Midface Reduction Lifting, the answer lies in the 'philtrum' — a shorter-looking face without surgery

When people first hear the term "midface reduction lifting," they often misunderstand it as a procedure that actually reduces the facial bones. That is not the case. Midface reduction lifting does not shave the bone length, but works on the principle of returning the soft tissues (fat, muscle, skin, and fascia) that have sagged downward due to time and gravity back upward to make the area 'look shorter.' In other words, it is a concept that deals with the center of gravity of one's impression, rather than actual measurements.

Another thing. 'Midface reduction lifting' is not a single standard academic name, but a composite term coined in the Korean beauty market, so the methods included vary slightly from clinic to clinic. Therefore, it is important to first check what, where, and how they handle it. Among them, Onlif Clinic focuses on non-surgically reversing the sagged philtrum to pull the center of gravity of the face upward.

🔎 What is the midface, and why does it look long?

The midface refers to the area from below the eyes (the lower eyelid boundary) to the bottom of the nose. This includes the malar fat pad of the anterior cheek, the SOOF below the orbicularis oculi muscle under the eyes, and boundary structures such as the nasolabial folds and tear troughs. When these tissues slide downward, the face looks longer and heavier than it actually is.

The reason why the face looks long varies from person to person. It can be broadly categorized as follows:

• Sagging type: When fat and fascia have moved downward due to aging

• Sunken type: When volume is lost, causing the tear troughs and front cheeks to become sunken, making the face look relatively long

• Skeletal type: When the bone structure itself, such as the maxilla, is long

This distinction is important because if the cause is different, the approach must also be different. A long face of the skeletal type cannot be resolved with lifting and may require a separate evaluation, such as maxillary or jaw correction surgery. Conversely, if you only tighten excessively on a face that has lost volume, it may end up looking haggard. Therefore, the first step is to look at 'why it looks that way' rather than 'what to do.'

📌 Key Summary: Midface reduction lifting is a procedure that returns sagged tissues upward to make the face look shorter, not the bones, and distinguishing the cause (sagging, sunken, skeletal) is the first step.

📐 Why is the 'philtrum' the key to the midface impression?

The face is vertically divided into three sections: the upper face, midface, and lower face. The ideal ratio frequently cited in literature and clinical practice is approximately 1:1:0.8 to 1:1:1, and when this balance is disrupted, the impression becomes blurred. The part that holds the center of that balance is the philtrum.

When the philtrum becomes longer, the center of gravity of the facial features shifts downward, creating a blurry, heavy, and so-called aged impression. Conversely, when the philtrum looks short, the facial features gather toward the upper part of the face, making it look sharp and youthful. The ratio of the length of the philtrum to the chin is commonly based on 1:2.

As we age, the philtrum lengthens and the upper lip curls inward. When these two changes overlap, it is easy to look older than one's actual age. Therefore, if you want to make the midface look shorter, it is often much more efficient to redesign the exact point of the philtrum rather than broadly touching the entire face.

📌 Key Summary: The key to the golden ratio of the midface is the length of the philtrum, and returning the sagged philtrum raises the center of gravity upward, resulting in a sharp impression.

✨ Onlif's DYNA 3X Philtrum Reduction Lifting

Onlif's DYNA 3X Philtrum Reduction Lifting is a proprietary solution that non-surgically reverses the sagged philtrum to pull the center of gravity of the midface upward. It does not stop at simply smoothing wrinkles or tightening the skin, but approaches with a 3-step complex design that combines 2-channel high-frequency energy with philtrum Botox.

The key is precise redesign, not an 'illusion.' We analyze both the overall facial proportions and the movement of the upper lip muscles to capture a philtrum design tailored to the individual. The fact that it leaves no scars (NO-SCAR) and allows a return to daily life on the same day significantly reduces the burden.

How is it performed?

The total time required is around 10 minutes.

1. Application of numbing cream — Apply numbing cream to the procedure area and wait sufficiently.

2. Philtrum Botox — Precisely inject into the orbicularis oris and depressor septi nasi muscles to control the inward curling of the upper lip and sagging.

3. Dual complex radiofrequency (RF) — Remodel collagen in the dermal layer and restore philtrum skin elasticity using two modes of RF energy.

4. Check and wrap-up — Compare the before and after states and provide guidance on post-care instructions.

Recovery and Maintenance Period

There may be slight redness or swelling immediately after the procedure, but it can be covered with makeup, and you can return to your daily routine on the same day. During the first to second weeks, actions that purse the lips, such as using a straw or whistling, may feel somewhat awkward, which is a normal reaction.

The effect of Botox usually begins to appear 3 to 7 days after the procedure, and the lifting effect gradually reveals itself over the following weeks. The maintenance period varies from person to person, but is typically 3 to 6 months, and it will last longer if combined with regular touch-ups.

📌 Key Summary: DYNA 3X is a 10-minute non-surgical philtrum reduction lifting that combines Botox and 2-channel high-frequency, allowing a same-day return without scars, and the effect lasts for about 3 to 6 months.

🙌 Suitable for people who

• Often hear that they look older than their actual age

• Feel that their philtrum has become longer than before

• Have an upper lip that is becoming thinner and curling inward

• Are burdened by surgical scars and long recovery periods

• Want to look naturally youthful without changing their facial features

Onlif operates a doctor-specialty system based on the philosophy that 'one doctor cannot do everything well.' It is a method of increasing focus by dividing and assigning doctors to only handle the procedures they do best. Its foundation lies in evidence-based aesthetics that interpret beauty through three pillars: texture, balance, and signals of youth.

📌 Key Summary: It is suitable for those who are concerned about an aged impression due to a sagged philtrum and curled upper lip, and want natural improvement without surgery.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Does midface reduction lifting actually reduce the length of facial bones?

No. It is not a bone-shaving procedure, but a concept that visually makes the face look shorter by returning sagged soft tissues upward. It deals with the center of gravity of one's impression rather than actual measurements.

Why is the philtrum so important in the midface?

When the philtrum lengthens, the center of gravity of the facial features shifts downward, creating a blurry and heavy impression. Conversely, when the philtrum looks short, the facial features gather toward the upper part of the face, making it look sharp and youthful. That is why the philtrum is the key to the midface impression.

How is the DYNA 3X Philtrum Reduction Lifting performed?

It is completed in about 10 minutes in the following order: Numbing cream application → Orbicularis oris and depressor septi nasi Botox → Dual complex radiofrequency (RF) → Evaluation. It is a 3-step complex method combining Botox and high-frequency.

How long does the effect last?

It varies by individual, but typically lasts for 3 to 6 months. The Botox effect starts to appear 3 to 7 days after the procedure, and the lifting effect gradually reveals itself over the following weeks. It lasts longer when combined with regular maintenance.

Is it possible to return to daily life immediately after the procedure?

Yes. You can apply makeup immediately after the procedure and return to your daily life on the same day. Slight redness or swelling can be covered with makeup. Pursing your lips may feel awkward during the first to second weeks, but this is a normal reaction.

How much pain is there?

Since the procedure is performed after sufficiently applying numbing cream, there may be a slight stinging sensation, but it is generally tolerable. There are differences depending on individual pain sensitivity.

Since 'midface reduction lifting' is said to differ by clinic, what should I check during a consultation?

Because it is a composite term rather than a standard academic name, the methods included vary from clinic to clinic. It is highly recommended to check specifically which areas are treated and in what manner. Onlif focuses on DYNA 3X, which improves sagged philtrums non-surgically.

Accurate identification of the cause and suitability of the procedure can only be determined by looking at the overall facial proportions and muscle movements together. Detailed details will be first confirmed during a consultation at Onlif Clinic in Gangnam.

Things to Check Before Choosing a Clinic for Midface Reduction Lifting

Even for the same procedure, the results and recovery process vary depending on where, by whom, and how it is performed.

Asking the following items directly during your consultation will help you make a decision.

• Is it a place that performs that procedure frequently? — The main procedures handled vary by clinic. Check if it is a place that regularly performs midface reduction lifting.

• Can I verify the products and equipment used? — Ask during the consultation if you can check the product names and their authenticity (whether they are import-approved products and if there is a process to confirm unboxing).

• Do they explain the breakdown of the cost? — Rather than just hearing the total amount, you need to hear an explanation of what product is used, how much, and in what area to make an informed decision.

• Do they design with the entire face in mind? — Even for the same procedure, the placement and amount vary depending on the face shape, skin condition, and left-right asymmetry.

• Do they explain adverse events and the recovery process first? — It is better to make a decision at a place that informs you of possible adverse events and how to cope with them, rather than a consultation that only talks about the expected changes.

• Is there a way to follow up after the procedure? — Check if the timing for checking progress, how to contact if there is an issue, and criteria for follow-up visits are established.

This is how Onlif Clinic performs Midface Reduction Lifting

• We divide responsibilities — With the philosophy that a single doctor does not handle every procedure, Onlif divides and assigns responsible doctors by field for treatments.

• We verify products and equipment together during the consultation — We guide you through the products used and the unboxing verification process during the consultation.

• Costs are guided along with the breakdown after diagnosis — Since the areas, dosage, and scope vary from person to person, we explain what costs how much together.

• We design by looking at the balance of the entire face — We view the face through three pillars: texture, balance, and signals of youth, and make plans in a direction that cleans up the parts obscuring your natural impression rather than changing your features.

• We inform you of adverse events and the recovery process first — Along with the expected changes, we guide you through individual differences, possible adverse events, and how to deal with them before the procedure.

• We look at the progress together after the procedure — If verification is needed during the recovery period, we will guide you on follow-up visits and contact channels.

If you are considering midface reduction lifting, it is best to first check what is possible and what is difficult in your current state.

Accurate diagnosis and treatment planning can only be determined through an in-person medical examination. Please check through a consultation at Onlif Clinic in Gangnam.