In the beauty world, there has been a lot of talk lately about an interesting trend: “lip taping. In this trend, the lips are taped with tape to prevent migration of lip fillers. Although this trend is relatively new, it is proving extremely popular on social media channels such as TikTok. Still, there are many questions about the effects, safety and effectiveness. Our doctor Rose Bischoff explains what this trend is and why this is not the right way to counter lip filler migration.
Lipfiller migration
Migration of lip fillers is a common phenomenon where the filler moves unwanted from the injected area to surrounding tissues such as above and/or below the lip margin. In many cases, this leads to unnatural and uneven lips. Lip filler migration is a common result of lips filled with too much filler. Certain lip filler techniques use more filler, there is often a greater chance of filler migration. It is recommended to have the filler dissolved in the unwanted areas 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 movement of the lip filler. The tape by creating a “train track” effect; this means that when 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 makes it look like the filler will stay in place, but of course, a filler is not cement. A filler is a transparent gel that attracts water after the tapes are removed and positions itself naturally in the tissue. Our tissue moves through facial expression so the filler will move to its natural position. ‘Lip taping’ thus gives the idea of whether the lip filler cannot escape, but this is not the case at all.
‘Lip taping’ creates overstuffed lips
Because of the “lip taping” trend, many lips are overfilled. This is because it appears as if the filler stays only in the area that has been drained, this causes lips to become extremely filled. Over time, the filler goes into the tissue above and below the lip rim and you are dealing with lip filler migration. A very annoying problem that causes unnatural lips. So my advice is to never overfill your lips.
Lipfiller migration is treatable
If you suffer from lip filler migration and this makes your lips look very unnatural, this problem can be solved in many cases. In fact, a hyaluronic acid-based filler can be dissolved with hyalase. The cosmetic doctor can place injections in the right places to dissolve the displaced filler.
In short, “lip taping” is no way to combat lip filler migration. This trend in the beauty world actually causes lips to be unnecessarily overfilled with no regard for natural movement of the tissue and gel-like substance of the filler. If you are considering lip fillers, I recommend that you be well informed by an experienced cosmetic doctor.
Are you suffering from lip filler migration? Then book a free consultation with physician Rose Bischoff, she can help you rebalance your lips with a natural look.
