I’m 26 and I have been bothered by the length of my philtrum (15mm). Could I get a lip lift? (Photos)

Question

So I’m 26 and I have been bother by the length of my philtrum (15mm). I asked a surgeon before and they said they wouldn’t do it as it then would look unnatural. Is this the case because I think my philtrum looks long..

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It would be very difficult to argue in favor of lip lift in your case. That scar is always visible to a certain degree and should be avoided if not necessary.  It is quite possible that small augmentation of upper lip white role with 0,5 ml of filler would create impression you would desire. It is worth of trying. Good luck.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You may benefit from an eccentric lip lift.  This does 4 things: shortens the distance between your nose and upper lip, increases the mucosa of the upper lip, increases the incisor show and pulls up the corners.  This takes 1 hour to perform under local anesthesia and costs $4,000.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

In terms of actual length, the philtrum length here would be long. In terms of appearance, not so much,. However, a rather simple, non-surgical approach to improving this would be, if you still wish, to perform a nonsurgical Botox/HA filler lip lift. This would consist of a couple of microdroplets of Botox injected on each side at the vermilion border of the upper lip. Next would be to add a bit of volume to the lip itself to establish more ideal proportionality between the upper and lower lips, which can be accomplished using a medium viscosity HA filler. And finally, a low viscosity, malleable, cohesive HA filler can be threaded along the vermilion border of the upper lip to enhance the flip. All of the foregoing would not only enhance the appearance of the upper lip, but the flip would diminish the apparent length of the philtrum. You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist injection expert. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

A philtrum length of around 15 mm is at the higher end of average for women, and a lip lift can be considered if your goal is to shorten this distance and increase upper tooth show at rest. Whether it would look natural depends on your overall facial proportions, lip shape, and how much shortening is planned.

A subtle, well-planned lift of 2–3 mm can create a balanced, natural result, but overly aggressive shortening can appear unnatural. It’s important to choose a surgeon experienced in lip lifts who can assess your facial harmony from multiple angles before deciding.

I’m 26 and I have been bothered by the length of my philtrum (15mm). Could I get a lip lift? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Candidacy for Lip Lift with a 15 mm Philtrum

Answer: Candidacy for Lip Lift with a 15 mm Philtrum

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Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

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I’m 26 and I have been bothered by the length of my philtrum (15mm). Could I get a lip lift? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Candidacy for Lip Lift with a 15 mm Philtrum

Answer: Candidacy for Lip Lift with a 15 mm Philtrum

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.