I have a philtrum length of 17mm. Am I among those who need a philtrum reduction operation? (photos)

There are surgical and non-surgical approaches to lip augmentation. Non-surgical approaches include botox (slight lift, reducing gum show) and filler (volume restoration). Surgically, you can have two separate incisions under the nose (italian), one incision under the nose (bull horn), one incision at the red/white upper lip junction (gull wing) or two separate incisions at the corners, or a combination, depending on your desired look and anatomy. My preferred surgical technique is called the Elelyft, which is a version of the bullhorn approach. The ideal candidate for the Elelyft, or upper lip lift, is someone with a philtral length of 13mm or longer, no upper dental show, and/or a thin upper lip. The nasal base to mouth width ratio needs to be taken into consideration to avoid leaving the lip corners down. Gary Linkov, MD Lip Specialist / RealSelf Lip Lift Medical Reviewer Manhattan

you can get significant masculinization with fillers, tightening and skincare peels. I would suggest enlighten peel and AERIFY rolling. I suggest a formal consult. Best, Dr. Emer.

A philtrum reduction/lip lift can be performed if the upper lip is too long and there is no upper teeth show when your lips are at relaxed and at rest. This will also increase the height of the red lip. Hope this helps!

Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon