Duck Lips: Causes, Treatments, & Tips To Avoid

Written by an Expert Aesthetic Content Writer Lisa.
Reviewed by Expert Medical Director Dr. Raj Thethi
Published on: November 22, 2024
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Duck Lips

Are you scared of duck lips after getting a lip filler treatment? Relax—It is not always the case!

You may have seen pictures of people with over-plumped lips floating on social media, which look like duckbill lips. This usually happens when lip filler treatment does not go well.

If you are going to get your lips plump,  let this blog be your guide—explaining duck lips, their common causes, and how you may avoid them. 

What Are Duck Lips?

Duck lips occur when lip fillers are over-injected or done incorrectly, so the lips go out and hang like a duck’s beak. Instead of subtle filling, the lips protrude overly puffy, stiff, and out of proportion to the rest of the face.

This condition not only affects the aesthetics of someone’s profile, but it may also feel quite painful due to overstretching of the skin. Hence, duck lips are often attributed as examples of what can go wrong with cosmetic treatments; this is why you might hear about it widely among patients and practitioners.

Causes Of Duck Lips

Knowing the causes of duck lips will help you avoid any such happening. Among them are:

1. Overfilling Of Lips

Generally, excessive use of fillers is one of the major causes of duck lips. Many people want plumper lips, but when overdone, it results in uncharacteristic puffiness. Overfilling alters the natural curve of the lips and throws out of balance the facial features, hence looking unnatural rather than attractive.

2. Placement Of Fillers

Lip augmentation is one of those procedures where precision means everything. Without proper placement, the fillers injected outside the natural borders of the lips, such as in the skin above or below the lip line, can give it a highly inflated appearance and will look unnatural. This improper placement causes the lips to bulge outward, creating the “duck beak” effect.

3. Choosing The Wrong Practitioner

All injectors are not created equal. A less-experienced or inadequately trained practitioner may also use nonideal techniques, install excessive filler, or forget to consider the patient’s facial balance and proportion.

4. Lack of Communication about Desired Results

Some patients want their lips to be overly large, believing that the more natural they are, the better. This can lead to a dramatic result if the practitioner does not set realistic expectations or guide the patient toward more balanced results. Clear communication and professional advice should be critical in this matter.

4. Type Of Filler Injected

Different fillers have varying consistencies and properties. Thicker fillers, not specifically designed for lip augmentation, can make the lips appear stiff, immobile, or overly plump. Selecting the right filler for your unique needs is vital to achieving natural results.

Now that you know what causes duck lips let’s see what can be done if it happens. 

The Treatment For Big Duck Lips

If you’ve ended up with duck lips, don’t worry–– The condition is reversible in most cases. Here are the options available:

1. Hyaluronidase Injections

If a hyaluronic acid-based filler was used, a medical professional could inject hyaluronidase, which breaks down and dissolves the filler. This treatment reverses the lips’ natural state.

2. Dissolution of Filler Naturally

Lip fillers are temporary and degrade with time—your body dissolves the filler gel naturally. Although it is a non-invasive solution, it requires a lot of patience and time.

3. Consult An Expert Practitioner

Look for an experienced injector who can evaluate the situation and recommend the appropriate corrective treatments.

Tips To Avoid Duck Lips After Fillers

Preventing duck lips begins with informed decision-making. Here are some detailed tips to ensure your lip augmentation results as you desire. 

1. Do Your Research & Find An Experienced Practitioner

You should look into the credentials, training, and experience of the practitioner administering lip fillers. Ensure they have the skills to achieve natural-looking results. Reviews, before-and-after photos, and consultations may also help you select your practitioner.

2. Start Small & Gradually

Opt for a conservative approach, especially if you have thin lips and this is your first time getting lip fillers. A small amount of filler makes all the difference without risking looking overly filled. Remember, it is easier to add more later than to remove excess. Patience is the key to achieving your desired look.

3. Proportion & Balance Should Be The Priority

Lips should complement the overall facial features, not overpower them. A skilled injector will analyse your face and recommend a lip shape and size that aligns with your natural beauty. For instance, the bottom lip should generally be fuller than the top lip for a balanced appearance.

4. Communicate Your Goals Clearly

Be open about your expectations, but also tune in to your injector’s professional advice. Do not ask for celebrity-inspired lips or trends that might not be suited to your face. A collaborative approach ensures you achieve results you will love.

5. Follow The Aftercare Religiously

After the procedure, strictly follow your practitioner’s guidelines to avoid complications. This can include avoiding strenuous activities, not touching or massaging the lips, and hydration. Proper aftercare makes a huge difference in how your results settle.

Avoid Duckbill Lips – Achieve The Pout You Desire!

Duck lips are an avoidable consequence if your lip filler treatment goes wrong, but they can also be reversible, given the right approach. 

Knowing why this happens and selecting only the best practitioners for lip filler treatment in Leeds, you can still benefit from having your lips beautified. The aim here is to enhance the face’s natural beauty rather than make it completely unrecognisable.

Stay informed, choose the right professionals, and enjoy the ride to achieving that perfect pout.

FAQs About Duckbill Lips

1. What does it mean to do duck lips?

A duck face or duck lips is a common selfie pose. To do duck lips, make a pout, protrude your lips, and suck in your cheeks.

2. What causes duck lips?

Overfilling or wrong placement of lip filler gel may cause duck lips.

3. Are duck lips still popular?

Duck lips pose was more common around 2010. Now, Gen Z like scrunch face pose.

4. How do you get rid of duck lips?

To get rid of duckbill lips, consult an expert doctor for hyaluronidase injections. They breakdown the filler material, help it dissolve and let your lips appear normal.

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About the Author

Dr. Raj Thethi

Yorkshire Skin Centre in Leeds is a CQC-registered medical clinic. It is led by Dr Raj Thethi who completed his core surgical training in hospitals around West Yorkshire before branching into aesthetics. Dr Raj Thethi is a Northern Territory Regional Expert for an international dermal filler company called Teoxane. He also sits on their National UK Faculty.

View all posts by Dr. Raj Thethi

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