Achieving Bratz Doll Look with Lip Fillers: A Prospective Observational Study on Blunt Cannula Techniques

Abstract

Background: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a blunt cannula technique using hyaluronic acid fillers for achieving the Bratz doll lip aesthetic, characterized by enhanced volume and sharp definition.

Methods: Thirty volunteers, 22-40 years of age, were selected based on specific inclusion criteria at Albany Cosmetic and Laser Center for 6 months. The technique involved precise filler injections using a Steriglide blunt cannula. Pre- and postprocedure measurements of lip dimensions and angular changes were meticulously documented and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics software.

Results: The procedure significantly increased the average height of both the upper and lower vermilion zones, with notable changes in angular measurements and the distance between the midline and oral commissure, aligning with the Bratz doll aesthetic. Importantly, none of the participants experienced bruising, a common side effect in traditional needle-based methods. The overall satisfaction rate was high, with an average score of 8.5 out of 10, reflecting the procedure's success in meeting aesthetic goals and ensuring participant comfort.

Conclusions: The blunt cannula technique for lip augmentation presents a safe and effective alternative to traditional needle-based methods. The absence of bruising and high satisfaction rates underscore the technique's precision and alignment with patient safety and comfort. This study contributes to the field of cosmetic lip enhancement, offering a novel approach that balances aesthetic aspirations with health considerations, potentially influencing future practices in cosmetic procedures.

Fig. 1.

Photograph of the anatomical landmarks used for the precise placement of the blunt cannula. The entry point for the cannula is marked in alignment with the medial canthus. The location of the entry point is determined to be approximately one-third of the distance from the oral commissure to the Glogau-Klein points to maintain facial symmetry. MC, medial canthus.

Fig. 2.

Sagittal section illustration of the lip demonstrates the ideal superficial placement for hyaluronic acid fillers. Key anatomical landmarks are labeled to guide the precise administration of the filler. “O.O.M.” denotes the orbicularis oris muscle, which encircles the mouth and is fundamental for lip movements. “S.L.A” indicates the superior labial artery, which supplies blood to the upper lip. “H.A.F” represents the hyaluronic acid fillers, depicted at the preferred superficial injection sites to enhance lip volume and contour. “U.V.B” is marked as the upper vermilion border, the transitional zone between the lip tissue and the normal skin above the lip. “I.L.A” refers to the inferior labial artery, the blood supply to the lower lip. The illustration emphasizes the importance of anatomical knowledge for aesthetic procedures to ensure both efficacy and safety. The red circle indicates the dry vermilion area, and the blue circle indicates the wet vermilion area.

Fig. 3.

A frontal view comparison of facial lines before (A) and after (B) lip augmentation with improved facial features. The numbers displayed are average changes in lip dimensions as per our study, not the actual measurements for this specific individual (A) before and (B) after the lip injection. The red lines indicate the vermilion borders of the upper and lower lips. The blue lines mark the area where the vermilion zones of the upper and lower lips touch, typically the point of fullest pout. The green line delineates the oral commissure, the corner of the mouth where the lips meet.

Fig. 4.

A lateral view comparison of facial lines before (A) and after (B) lip augmentation with imporved facial profile featurs. The blue line represents the ‘Sn-Pog’ line, extending from the subnasale (Sn) to the soft tissue pogonion (Pog’), which lies on a tangent to the upper and lower lips (Riedel line). The red line is the Riedel line, and the green line is the Ricketts line, which should ideally connect the Pog’ and the pronasale (Prn), with the lips positioned behind it. The post-augmentation image (B) illustrates the alignment of the Riedel and Ricketts lines, showing that the angle between them has diminished to the point where the lines are superimposable, indicating a change in the facial profile congruent with the desired aesthetic outcome of lip augmentation.

Fig. 5.

A series of photographs that illustrates the outcomes of lip augmentation from multiple viewing angles. A–B, Frontal view, capturing the overall impact on lip fullness and balance from the direct anterior perspective. C–D, View from the left at a 45-degree angle, detailing the profile changes, volumetric enhancement, and the new silhouette of the lips. E–F, Right side at a 45-degree angle, offering a comparative view of the augmentation’s symmetry and consistency.