Non-surgical options to shorten length of philtrum? (Photo)

Question

I am a woman with larger than average philtrum (16-17mm), no tooth show, and an upturned/short nose. I am concerned about the length of my philtrum and would like advice on how to shorten it with non surgical methods, as this area of the face tends to lengthen with age (I am 24). Would pdo threads, an elastic thread procedure, or Botox/filler give a natural looking result to balance my face symmetry?

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Lip fillers represent the sole alternative, yet there exists a constraint on the achievable lip thickness, and they do not reduce the philtrum's height.

Your sentence is mostly correct, but I would suggest a minor rephrasing for clarity:

The most effective method to shorten it would be a lip lift, particularly the revolutionary 3D lip lift that incorporates OOS features. This procedure provides excellent and long-lasting results, leaving a nearly invisible scar.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

Hi! I think you know that surgery is the best option for this. Threads will do nothing. I cannot think of a way botox might help. Filler, you could consider augmenting the midface/maxilla, as one of the causes of lengthening with age is due to bone loss (so you're trying to do the opposite effect of that). But another cause of this is simply gravity, which unfortunately none of those options will combat. What is your fear re: surgery? Good luck!

Ruslan Zhuravsky, DO · Answer

Hi, great observations. Unfortunately, there really are no good non-surgical alternatives to a lip lift, and some can make it worse. Botox will only lengthen the lip. Even a “lip flip” will just curl the edge but not decrease the philthrum. Filler can make the lip itself bigger, but not change the cutaneous portion (skin btwn nose and lip). In fact, I often see that with longer lips, filler can make the lip look too heavy and overall worse than before. What is the main reason to avoid a lip lift if it would give you the true result you desire? Based on your photos, you seem to be a very good candidate. The width of the nasal base to the lip width would allow for a very nice even lift. The scar is barely visible and in some even difficult to find, when done correctly. Hope that helps. Good Luck!

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