What non-surgical options do I have to shorten my philtrum? It is 16 mm, and I do not want a "man face."

Question

As a woman, I think my 16-mm philtrum is too long. I read that 11-13 mm is ideal and that anything longer can create a 'masculine' appearance. Lucky me. I do have plenty of tooth display when I smile, so if I had a lip lift, I am afraid this would create a gummy smile along with a host of other problems. What, if anything, can be done with fillers to reduce the length of the philtrum? Can restylane or juvederm help with this type of issue?

Miguel Mascaro, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! To actually shorten the philtrum, with fillers or modulators its almost impossible.  You can give the appearance of a shorter philtrum creating a "lip flip" - with a combo of adequately placed filler and botox.  However,  It will do nothing for your philtrum length and in the long run it will only make it longer (think of adding fluid to a sponge and holding it up...it will only stretch the sponge over time).  The best way to reduce your philtrum length is through a lip lift.  Making sure you are a good candidate and have the right goals are key! I hope some of this helps!

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

If you're looking to shorten the length of your philtrum without surgery, dermal fillers like Restylane or Juvederm can be a great option. These fillers can be strategically injected into the area above your upper lip to subtly lift and enhance the surrounding tissues, which can visually shorten the philtrum. This approach allows for a more feminine balance and improves the overall appearance of your smile, without the risk of a gummy smile associated with a lip lift. It's important to consult with an experienced injector who understands facial anatomy to achieve the best results.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello ivaWe now have so many options both surgical and non surgical to create beautiful lips and a sexy smile. In general, we can reshape, rejuvenate and add volume. There are fillers, silicone implants, dissolving thread implants, lip lifts, lip reductions, peels, and then of course cosmetic dental care to improve the color shape and contour of your teeth and gums.

Sachin S. Parikh, MD · Answer

Unfortunately fillers can not change the length of your philtrum column. You would neeed consider a lip lift procedure in order to do this.  Be sure to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who is very experienced with this procedure and can guide you through the process.

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

Fillers relatively contraindicated.  By enlarging upper lip, will compound your problem, especially if you don't have dental show in repose.  Lip lift, when well planned and performed by an experienced professional, is a reliable problem free aesthetic procedure.  See one or more experts for information that will help you decide.

Jeffrey Jumaily, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Unfortunately fillers cannot change the length of the philtrum. Lip lift may be a better option. Tooth show without smiling is more important than tooth show with smiling when deciding about a lip lift. This is best determined during a consultation so a thorough exam can be done.

What non-surgical options do I have to shorten my philtrum? It is 16 mm, and I do not want a "man face."

Answers (6)

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