What is the reason behind getting the "duck-lip" look when getting lip augmentations? Can this be avoided? (photos)

Question

I have noticed that women who get lip augmentations often have a very un-natural look where the upper lip sticks out in a odd pouty manner. The definition in the upper lip is lost, and the outer corners of the lip have an up-turned effect. What is the cause of this? Is it a doctor error, or is it due to the clients lip shape before-hand? And lastly, is this a result that my doctor can fore-see happening? (I've attached some photos as to what I mean by the "duck-lip" look) Thanks so much

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

A skilled injector
will be able to avoid the “duck lips” look during lip augmentation. Duck lips
are generally a result of patients being overfilled in both the upper lip and
white area above the lip, causing the lip to project out too much.  This can be totally avoided with good
technique and choice of the right filler for the patient’s tissue type.  At my practice, we make sure to discuss with
the patient how they want their lips to look in order to precisely add enough
volume to achieve their goals. Make sure you visit a board-certified
dermatologist with experience performing natural-looking lip augmentations to
avoid duck lips.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

The most effective way to avoid the "duck lip" look is to choose a surgeon that has a wealth of experience, exceptional training and education, and plenty of experience. As Dr. Weber noted, you should peruse through a surgeon's testimonials and before and after photos to ensure you know the surgeon's entire body of work. I suggest you consult a board certified facial plastic surgeon to receive the
highest quality knowledge, treatment, care and skill available. A consultation provides you the opportunity to relay your
concerns and desired outcome to the surgeon while the surgeon can assess your
health profile and discuss his/her pertinent advice.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

I totally agree with you. I prefer the before photo to the after in most of the pictures you posted. This results either from an uninformed injector or an experienced injector who willingly creates an unusual result for a patient that desires this look. Placement of too much filler in the upper lip or too much filler placed along the lip line creates this look. The upper lip should be less full than the lower lip and this ratio needs to be respected during injections. Before and after photos are very helpful. If you want a natural look don't go to any physician injectors that highlight these ridiculous results on their websites. Good luck!Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

The "duck-lip" augmentation is the result of too much product or not choosing the right product or just technique.

Jason Litner, MD · Answer

In Los Angeles, there are many women who have that over-augmented 'duck' look that you're describing. In my experience, this happens in one of two scenarios. One is when just too much product has been used to make the lips appear over-inflated in general. A second is that many patients and/or injectors elect to treat just the upper lip and not the lower lip. The lower lip should normally be about 20% larger than the upper lip. When only the upper lip is filled to make it equal in size to or larger than the lower lip, the lips look off and the upper lip often looks pulled forward in relation to the lower lip. There is sometimes a shift in aesthetic for some who may think that if some filler is good, more must be better. If you prefer a more natural aesthetic, seek out a doctor who feels the same way and you can expect to achieve a pretty and natural result.

What is the reason behind getting the "duck-lip" look when getting lip augmentations? Can this be avoided? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Duck Lip and Lip Augmentation

Answer: Duck Lip and Lip Augmentation

Answer: How to avoid 'duck lips' with lip augmentation

Answer: How to avoid 'duck lips' with lip augmentation

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What is the reason behind getting the "duck-lip" look when getting lip augmentations? Can this be avoided? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Duck Lip and Lip Augmentation

Answer: Duck Lip and Lip Augmentation

Answer: How to avoid 'duck lips' with lip augmentation

Answer: How to avoid 'duck lips' with lip augmentation

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.