Would I be a good candidate for a lift lip to fix a duck lip caused by migration of filler? (Photo)

Question

I have had a small amount of filler in my top lift before which migrated upwards towards my nose and gave me the duck look :). I don’t want to use fillers and am looking for a permanent solution.

Samuel Mattine, MBChB, MRCS, FRCS · Answer

Thank you for sharing the photo. Looking at the length of your upper lip in relation to your lower facial 1/3 height and considering lack of volume and definition of your upper lip, you are likely to get a dramatic improvement with an upper lip left.  I think you are right in considering this treatment.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Filler migration, swelling, and granulomas can cause significant discomfort and cosmetic ramifications. Our office specializes in the use of enzymes and filler reversal techniques without hyaluronidase to help improve the results of botched cosmetic fillers, whether caused by Juvederm, Restylane, or foreign fillers. Our plastic surgery institute provides expertise in filler removal. We begin by examining the facial fillers and assessing the likelihood of fluctuance or liquid volumization. If appropriate, we use Hylenex, or other filler reversal agents to reduce swelling and filler migration. Hylenex can be targeted into the areas of concern using multiple layered injection techniques. If the filler does not completely resolve, then additional concentrations may be employed. The technique has the potential to reduce the filler and may slightly impact normal hyaluronic acid. Treatments are repeated and results can improve immediately and with time.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

A lip lift does 4 things: shortens the distance between your nose and upper lip, increases the mucosa of the upper lip, increases the incisor show and pulls up the corners. The procedure takes less than 1 hour to perform under local anesthesia and costs $3,000.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Georgios Orfaniotis MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Hi there. I think you will be a good candidate for a lip lift. The height of your philtrum can be reduced and this will result in a more balanced proportion between the base of your nose and chin area.Duck lips are commonly seen as a result of lip fillers performed in patients who have long upper lip height. In those patients, a lip lift can achieve a poutier upper lip eliminating the need for fillers, as well as improving facial aesthetics and rejuvenate the lower face.The main contraindication for a lip lift is the history of poor scarring (hypertrophic or keloids). Otherwise the scar is well concealed in the natural lines and shadows of the columella, nostrils and alar base . With appropriate technique and good after care the scar will become inconspicuous after few months. The procedure itself takes 60 mins and is performed under a local anaesthetic in an outpatient theatre facility.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  It appears that you would be a good candidate for a lip lift procedure to improve lip show while reducing the length between your nose and upper lip.  Hope this helps.

Farhad Rafizadeh, MD · Answer

You are definitely a good candidate for a lip lift as your philtrum is over 20 mm. It would need to be under 15 mm ideally. This will increase your vermillion show and help show some teeth when your mouth is relaxed. You should seek at least a virtual consultation to learn more.