In the right direction for a proportionate philtrum reduction

Recently, many people have been considering philtrum reduction because they feel the gap between the upper lip and the nose has become wider.

Usually, people tend to focus only on the height or shape of the nose tip, the appearance of the lips, and the degree of volume. Now, however, the distance between the nose and lips is also being examined in detail.

If your lower face looks long every time you look in the mirror or see yourself in photos, and your lips feel as if they are drooping downward, it is necessary to check the length of the philtrum.

In this article, we looked at the relationship between philtrum length and appearance, who needs a solution and the process, and the recovery process.

There were people who had always been unhappy with a long philtrum and asked for it to be shortened as much as possible. However, simply reducing the vertical length does not produce the desired result.

The proportions with the facial features, the shape and thickness of the upper lip, the tissue characteristics, the structure below the nose, and even the position of the muscles when making facial expressions all had to be considered.

Because the area is narrower than others, even a very small difference can completely change the impression. Only by proceeding with philtrum reduction while considering these detailed points could one be satisfied with the result.

The area where philtrum reduction is performed is directly below the nose. An incision is made along the shape of the nose to reduce the vertical area. Because it is also a recessed area and can be hidden by the nose tip, even if a trace remains, it is not very noticeable.

However, this method could not be applied to everyone. Depending on skin thickness, the degree of symmetry of the nostrils, and the angle descending from the nose tip, the incision location and range could vary, and in some cases application was difficult.

Setting the range was also important. If too much tissue is removed, the lips may lift, causing the mouth to stay open even at rest and making facial expressions look awkward. Conversely, if too little is removed, there may be almost no visible change, while only a scar remains.

Therefore, it was necessary to design the plan while considering not only the front view but also the side view. It was important to establish the direction by carefully considering the expression when smiling, the movement of the muscles, how much the upper lip rises, and how much the teeth are exposed. If the cause of the elongated philtrum was also identified and the plan was designed accordingly, it was possible to regain a youthful-looking face as before.

The reasons why a philtrum becomes longer also vary from person to person. It may be due to sagging skin from aging, or the philtrum may have drooped as the midface descended. In some cases, the upper lip becomes thinner, widening the distance between the nose and lips. There were also structural issues such as the nose tip dropping downward or the mouth protruding forward.

As such, even one phenomenon can have various causes. If this is ignored and philtrum reduction is performed while focusing only on shortening the length, the likelihood of disappointment with the result increases.

Therefore, before starting the solution, it was necessary to comprehensively examine the vertical length of the face, the proportions of the upper, middle, and lower face, the shape of the lips and nose tip, and the structure of the teeth before designing the plan.

At our clinic, the approach involved not only the skin but also repositioning the structural design of the muscle layer. By correcting the direction and tension of the orbicularis oris muscle around the mouth, we guided patients so that they could make natural facial expressions after recovery.

If only the skin is excessively removed, the upper lip may be pulled up too much and facial expressions can become awkward, so it is important to also correct the internal tissue.

The solution applied varied depending on each individual's philtrum length and the proportions of their facial features.

If the length itself is longer than average, an incision is made directly below the nose tip to reduce the skin and reposition the muscles.

On the other hand, if the upper lip is thin, two methods can be applied. One is to add filler to create more volume in the lips, or to expand the upper lip line.

The former method can quickly revert as the filler dissolves, and there is also a risk that the weight of the filler may cause the philtrum to sag further. For that reason, more people have been choosing the latter method.

One of the most common concerns when considering philtrum reduction is scarring. Even though the area is recessed, because it is located in the center of the face, a trace is bound to stand out.

It may be finished with fine suturing, but a medical adhesive that does not leave the suture thread exposed on the surface can also be used. Although the adhesive holds the skin firmly in place, it may be less stable than thread, so special care was needed to prevent the wound from opening during the recovery period.

Immediately afterward, the upper lip may feel numb and pulled upward, and facial expressions may feel awkward. Bruising, swelling, and pain may also occur, but these are natural phenomena that appear during the recovery process.

At this time, proper care is necessary for the incision site to heal smoothly and for a positive recovery.

Talking too much, opening the mouth wide, chewing hard or tough foods, and touching the wound area were prohibited.

If the procedure was finished with fine sutures, the stitches are removed after 5 to 7 days, and from then on, special attention must be paid to sun protection.

If you have decided to undergo philtrum reduction, the location and cost of the medical institution are important, but it is advisable to carefully examine the attending physician's skill and aesthetic sense, as well as the institution's system, before making a decision.

What should be considered most carefully is not simply whether the length is made shorter, but whether the overall proportions are taken into account to create a harmonious impression.

Since this is a solution in which even a 1 mm difference can greatly change the image, I hope you can clearly express your needs through 충분한 conversation and, with the help of the medical staff, regain a youthful-looking impression.

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