Reducing the length of philtrum? (Photos) (photo)

Question

Hello, I have a question about shortening the lenght of my philtrum. After some research a lip lift seems to achieve a shorter upper lip, however, I have some concerns. Will the procedure completely change the proportions of my lips, or the red lip? I am a young adult, so I haven't lost any volume of my lips. I'm most concerned that the procedure would make my upper lip overly large/plump. I would gladly hear your opinions and advice, if this procedure would be suitable for someone like me.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

You appear to have an obtuse nasolabial angle which exposes your entire philtrum. Since you have nostril show on front view, lip-lift could result in visible scars, and may increase the pink-show of your upper lip. Nasal lengthening surgery may be considered, but this may be a difficult task to achieve, and your thin skin may not be forgiving to irregularities that may occur after rhinoplasty surgery. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

A lip lift is the appropriate procedure to shorten a long philtrum. But it does come with the trade-off of making the central upper lip slightly fuller. As long as the philtral reduction is not overdone, the amount of upper lip volume increase is not usually excessive.

Robert H. Woods, MD · Answer

You might consider getting some juvederm put in your upper lip line to give you a little lift. This may give the appearance of shortening your lip without putting scars on your face to accomplish this goal.

Stefan Rene Adair, MD · Answer

I would be extremely cautious performing any surgery to your philtrum. The scars can be quite unsightly even when performed perfectly, due to the mobility of the lips and tendency for stretching and irregularities. Adding a small amount of filler (e.g. Juvederm) to your upper lip may distract from your philtrum, but there is no obvious deformity or disproportion visible. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Somyos Kunachak, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi Nemus,A bullhorn lip lift will definitely shorten your nose-lip distance but it is also true that it will increase your red lip exposure. If you are fine with a certain degree of enhancement for your upper lip, and if you accept the risk of pinking scarring (usually during the early days of healing) along the incision site, then you can consider lip lift to shorten your nose-lip distance.

Talmage J. Raine, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I understand what you are asking for. Most lip shortenings that I perform are in older women with a lengthening of the lip over time. The criteria I usually use is a gentle parting of the lips without smiling. If you cannot see the upper incisor teeth, then you are a good candidate. For such a young person I would be very careful and conservative if you do decide to proceed.All the best,Talmage Raine MD

Reducing the length of philtrum? (Photos) (photo)

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