Understanding Philtrum Reduction Surgery at Globi Plastic Surgery Clinic

Globi Plastic Surgery Clinic: Understanding Philtrum Reduction Surgery

These days, there is a lot of interest in the midface area.

That is because when the midface is long, it often makes a person look older than they are.

One of the procedures that can make the midface look shorter is philtrum reduction surgery.

That is why many people are looking into this surgery these days.

Today, I will explain philtrum reduction surgery.

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Philtrum reduction surgery, as the name suggests, is a procedure that shortens the length of the philtrum, from under the nose to the upper lip.

It is usually considered when someone wants to improve the impression of a long midface or a drooping area around the mouth.

It is effective in making the overall facial proportions and impression look more defined.

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The basic surgical method is to reduce the philtrum length by removing skin.

In the past, the main approach was to make an incision just below the nose or above the lip border, remove skin, and then close the wound.

In theory, it is simple and the effect is clear,

but the important issue here is scarring.

Most plastic surgery textbooks and papers are based on Western patients.

In Western people, especially Caucasians, scars are less likely to remain,

and even if they do appear, they are often relatively inconspicuous.

Because of this, skin-excision-based philtrum reduction surgery can be performed without much burden.

However, the situation is different for East Asians.

Due to skin characteristics, scars are often more noticeable or may remain in a less desirable way,

so if the surgery is performed simply by removing skin, satisfaction may be lower.

In fact, in the past, surgeries performed with this method sometimes left noticeable scars even over time, leading to dissatisfaction.

Because of those issues, the current trend is shifting toward methods of philtrum reduction surgery that can minimize scarring.

The philtrum reduction surgery performed at Globi Plastic Surgery Clinic uses a method that keeps the incision inside the nose as much as possible so that no external scar remains.

In some cases, the incision is extended toward the nostril area to allow removal of a wider area of skin, while keeping the overall incision line hidden inside the nose so that no scar is visible from the outside.

In this way, the skin is removed from the inside,

and at the same time, thick sutures are used to tie and support the philtrum tissue, pulling the philtrum upward.

Because this is a combined method that not only reduces the skin but also pulls the internal tissue upward, a more natural and definite effect can be expected.

Philtrum reduction may be performed on its own, but it is very often done together with rhinoplasty.

The reason is that when people with a long-looking midface undergo a procedure that raises the nasal tip,

the philtrum can appear relatively longer.

In such cases, performing philtrum reduction together can create a more natural overall facial proportion.

In particular, when nose surgery and philtrum reduction are done together, the internal nasal structures and

skin excision can be addressed at the same time, which makes the surgical approach easier and

a recovery process that can be managed in an integrated way.

For these reasons, when I judge it to be necessary,

I tend to recommend performing philtrum reduction together with rhinoplasty.

That said, philtrum reduction surgery should not be considered a “fundamental” procedure that improves the entire face.

Issues such as facial bone structure, dental alignment,

and oral structure that cause a long face should be evaluated and addressed separately.

Philtrum reduction is only an auxiliary procedure,

but compared with that, it can still create a significant change in one’s appearance.

As surgical techniques have advanced compared to the past, the concern about scarring has decreased,

and because the surgery time is not long and recovery is relatively quick,

if you feel that your midface looks long,

it may be a good idea to receive a consultation at least once.

Beyond simply adjusting the length of the philtrum,

philtrum reduction surgery can greatly help make the face look more three-dimensional and harmonious.

In particular, the inside-the-nose incision method to reduce scar burden has become more suitable for East Asians,

and satisfaction is increasing much more than with the older methods.

Because even a simple procedure can make the impression look more defined, if needed,

please be sure to consult with a specialist

and check whether it is a procedure suitable for your facial structure.

Globi Plastic Surgery Clinic is located a 1-minute walk from Exit 4 of Apgujeong Station on Subway Line 3

at 843 Nonhyeon-ro, EGI Building 5F and 6F, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

Consultation appointments are available on both weekdays and weekends.

All consultations are conducted privately, one on one.

For detailed inquiries and reservations, please leave a message through the channel below.