What can I do to reduce the prominence of my philtrum? (Photos)

Question

I currently have braces on and I've previously had lip reduction done to reduce the prominence of my mouth area, however, I feel that the philtrum is still noticeably protruding. I would greatly appreciate it if feedback could be focused specifically on this concern and not on other areas of my face. Thank you so much for understanding!

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

Without seeing your teeth and without seeing a side skeleton, my suspicion is that your philtrum and upper lip are protruding so much because they are sitting over your upper teeth and where they sit. The question would be what is your orthodontist doing, if anything, about that. But this is more of a dental/teeth/jaw issue.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

It would be difficult to decrease the prominence.  The simplest thing for you would be a chin implant.  This may help conceal the prominence of the lip from the lateral view.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your concerns and photos—it helps to focus specifically on the philtrum area. The prominence of the philtrum is influenced by both soft tissue (skin, muscle, fat) and the underlying bone structure, so options depend on what’s contributing most to the appearance.

Non-Surgical Approaches:

Dermal Fillers: Strategic placement of small amounts of filler above or around the philtrum can help create a smoother transition between the upper lip and the base of the nose, reducing the perception of protrusion.

Botulinum Toxin (Botox): In some cases, carefully placed Botox in the upper lip area can relax muscles that pull the lip downward or forward, subtly changing the projection.

Surgical/Structural Considerations:

Lip/Philtrum Revision: Since you’ve already had a lip reduction, a minor surgical adjustment specifically targeting the philtrum length or projection can sometimes be considered, though it’s a more delicate procedure.

Orthodontic Impact: Braces can influence lip and philtrum projection slightly as teeth alignment changes, so final results may be more noticeable once orthodontic treatment is complete.

Overall, small, targeted non-surgical adjustments can make a meaningful improvement in philtrum prominence, but structural changes sometimes require surgical precision if the projection is primarily due to bone or connective tissue.

What can I do to reduce the prominence of my philtrum? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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