Overview

One of her beauty and appeal distinguishing characteristics is her lips. The lips of a beautiful woman are full, moist, and plump.

A face's equilibrium is tied to more than just its symmetry. The face adopts a certain look that undermines its overall harmony when there is too much space between the base of the nose and the upper lip.

Hereditary and morphological defects are frequently the main reasons behind the situation when the distance between the lips and the base of the nose is excessive. But this phenomenon can also be caused by or made more noticeable by the aging of the lip area. As you age, the skin known as the "philtrum," which divides the upper lip from the bottom of your nostrils, lengthens and gives the appearance of thinner, pinched lips positioned lower on your face. As the lips get smaller, the smile goes away and the face gets longer, making the appearance harsh and ugly. The gradual drooping of the lip contour may be exacerbated by the development of wrinkles and skin degradation. A long-lasting and efficient repair is no longer possible in this particular instance with superficial techniques like hyaluronic acid injections. An appropriate remedy for this deformity is cosmetic surgery, namely an upper lip lift also known as philtrum reduction or philtrum shortening to minimize the undesirable distance for face symmetry.

What is the philtrum?

The vertical distance from the base of your nose to the middle of the top of your upper lip is known as the philtrum it is mainly the visible middle depression on the upper lip. The philtrum's function is to offer extra skin for oral movements that need the upper lip to be stretched, and it is an important component in defining the general form of the upper lips. Genetics or aging and sagging skin can cause or contribute to the length of the philtrum. One's face's ratio and equilibrium may be upset by having a large philtrum, which lengthens the face's overall form.

Are you suitable for philtrum reduction? 

A good candidate for a lip lift should feel that their upper lip is fairly tiny and thin, or that there is too much space between their nose and lips, where the distance is quite noticeable, over-defined, and protruding with each of the two parts creating solid tubular lines. People with drooping upper lips, who have undergone orthognathic surgery and have lax upper lip skin, and those with long midface or those experiencing issues with their teeth and palate are eligible for upper lip lifting. Additionally, people who may benefit from a lip lift have experimented with reversible methods like hyaluronic acid filler injections and failed, feeling as though their lips were heavy and unbalanced rather than full and balanced.

Facts about philtrum reduction (upper lip lift or philtrum shortening)

Patients with a lengthy lip-to-nasal spine ratio are the most common candidates for surgical lip lifts.

As people age, their lips naturally droop and turn inside out.

Lip inversion is a word used to describe the lips' hidden red border. In addition to lip dermal fillers, surgery can elevate the lips.

What is philtrum reduction?

The depression between the nose and the upper lips is shortened after philtrum reduction surgery. The lift may therefore result in a prettier and fuller lip. This makes the teeth easier to see when smiling, giving the face a more adorable and young aspect. 11–13 mm is the optimal philtrum for females and 13–15 mm for males. The optimal ratio of chin length to philtrum length is 1:2, but this also relies on the overall proportion of the face.

Two methods of Philtrum Reduction Surgery:

Medial Philtrum Reduction (Bullhorn Lip lift)

The medial philtrum reduction surgery lifts the midline groove under the nose. The incision is made directly under the nostrils, along the folds, and extended to just the corners of the nose. The skin is lifted, and the excess skin is cut off, shortening the philtrum. Medial philtrum reduction surgery is recommended for those who do not have excessively long philtrum and those who want to keep their original lip shape.

Lateral Philtrum Reduction

Instead of lifting the midline groove, the lateral philtrum reduction raises the sides of the lips. The lips are elevated once the incisions on either side are made. This process gives the lips additional fullness and a more defined appearance. On the other hand, lateral philtrum reduction surgery is recommended in conjunction with smile lift surgery because the procedure alone may produce an unsightly lip shape, particularly in those with downturned lips.

Before philtrum reduction surgery

A few preparations need to be taken into account before undergoing the philtrum reduction process:

• Prior to the procedure, abstain from cigarettes and alcohol for at least one month.
• Minimize actions that cause you to open your mouth excessively or widely.
• To find out your medical history, bring your medical reports to the clinic.

How is surgery for philtrum reduction performed?

To pull the orbicular muscle down the nasal septum, a little incision is made in the cheek, upper lip, and wings of the nose's natural muscles. Patients who want to shorten their philtrum can undergo cosmetic surgery. The philtrum will become shorter as a result of the skin removal, but the upper lip will rise and fill out, giving the face a more youthful, vibrant appearance. Cutting the tip of their philtrum shorter allows even young people to shave their faces closely. The operative scar will likely be quite faint and positioned along the nose's line. After the examination and during the counseling session, the doctor cannot recommend having this operation for patients whose skin may be prone to scarring. In order to sew up the region surrounding the nostrils, nasal wall, and sides of the nose, we shall remove a portion of skin in the philtrum during surgery.

Characteristics of philtrum reduction surgery

Philtrum reduction without any scar

The doctor makes discreet, minimally invasive incisions inside the nose to avoid scarring, as opposed to large incisions that leave noticeable scars.

Attain a more harmonious symmetry

If the patient gets the right philtrum length and facial proportion, he/she can have a more symmetrical and smaller face.

Corrections for surrounding areas

In order to achieve a natural and attractive appearance, the procedure will not only fix the patient’s philtrum but also concentrate on the areas right around it, such as the upper lip and broad wing.

FAQ

Is philtrum reduction painful?

No. In general, sedation and local anesthesia may be administered during this type of procedure. It doesn't hurt. During a few days post-surgery, the patient may experience slight soreness.

What other options are there?

Fillers may be used by certain patients to give their upper lips more volume. But doing so might give the lips an unnaturally large and overdone look. Things that are often not improved by fillers are addressed with the lip lift. When combined with this surgical procedure, lip fillers might serve as a helpful therapy.