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

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

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 called a 'Lip Flip'. As the exposure of the red lip increases, a visual illusion is created where the philtrum appears shorter. Although the physical length does not decrease, the impression itself can change clearly.

💋 Philtrum reduction Botox, by what principle does it look shorter?

The core lies in the 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 nerve transmission of the muscle.

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

Depending on the design, the movement of surrounding muscles, such as the levator labii superioris or the depressor septi nasi, is also considered together. Because where and how much is injected determines the result, the injection location and dosage design must be carried out very delicately.

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

📌 Key Summary: Philtrum reduction Botox is a visual effect procedure that relaxes the orbicularis oris muscle, flips the upper lip, and increases red lip exposure to make the philtrum 'look' short.

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

The effect takes place slower than you think, but surely.

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

• Maximum effect: At 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, around 5 to 10 minutes

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

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

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

🔍 How is it different from philtrum reduction surgery?

This is the most confusing part. To start with the conclusion, the principle is completely different.

Because philtrum reduction surgery excises the actual skin, it makes physical changes in cases where the philtrum is structurally very long. However, it is a surgical approach that carries the burden of scarring and recovery.

On the other hand, Botox is a method of changing the impression by adjusting the muscles, so it is suitable for those who want a natural change without the burden of recovery. The direction pursued by Gangnam Onlif Clinic is close to this. Rather than completely reshaping the form, it is a non-surgical approach that removes elements that cloud your natural impression.

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

🌿 Sagging philtrum, why does it bother us more as we age?

The philtrum is an important axis that determines the impression in the middle of the face. The more features are concentrated at the top of the face, the younger you look, and conversely, when the philtrum becomes longer and the center of gravity moves down, it becomes a hazy and heavy impression.

As we age, the volume of the upper lip 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 just a problem of the muscles, but is also intertwined with a decrease in skin elasticity.

Therefore, when looking at philtrum concerns, a perspective is needed to examine muscle movement along with skin texture and elasticity. This is why Onlif designs muscle adjustment and skin elasticity recovery together when looking at the philtrum. DYNA 3X Philtrum Reduction Lifting is Onlif's complex solution that adds 2-channel high-frequency energy to philtrum Botox to visually organize the sagging philtrum while approaching skin elasticity through collagen remodeling in the dermal layer.

With the belief that one doctor cannot do everything well, the 'Doctor Specialty System', which operates to ensure that the doctor who is best at each field is in charge of the procedure, also supports this delicate design.

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

⚠️ What are the side effects and precautions?

Although it is a simple procedure, there are clear points to note. The most representative is the problem of slurred pronunciation when injected in excessive amounts.

If the orbicularis oris muscle is excessively relaxed, labial sounds (lip sounds) such as 'b', 'p', and 'm' may become slurred, and using straws may be uncomfortable or it may be difficult to purse your lips. There are also cases where facial expressions when smiling become slightly unnatural.

In particular, if you are in a professional group where lip functions are important, such as announcers, singers, lecturers, and actors, you may be more sensitive to these changes, so careful consultation is required.

Another thing to keep in mind: Unlike fillers, Botox has no way to be reversed immediately. Fillers are hyaluronic acid ingredients, so if a problem occurs, they can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase, but Botox must wait for time to pass and for it to disappear naturally. As such, it is important to approach carefully with the appropriate dosage from the beginning.

If repeated procedures are performed too frequently, antibodies to botulinum toxin may form, resulting in resistance. Keeping the proper cycle and dosage can reduce this risk.

Also, take care of post-procedure care.

• Do not rub or massage the injection site

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

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

• Before important schedules (weddings, presentations, etc.), have the procedure with at least 2 weeks of margin

📌 Key Summary: When injected in excessive amounts, difficulties in labial pronunciation and pursing lips may occur, and since Botox cannot be immediately reversed, appropriate dosage and management are important.

💡 Good to know

Botox for the purpose of philtrum reduction is an off-label use, not a standardized formal indication. It may sound scary, but it means that it is a method widely utilized in the medical field, not that it is unconditionally dangerous. However, the practitioner's design capability and dosage control greatly influence the result.

It is known that when a **Gummy Smile**, where the gums are excessively exposed when smiling, is present together, the experience of the lip flip effect is better.

The dosage is usually approached in small amounts, but because the conversion unit varies depending on the dilution method of each product, it is difficult to conclude 'how many units'. It is not that the effect is greater the more you receive, but rather, an excessive amount becomes the cause of side effects. Remember that it is more natural when it is less.

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

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does philtrum reduction Botox actually make the philtrum shorter?

The actual skin length does not decrease. It is a visual effect that makes the philtrum 'look' shorter as the orbicularis oris muscle relaxes, the upper lip flips, and the exposure of the red lip increases. 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 at 1 to 2 weeks. The duration is usually 2 to 4 months, and there are deviations depending on individual metabolism and dosage.

Can discomfort in pronunciation or eating occur?

When injected in excessive amounts, the pronunciation of labial sounds such as 'b', 'p', and 'm' may become awkward, or using a straw or pursing lips may be uncomfortable. Professional groups where lip function is important, such as announcers, singers, and lecturers, need particularly careful consultation.

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

Unlike fillers, Botox has no way of being neutralized immediately. Since it naturally disappears over time, it is important to approach carefully with an appropriate dosage from the beginning.

Does resistance develop if I get it frequently?

Too frequent repeated procedures can lead to resistance, where botulinum toxin antibodies are formed and the effect decreases. Keeping the appropriate cycle and dosage can reduce this risk.

Can I get it before important events like a wedding?

Yes, it is possible. However, since time is needed for the effect to settle and minor swelling to subside, it is recommended to complete the procedure at least 2 weeks before important schedules.

From when are makeup and exercise possible after the procedure?

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