Philtrum Reduction in Seoul: Subnasal Lip Lift

Why the upper lip looks long

The philtrum is the groove that runs from the base of your nose down to the center of your upper lip. When this distance is long, the lip sits low, covers most of your upper teeth and can look flat or tired. Some people are born with a long philtrum; for others it lengthens slowly with age as the lip stretches and loses volume.

Shortening the philtrum lifts the lip, reveals a little of the upper teeth at rest and often makes the red part of the lip look fuller without filler.

Who chooses philtrum reduction

A long upper lip that hides the upper teeth when relaxed
An upper lip that looks flat, thin or older than the rest of the face
A lip that lengthened after earlier nose or dental work
Patients who want a more youthful lip-to-chin balance

It is often combined with a Cupid’s bow procedure, alar reduction or a corner lip lift, because the nose base and lip are designed together.

How the operation works

Marking the bullhorn

With you sitting upright, the surgeon measures your philtrum and teeth show, then draws a thin strip shaped like a bullhorn, wider at the center and tapering toward each nostril. Even a few millimeters makes a visible change, so this measurement is the most important part of the plan.

Lifting and anchoring

The strip of skin is removed along the base of the nose. The lip is then lifted and anchored with deep sutures to firm tissue beneath the nose, which takes tension off the skin and helps the scar stay fine. The skin is closed precisely in the natural crease.

Internal option

For mild cases, some surgeons use an internal lip lift through the inside of the lip. It avoids an outside scar but usually achieves a smaller lift.

How the scar heals over 12 months

Stage	What to expect
Week 1	Fine stitch line under the nose; stitches out at about day 5–7
Months 1–3	Pink, slightly firm line; makeup can usually cover it
Months 3–6	Scar softens; laser may be offered if redness persists
Months 6–12	Pale line tucked into the nostril crease

Recovery timeline

Expect swelling and stiffness of the upper lip for the first week, and some difficulty with wide smiles. Most people return to work after stitch removal. The lip can look slightly too short at first and relaxes toward its final position over several weeks. Flying home is usually fine after the first check at about one week.

Is it right for you?

Philtrum reduction suits you if your upper lip is genuinely long, you show little upper tooth at rest, and you accept a fine scar under the nose. Another option may suit you better if your philtrum is already short, if your main concern is lip volume, or if you scar thickly; see our guide to choosing a lip lift surgeon in Seoul.

Risks to discuss

A visible or widened scar under the nose
Over-shortening, leaving too much tooth or gum showing
Asymmetry of the lip peaks
Changes in nostril shape
Temporary numbness of the upper lip

Philtrum reduction cost in Seoul

Typical fees range from about ₩2M for an internal or simple lift to about ₩7M for complex or combined designs. Ask what is included and whether scar laser after surgery is part of the package.

Philtrum reduction vs. Cupid’s bow surgery

Philtrum reduction shortens the whole length of the upper lip from under the nose. Cupid’s bow surgery works along the lip border to sharpen its central peaks. If you want both length and shape changed, they can be combined.

This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Prices are typical ranges reported by Gangnam clinics in 2026 and vary by clinic, doctor and treatment plan; confirm directly with the clinic.

Will people notice the scar from a lip lift?

The scar sits in the crease under the nose and usually fades to a pale line within about a year, though it can stay visible up close in some people.

How many millimeters can a philtrum be shortened?

It depends on your measurements and teeth show. Surgeons plan the amount carefully, since a small change makes a visible difference.

Is a lip lift permanent?

The removed skin does not return, but natural aging continues, so the lip may lengthen slightly again over many years.

Can I combine it with rhinoplasty?

Sometimes, but many surgeons prefer to stage them or plan them together carefully because both affect the nose base.

Philtrum Reduction in Seoul: Shortening a Long Upper Lip

The short answer

Key facts