Philtrum Reduction Botox, does it really shorten the philtrum? From the principles to precautions

Have you ever looked in the mirror and suddenly felt that your philtrum looks longer than before? As we age, the upper lip gradually thins and curls inward, which pulls the face's center of gravity downward, making the impression look heavy and aged.

Philtrum reduction botox is not a procedure that actually cuts away the philtrum skin, but rather a procedure that slightly relaxes the orbicularis oris muscle, which is responsible for pulling the upper lip inward, to guide the upper lip to flip outward. It is commonly referred to as a 'Lip Flip'. As the exposure of the red vermilion increases, a visual illusion of a shorter philtrum is created. Although the physical length is not reduced, the impression itself can change distinctively.

💋 Philtrum reduction botox, what principle makes it look shorter?

The key lies in a muscle called the Orbicularis Oris. This muscle wraps around the mouth in a circle and plays the role of pulling the upper lip inward. Injecting a small amount of Botulinum Toxin here temporarily blocks the muscle's nerve transmission.

This relaxes the tension that was pulling the upper lip inward, causing the lip to slightly flip outward. The hidden red lip (Vermilion) is revealed more, and as a result, the effect of the distance from the nose to the lip looking shorter appears.

Depending on the design, the movement of surrounding muscles such as the levator labii superioris or the depressor septi nasi is also considered. Since where and how much to inject determines the outcome, the injection position and dosage design must be carried out very delicately.

For reference, the normal philtrum length of an adult is considered to be approximately 11 to 15 mm. There are differences depending on gender and race, and men tend to have slightly longer philtrums.

📌 Key Summary: Philtrum reduction botox is a visual effect procedure that relaxes the orbicularis oris muscle to flip the upper lip and increase vermilion exposure, making the philtrum 'look' shorter.

⏱️ When does the effect start to appear and how long does it last?

The effect takes place more slowly than you might think, but definitely.

• Onset of effect: Appears gradually within 2 to 7 days after injection

• Maximum effect: Approximately 1 to 2 weeks

• Duration: Usually 2 to 4 months, up to 6 months reported in literature

• Procedure time: The actual injection is very short, taking around 5 to 10 minutes

The duration varies greatly depending on individual metabolism, injection site, and dosage. Therefore, it is difficult to state exactly 'how many months', and you can understand it as generally using 2 to 4 months as a standard, while it may last longer depending on the person.

Another advantage is that you can return to your daily routine immediately after the procedure. There may be minor redness or swelling, but it can be covered with makeup, so there is almost no need to set aside separate time for recovery.

📌 Key Summary: The effect begins after 2 to 7 days, reaches its peak in 1 to 2 weeks, lasts for 2 to 4 months, and the procedure itself is short at 5 to 10 minutes.

🔍 How is it different from philtrum reduction surgery?

This is the part that causes the most confusion. To start with the conclusion, the principles are completely different.

Because philtrum reduction surgery actually excises skin, it brings a physical change in cases where the philtrum is structurally very long. However, it is a surgical approach that comes with the burden of scarring and recovery.

On the other hand, botox is a method that changes the impression by adjusting muscles, so it is suitable for those who want a natural change without the burden of recovery. The direction Gangnam Onlif Clinic pursues is also close to this. Rather than completely altering the shape, it is a non-surgical approach that removes elements that obscure one's natural impression.

📌 Key Summary: Surgery cuts the skin to permanently reduce length, while botox adjusts muscles to make it look shorter temporarily and visually.

🌿 Saggy philtrum, why does it become more of a concern as we age?

The philtrum is an important axis that determines the impression in the midface. The more the features are gathered in the upper part of the face, the younger you look, and conversely, as the philtrum lengthens and the center of gravity moves downward, the impression becomes blurred and heavy.

As we age, upper lip volume decreases and skin elasticity falls, causing the lips to thin and curl inward. As a result, the philtrum looks relatively longer. This means it is not simply a muscle problem, but is intertwined with reduced skin elasticity.

Therefore, when looking at philtrum concerns, a perspective that examines muscle movement along with skin texture and elasticity is needed. This is why Onlif designs muscle regulation and skin elasticity recovery together when looking at the philtrum. DYNA 3X Philtrum Reduction Lifting is Onlif's complex solution that adds 2-channel radiofrequency energy to philtrum botox, visually tidying up the saggy philtrum while approaching skin elasticity through collagen remodeling in the dermal layer.

The 'Doctor Specialty System', which operates so that the most capable doctor in each field is in charge of their respective procedures under the belief that one doctor cannot do everything perfectly, also supports this delicate design.

📌 Key Summary: A long-looking philtrum is the result of both muscles and reduced skin elasticity acting together, so an approach that looks at muscles and skin together is advantageous.

⚠️ What are the side effects and precautions?

Although it is a simple procedure, there are clear points of caution. The most representative is the issue of pronunciation becoming awkward when injected in excess.

If the orbicularis oris muscle is excessively relaxed, the pronunciation of labial sounds (lip sounds) like 'b', 'p', 'm' can become slurred, and using a straw may be inconvenient or pursing the lips may become difficult. There are also cases where the facial expression becomes slightly unnatural when laughing.

Particularly for occupations where lip function is crucial, such as announcers, singers, lecturers, and actors, they can be more sensitive to these changes, necessitating careful consultation.

Another thing to keep in mind. Unlike fillers, botox has no immediate way to be reversed. Since fillers consist of hyaluronic acid components, they can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if a problem arises, but botox must wait to naturally wear off over time. That is why it is important to approach carefully with an appropriate dosage from the beginning.

If repeated procedures are performed too frequently, antibodies to botulinum toxin may form, leading to resistance. You can reduce this risk by adhering to appropriate intervals and dosages.

Take care of post-procedure management too.

• Do not rub or massage the injection site

• Refrain from drinking, saunas, and intense exercise for a few days after the procedure

• Using a straw might feel somewhat unfamiliar in the first to second week, but it is a normal reaction

• Get the procedure done with at least a 2-week buffer before important schedules (weddings, presentations, etc.)

📌 Key Summary: Excessive injection can cause difficulty in labial pronunciation and lip pursing, and because botox cannot be immediately reversed, appropriate dosage and management are crucial.

💡 A Few Things Good to Know

Botox for the purpose of philtrum reduction falls under off-label use rather than a standardized official indication. It might sound scary, but it simply means it is a method widely utilized in clinical practice and does not mean it is unconditionally dangerous. However, the practitioner's design capability and dosage control greatly determine the outcome.

It is known that when there is an accompanying **Gummy Smile**, where gums are excessively exposed when smiling, the perception of the lip flip effect tends to be better.

The dosage is typically approached in small amounts, but because the conversion unit varies depending on each product's dilution method, it is difficult to assert 'how many units'. Receiving more does not mean a greater effect; rather, an excessive amount becomes the cause of side effects. Remember that less is more natural.

📌 Key Summary: Off-label use does not mean a danger signal but rather means precise design is required, and the smaller the dosage, the more natural.

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If I get philtrum reduction botox, does the philtrum actually get shorter?

The actual skin length is not reduced. It is a visual effect where the philtrum looks shorter as the upper lip flips and vermilion exposure increases by relaxing the orbicularis oris muscle. Physical shortening is only possible through surgery.

When does the effect start to appear and how long does it last?

It gradually appears 2 to 7 days after injection and reaches its maximum effect in 1 to 2 weeks. The duration is usually 2 to 4 months, with variations depending on individual metabolism and dosage.

Can there be inconvenience in pronunciation or eating?

If injected in excess, the pronunciation of labial sounds like 'b', 'p', 'm' can become awkward, or using a straw and pursing the lips may be inconvenient. Occupations where lip function is important, such as announcers, singers, and lecturers, require especially careful consultation.

If I don't like the side effects, can it be reversed immediately?

Unlike fillers, botox has no way of immediate neutralization. It naturally wears off over time, so it is important to approach carefully with an appropriate dosage from the beginning.

Does resistance develop if I get it frequently?

Repeated procedures that are too frequent can lead to the formation of botulinum toxin antibodies, resulting in resistance where the effect decreases. Adhering to the appropriate interval and dosage can reduce this risk.

Can I get it before an important event like a wedding?

Yes, it is possible. However, since it takes time for the effect to settle and for minor swelling to subside, we recommend completing the procedure at least 2 weeks before any important schedule.

From when is makeup and exercise possible after the procedure?

Makeup is possible immediately after the procedure, and you can return to your daily routine on the same day. However, avoid rubbing the injection site, and it is recommended to refrain from drinking, saunas, and intense exercise for a few days.

Philtrum Reduction Botox, things to check before choosing a clinic

Even for the same procedure, the outcome and recovery process vary depending on where, who, and how it is done.

Asking these items directly during the consultation will help you make a judgment.

• Is it a place that frequently performs that procedure? — Every clinic has different procedures they focus on. Check if it is a place that regularly conducts philtrum reduction botox.

• Can you check the products and equipment used? — Ask if you can confirm the product name and authenticity (whether it is an officially imported product, and if there is an unboxing verification process) during the consultation.

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

• Do they design by looking at the entire face? — Even for the same procedure, the injection points and amount vary depending on face shape, skin condition, and left-right asymmetry.

• Do they explain adverse reactions and the recovery process first? — Rather than a consultation that only speaks of expected changes, a place that also informs you of possible adverse reactions and how to cope is better for making a judgment.

• Is there a way to follow up after the procedure? — Check if the timing for checking progress, how to contact if there is an anomaly, and the criteria for a return visit are set.

Onlif Clinic does Philtrum Reduction Botox like this

• We divide responsibilities — Under the belief that one doctor does not handle all procedures, Onlif divides in-charge doctors by field for medical treatment.

• We check 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 configuration after diagnosis — Since the area, dosage, and scope vary from person to person, we explain together what costs how much.

• We design by looking at the entire facial balance — We view the face through the three axes of texture, balance, and youth signals, and plan in a direction that tidies up parts obscuring the natural impression rather than altering the shape.

• We tell you about adverse reactions and the recovery process first — Along with expected changes, we guide you through individual differences, potential adverse reactions, and coping methods before the procedure.

• We look at the progress together after the procedure — If verification is needed during the recovery period, we guide you through return visits and contact channels.

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

Accurate diagnosis and treatment planning can only be determined through face-to-face medical treatment. Check through a consultation at Gangnam Onlif Clinic.