Philtrum Reduction
Create a More Youthful, Balanced & Refined Appearance
The philtrum is the vertical area between the base of the nose and the upper lip. Although it is a small part of the face, its length has a significant impact on facial balance, youthfulness, and overall attractiveness. A long philtrum can make the face appear longer, the upper lip thinner, and the smile less defined.
Philtrum Reduction, also known as a Subnasal Lip Lift or Upper Lip Lift, is a cosmetic procedure that shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip. By lifting the upper lip into a more youthful position, the procedure enhances facial harmony, increases upper tooth show when smiling, and creates a naturally fuller-looking upper lip without adding volume.
At Sketch Plastic Surgery Korea, our surgeons carefully customize every philtrum reduction to complement each patient’s facial proportions, ensuring elegant and natural-looking results.
What is Philtrum Reduction?
Philtrum Reduction is a surgical procedure that removes a small strip of skin just beneath the base of the nose. The upper lip is then gently lifted and secured in a higher position, shortening the philtrum and creating a more balanced relationship between the nose, lips, and chin.
Unlike lip fillers, which increase lip volume, philtrum reduction improves the position of the upper lip. Many patients experience a naturally fuller-looking upper lip because more of the pink lip becomes visible after the lift.
The goal is to achieve subtle enhancement while preserving your natural facial expressions.
Benefits of Philtrum Reduction
Philtrum reduction can provide several aesthetic benefits, including:
- Shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip
- Creates a more youthful facial appearance
- Enhances facial harmony and balance
- Improves upper lip definition
- Increases the visibility of the upper teeth when smiling
- Creates the appearance of a naturally fuller upper lip
- Provides long-lasting results
- Can improve overall facial proportions without significantly changing your natural features
Who is a Good Candidate?
You may be a suitable candidate if you:
- Have a long philtrum
- Feel your upper lip appears thin or lacks definition
- Notice minimal upper tooth show when smiling
- Want a naturally fuller upper lip without relying solely on fillers
- Desire improved facial balance and youthful proportions
- Are in good general health with realistic expectations
A detailed consultation at Sketch Plastic Surgery Korea will determine whether philtrum reduction is the most appropriate treatment for your facial anatomy and aesthetic goals.
The Sketch Plastic Surgery Approach
Every patient’s facial proportions are unique. Before surgery, our surgeons carefully evaluate the relationship between the nose, lips, chin, and overall facial profile to determine the ideal amount of lift.
The objective is not simply to shorten the philtrum, but to create a balanced, refined, and natural-looking result that complements your entire face. Care is taken to avoid overcorrection, ensuring that the lips remain soft, expressive, and harmonious.
Surgery Procedure
Philtrum reduction is performed by making a carefully designed incision along the natural crease beneath the base of the nose. A small amount of skin is removed, and the upper lip is gently elevated before the incision is meticulously closed.
The incision is strategically placed to help conceal the scar within the natural contour beneath the nose.
Depending on your treatment plan, philtrum reduction may be performed alone or combined with other facial procedures, such as rhinoplasty, lip enhancement, facial fat grafting, or facelift surgery, to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Surgery Time & Recovery
Procedure Time
- Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation, although general anesthesia may be recommended if combined with other surgeries.
Recovery Timeline
First Week
Mild swelling and tightness around the upper lip
Minor bruising may occur
Sutures remain in place
5–7 Days
Sutures are usually removed
Most patients return to work and normal daily activities
2–4 Weeks
Swelling continues to improve
The upper lip begins to settle into its new position
3–6 Months
The scar gradually softens and fades
Final results become more refined as healing progresses
Healing varies from patient to patient, and following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions is essential for optimal results.
Will There Be a Visible Scar?
A small scar is an unavoidable part of philtrum reduction surgery. However, at Sketch Plastic Surgery Korea, the incision is carefully placed within the natural crease beneath the nose, where it is typically well concealed. With meticulous surgical technique and proper aftercare, the scar generally becomes less noticeable over time.
Why Choose Sketch Plastic Surgery Korea?
At Sketch Plastic Surgery Korea, our philosophy is to enhance natural beauty through precise and individualized treatment. Rather than creating dramatic changes, our surgeons focus on improving facial harmony by carefully balancing the proportions between the nose, lips, and chin.
Patients choose Sketch Plastic Surgery because of our:
- Experienced facial plastic surgeons
- Personalized treatment planning
- Natural-looking, balanced results
- Meticulous surgical techniques
- Comprehensive post-operative care
- Dedicated support for international patients
- Commitment to patient safety and long-term satisfaction
Whether performed as a standalone procedure or combined with other facial surgeries, philtrum reduction can create a more youthful, refreshed, and harmonious appearance while preserving your unique facial character.
Frequently Asked Questions
Philtrum reduction does not increase lip volume like fillers. Instead, it lifts the upper lip into a more youthful position, making more of the natural pink lip visible and creating the appearance of a fuller upper lip.
The results of philtrum reduction are considered long-lasting because the procedure permanently shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip. While the natural aging process continues, the improvement achieved through surgery remains.
Yes. Philtrum reduction is commonly combined with rhinoplasty, facial fat grafting, lip enhancement, or facelift procedures to achieve more comprehensive facial harmony and rejuvenation.
If you feel that your philtrum is long, your upper lip appears thin, or you would like a more youthful and balanced appearance, you may be a suitable candidate. A consultation with our surgeons will determine the best treatment plan for your facial structure and aesthetic goals.
Consultation