In 1934, Walt Disney created an anthropomorphic white duck with a large bill. I do not think he intended for generations later, women to try and replicate this look with their dermal lip filler. I want “duck lips,” said no one ever.
Hyaluronic Acid dermal lip filler is injected to the lips to add volume, smooth lines, and shapes the lips to improve their overall general appearance. Whether you want to enhance the same shape of your own lips, or are trying to achieve a dramatic look like Kylie Jenner did, the result should never be an unflattering duck lip.
To create a full and dramatic lip is a process. Patients may require several sessions of lip filler to achieve their desired results. Because it is common to have swelling following lip filler injections, subsequent treatments should be spaced at least two weeks apart to allow for all swelling to subside.
Product choice is also paramount for achieving desirable, flattering results. In my clinic I only inject lips with premium lip fillers from Juvéderm and Teosyal. It is important for patients to ask their providers exactly what products are being injected into their lips. Beware of injectors that are offering mini lips or selling half syringes. Generally, this means that you are getting the beginning or end of a previously opened syringe.
An experienced injector will follow natural proportions for an aesthetically pleasing lip. The golden standard is a 1:1.6 ratio of the top lip when compared to the bottom lip. Less experienced injectors can create a “sausage” like appearance to the lips. This occurs when equal amounts of filler are injected across the entire lip, rather than respecting the natural anatomy of the lip. Depending on age, ethnicity and facial structure it may be appropriate to use a 1:1 ratio.
Another technique that experienced injectors can use is using Botox in addition to lip filler to avoid a ducky appearance.
Technique, ratios and overall facial balance need to be considered when injecting the lips. It is not a one size fits all or one type of filler fits all. Finding an experienced injector will help you to achieve your desired results and avoid the “duck lip.”