischoff explains what this trend is and why it's not the right way to counteract lip filler migration.
Lip filler migration
Lip filler migration is a common phenomenon where the filler undesirably shifts from the injected area to surrounding tissues, such as above and/or below the lip border. In many cases, this leads to unnatural and uneven lips. Lip filler migration is a frequent consequence of lips being overfilled. Certain lip filler techniques use more filler, which often increases the chance of filler migration. It is advisable to have the filler in unwanted areas dissolved by an experienced cosmetic doctor.
What is ‘lip taping’?
This trend uses mild, skin-adhesive medical tape - usually hypoallergenic - to form a barrier around the lips. This tape is then pressed or smoothed onto the area around the lips to restrict the movement of the lip filler. The tape aims to create a "railroad track" effect; meaning that if a filler particle tries to escape between the tracks of the tape, it is held there instead of wandering away.
Does ‘lip taping’ work against lip filler migration?
I strongly advise against taping the lips to prevent lip filler migration. Taping the lips might make it seem like the filler stays in place, but a filler is certainly not cement. A filler is a transparent gel that, after removing the tapes, attracts water and naturally positions itself in the tissue. Our tissue moves with facial expressions, causing the filler to shift to its natural position. So, 'lip taping' gives the idea that the lip filler cannot escape, but this is absolutely not the case.
‘Lip taping’ leads to overfilled lips
Due to the 'lip taping' trend, many lips are excessively filled. It seems as if the filler only stays in the taped area, leading to lips being extremely overfilled. Over time, the filler moves into the tissue above and below the lip border, resulting in lip filler migration. This is a very bothersome problem that leads to unnatural-looking lips. My advice is therefore never to overfill your lips.
Lip filler migration can be treated
If you suffer from lip filler migration and your lips look very unnatural as a result, this problem can often be solved. A hyaluronic acid-based filler can be dissolved with hyalase. The cosmetic doctor can place injections in the correct areas to dissolve the displaced filler.
In short, 'lip taping' is not a way to prevent lip filler migration. This trend in the beauty world actually causes lips to be unnecessarily overfilled, without considering the natural movement of the tissue and the gel-like substance of the filler. If you are considering lip fillers, I advise you to get thorough information from an experienced cosmetic doctor.
Do you suffer from lip filler migration? Book a no-obligation consultation with doctor Rose Bischoff; she can help you get your lips back in balance with a natural look.
Dr. Rose Bischoff is a cosmetic doctor at The Body Clinic and works at the clinics in Heerenveen, Groningen, and Utrecht. Rose also teaches medicine at the University of Groningen and is a lecturer at the NVCG. After completing her medical specialist training as an orthopedic surgeon at the UMCG in Groningen, she obtained a super specialization in performing reconstructive surgery, focusing on worn and malfunctioning artificial knees. After gaining 15 years of experience in hospital surgery, she decided to follow her passion for creativity, symmetry, and contact with people and now works as a cosmetic doctor. **Aging gracefully, on your terms** "It's okay to grow old—but now we have the choice to age gracefully on our own terms. I can help you with that, with sincere and personal advice. For me, the goal is achieved when people compliment you on how good you look, not when they realize you've had treatment. It should be complimentary, not conspicuous. That is the essence of natural cosmetic medicine. I treat clients as I would like to be treated myself: with personal attention, time, and precision. A treatment plan is always different for each person, both in terms of wishes and results. That's why I think it's important that both the doctor and the client are fully behind the plan – only then can you achieve the best results," says Rose, **Specialist in harmonization** At The Body Clinic, we regularly receive requests from people to remove excess fillers that have been placed by another clinic and treat them with a natural result. Rose is The Body Clinic's specialist in the “harmonization” of injectables. Rose helps people regain balance in their faces by dissolving excess filler and providing them with a natural-looking treatment. In this way, she creates a fresh, natural look without removing all fillers. “Less is more” – that principle is central to her work. In addition to harmonization treatments, Rose focuses primarily on minor surgical procedures such as NeckTite and upper eyelid corrections. Given her extensive knowledge and experience in the field of surgery, her clients are in excellent hands. Rose is ambitious, honest, and always on the lookout for new developments and techniques in cosmetic medicine. She regularly attends conferences and takes training courses to keep her skills up to date and provide the best care possible.
