A long philtrum, is surgery really necessary? The story of non-surgical philtrum reduction lifting

Every time you look in the mirror, you have probably had the feeling at least once that 'your impression has become heavier than before.' Much of that impression comes from the philtrum. The philtrum is the vertical skin section leading from the bottom of the columella (under the nose) to the red border of the upper lip. As we age, this area gradually sags and the upper lip thins and curls inward, lowering the center of gravity of the face and creating a blurry and aged impression.

To tell you the conclusion first, the methods of managing the philtrum are largely divided into two categories: incisional surgery, which physically shortens the skin by cutting it, and non-surgical lifting, which revives elasticity without incisions to make the philtrum look shorter. The direction recommended by Gangnam Onlif Clinic is the latter. An approach that naturally lifts the sagging middle face without leaving scars. In this article, we will slowly unpack why we make such a choice and how we should understand the area called the philtrum.

📐 Why does the philtrum determine your impression?

There is a standard of balance in the face that has been talked about for a long time. One of them is the perspective that the face looks stable when the ratio of the philtrum (under the nose to upper lip) and the lower lip to the tip of the chin is about 1:2. When this ratio is broken and the philtrum becomes long, the facial features look saggy and a somewhat heavy feeling is created.

The aesthetically preferred philtrum length is mentioned to be about 11–13 mm for East Asian women and about 13–15 mm for men. Of course, this is not an absolute standard as it varies depending on individual facial proportions. For reference, in one clinic survey, the average philtrum length of those who visited due to a 'long face' was about 25.7 mm, which is more than 5 mm longer than the general standard.

The important thing is not the number itself, but that the shorter the philtrum looks, the more eyes gather to the upper part of the face, creating a youthful impression. Small differences change impressions.

📌 Key Summary: The closer the ratio of the philtrum and the lower face is to 1:2, the more balanced it looks, and when the philtrum gets longer, the center of gravity lowers, creating an aged impression.

✂️ What kind of procedure is incisional philtrum reduction surgery?

For information purposes, let's also look at the incisional method. Philtrum reduction surgery (Lip Lift / Philtrum Reduction) is a surgical operation that physically shortens the length of the philtrum by excising and suturing the skin between the bottom of the nose and the upper lip border.

The most common design is the **Bullhorn Lip Lift**, named because the incision line resembles a bullhorn. It is a method of hiding the incision line in the shadow under the nose. In addition, there are surgical techniques such as vermilion advancement, which advances the red lip along the vermilion border, deep plane lip lift, which approaches even the muscle layer, and corner lip lift, which corrects sagging mouth corners together.

However, these methods have several characteristics together.

• Scars are inevitably left behind. It is only minimized by management, but does not completely disappear.

• It is irreversible. Once cut, the skin is difficult to restore and revision surgery is complicated.

• If the excision amount is excessive, problems such as excessive gum exposure (gummy smile), nostril (alar/columellar) deformation, and difficulty closing the mouth may occur.

• At rest, the upper tooth exposure is natural in the range of about 1 to 3 mm, and it must be precisely designed based on the Cupid's bow (M-line at the center of the upper lip) so that this balance is not broken.

For those with keloid or hypertrophic scar constitutions, severe skeletal abnormalities, or smokers, the incisional method is a target that must be approached with particular caution. Normally, the excision amount is 2–6 mm, which is considered a safe standard of 1/4 to 1/3 or less of the total philtrum length, and it takes 5–6 months to judge the final result and 6–12 months for the scar to mature.

📌 Key Summary: Incisional philtrum reduction surgery actually shortens the philtrum, but it leaves scars and is irreversible, and there is a possibility of side effects such as nostril deformation and gum exposure upon overcorrection.

🌿 Why Onlif recommends non-surgical philtrum reduction lifting

Onlif Clinic does not aim for plastic surgery that changes the shape of the eyes, nose, and mouth, but rather aims to clear away skin concerns—loss of elasticity and sagging—that obscure the natural beauty. We look at the philtrum from the same perspective.

The saggy philtrum and curled-in upper lip that come with age are largely issues of skin elasticity and muscle movement. If so, rather than cutting away the skin, an approach that restores the elasticity of the saggy tissue and adjusts muscle balance to make the philtrum 'look' shorter can be more natural.

Onlif's DYNA 3X Philtrum Reduction Lifting is the solution. It does not simply alleviate wrinkles or tighten the skin, but corrects the sagging philtrum with a three-step combination method combining radiofrequency (RF) energy, ultrasound (HIFU) energy, and philtrum Botox to lift the center of gravity of the face upward.

The three steps consist of the following:

1. Philtrum Botox — Precisely injected into the orbicularis oris and depressor septi nasi muscles to adjust the movement of the upper lip curling inward.

2. RF + HIFU Combination Irradiation — Remodels collagen in the dermis and fascia layers to restore the elasticity of the philtrum skin.

3. 1:1 Customized Design — Analyzes the ratio of the entire face and the movement of the upper lip muscles together to design a philtrum line suitable for the individual.

Because no knife is used, there is no worry about scars, makeup is possible immediately after the procedure, and you can return to your daily life on the same day. It is a direction that restores the natural impression without going overboard.

📌 Key Summary: DYNA 3X is a non-surgical 3-step solution combining RF, HIFU, and philtrum Botox that restores the elasticity of the saggy philtrum without scars to make it look shorter.

📊 How are the methods different?

Even for the same 'philtrum concern,' the recovery and burden vary greatly depending on the approach. Let's compare them at a glance.

Non-surgical methods such as fillers or Botox cannot physically shorten the length of the philtrum skin itself. Instead, the goal is to restore visual balance through elasticity recovery and muscle adjustment. Approaching with this understanding can reduce the gap between expectations and results.

📌 Key Summary: DYNA 3X is a non-surgical method that takes about 10 minutes for the procedure, allows return to daily life on the same day, and leaves no scars, greatly reducing the burden of recovery.

⏱️ What are the procedure and recovery processes?

DYNA 3X is performed within about 10 minutes in total.

1. Anesthetic Cream Application — Apply cream to the treatment area and wait sufficiently.

2. Philtrum Botox — Precisely injected into the orbicularis oris and depressor septi nasi muscles.

3. RF + HIFU Combination Irradiation — Stimulates collagen in the dermis and fascia layers.

4. Final Check — Compare the before and after states and receive guidance on management methods.

The recovery flow is as follows.

• Immediately after the procedure: There may be slight redness and swelling, but it can be covered with makeup, and you can return to your daily life on the same day.

• Weeks 1–2: Actions that purse the lips, such as using a straw or whistling, may feel somewhat unfamiliar. This is a normal reaction.

• Maintenance thereafter: Additional RF management is recommended at 4-week intervals, followed by regular management at 3 to 6-month cycles.

The effect of philtrum Botox begins to appear within 3–7 days after the procedure, and the lifting effect gradually reveals itself over several weeks. The maintenance period varies by individual, but is usually 3–6 months, and lasts longer if regular management is combined.

📌 Key Summary: The procedure takes about 10 minutes, you can return to your daily life on the same day, the Botox effect takes 3–7 days, and the maintenance period is usually 3–6 months.

🙋 Perfect for those who

• Feel that their impression looks older than their actual age

• Feel that their philtrum has become longer than before

• Have their upper lip thinning and curling inward

• Are burdened by surgical scars and long recovery periods

• Want to look naturally younger, without going overboard

However, there are cases where the cause of the long-looking philtrum stems from structural issues such as the skeleton, bite, or protruding mouth. In this case, identifying the cause comes first. It is safe to judge which approach is correct after examining both the ratio of the entire face and the movement of the upper lip.

📌 Key Summary: If sagging and drooping are the main causes, non-surgical lifting is a good fit, and when structural causes are suspected, identifying the cause comes first.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is DYNA 3X Philtrum Reduction Lifting very painful?

It is performed after sufficiently applying anesthetic cream. There may be a slight tingling sensation, but it is generally quite tolerable.

Can I return to daily life immediately after the procedure?

You can apply makeup immediately after the procedure and return to daily life on the same day. Actions such as using a straw or whistling may feel unfamiliar in weeks 1–2, but this is a normal reaction.

When will I feel the effect and how long will it last?

The effect of philtrum Botox begins to appear within 3–7 days after the procedure, and the lifting effect gradually reveals itself over several weeks. The maintenance period varies by individual, but is usually 3–6 months, and lasts longer if regular management is combined.

Will it leave scars?

Because DYNA 3X is a non-surgical method that does not make incisions, it does not leave incision scars. There may be slight redness or swelling immediately after the procedure, which can be covered with makeup.

Can I make the philtrum look shorter with fillers or Botox?

Non-surgical methods cannot physically shorten the length of the philtrum skin itself. Instead, the goal is to create a visual balance that makes the philtrum 'look' shorter through elasticity recovery and muscle adjustment.

Can I receive it with other procedures?

Performing it together with lip fillers or cheek fillers can lead to a more dimensional impression. It is recommended to decide on combination and order after looking at the balance of the entire face in a consultation.

The philtrum is a small area, but it determines the entire impression. Since determining which method is right for you requires looking at your facial proportions and skin condition in person, we recommend confirming an accurate diagnosis through consultation.

Philtrum reduction, good things to check before choosing a clinic

Even for the same procedure, the results and recovery process vary depending on where, by whom, and how it is done. Asking the following items directly during the consultation will help you make a judgment.

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

• Can I check the products and equipment used? — Ask if you can verify the product name and whether it is genuine (whether it is an import-approved product and if there is an unboxing verification process) during the consultation.

• Do they explain the composition 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 range to make a judgment.

• Do they design looking at the whole face? — 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 reactions and the recovery process first? — Rather than a consultation that only talks about expected changes, a place that also informs you of possible adverse reactions and how to cope with them is better for making a judgment.

• Is there a way to follow up after the procedure? — Check if there is a set time for checking progress, a way to contact them when there is an issue, and criteria for revisiting.

This is how Onlif Clinic does philtrum reduction

• We divide responsibilities — With the thought that one doctor does not handle every single procedure, Onlif divides medical treatments by assigning doctors to different fields.

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

• Costs are guided along with the composition after diagnosis — Since the area, capacity, and range vary from person to person, we explain together what costs how much.

• We design looking at the balance of the entire face — We view the face through three axes: texture, balance, and signals of youth, and make plans in the direction of sorting out parts that obscure the natural impression rather than changing the shape.

• We tell you about adverse reactions and the recovery process first — Along with the changes that can be expected, we guide you through individual differences, possible 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 revisiting and contact channels.

If you are considering philtrum reduction, it is best to first check what is possible and what is difficult in your current state. Accurate diagnosis and procedure planning can only be determined through an in-person medical examination. Please check through a consultation at Gangnam Onlif Clinic.