Got Duck Lips?
Alas, we’ve arrived at the point in the conversation when I must address the issue of ‘duck lips’. This has become an epidemic! It’s almost as if duck lips are the new beauty mark or Coach handbag. Especially in one of my favorite cities, Los Angeles. I frequently visit sunny LA, the beauty center of the world, where lip fillers are basically the new 24k gold facial and I’m loving every minute of it. I admire LA for its talent, killer protein smoothies, and wildly progressive view on modern beauty standards and treatments, but I can’t help but notice the amount of duck lips I am seeing as I saunter through the aisles of Bristol Farms in Beverly Hills. Is this a sort of fashion trend? Are duck lips a right of passage? Or… are they simply poorly injected lips? I promise you ladies, it’s the latter. Duck lips aren’t cute any way you look at it (but particularly from the profile view). I don’t think that anybody is approaching their aesthetic injector with aspirations of achieving the perfectly overfilled, shelf-like duck lips. Is it possible that they’re simply going to the wrong injectors?
What’s The Deal?
Unfortunately, not all injectors are created equally and the same goes for fillers.
How does this happen?
Poor technique is a major culprit. Injecting filler is an art form and requires years of training under a skilled aesthetic injector. When injected too deep, the filler will migrate. You may not start out with duck lips, but as the filler begins to naturally migrate upward, your lips begin to protrude in an unfavorable way… resulting in a duck-like appearance.
2. Using the wrong filler for the job is another reason why bad lips happen to good people. I’ve worked with a wide range of fillers and can attest that some fillers are just not meant for the lips. Some injectors are creatures of habit and simply stick to the same fillers they have used from day one. This means that nothing changes… until it changes. Duck lips continue to live on.
What’s the damage?
Lips that have been injected incorrectly can actually lead to serious complications and sometimes permanent damage, which is rare, but possible. Improperly placed filler can lead to tissue damage and permanent loss of defined lip lines. In some cases, 100% of the filler may not be dissolved.
Can it be corrected?
Most often it can be corrected with an experienced injector and a bit of patience. The filler usually needs to be dissolved before I can reshape the lips and help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Adding more filler onto already misplaced filler is a no-no.
How do I find the right injector?
Do your research! Ask friends for recommendations and then hop on Instagram or the injector’s website to view their before and after photos. Educate yourself on the different types of fillers and find out if your injector has worked with a wide range of fillers. Ask them what they use for lips and then research that product. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions! Also keep in mind that aesthetic injectors aren’t magicians. A good injector will be able to effectively manage your expectations and know when to tell you ‘no’.
