What can I do about the long philtrum?

Question

The pictures are not of me but I am in the same situation. I had a droopy nose. Prior to surgery I asked my surgeon not to lift my tip because I also have a long philtrum ( space between nose and top of lip). The droopy tip camouflaged the length. My doctor raised my tip because it is according to him more aesthetically pleasing. It is not. Now my philtrum looks long and I look older. I see a lot of this with all you surgeons . Why? Seems like most of you are just looking at the nose.

Edwin F. Williams, III, MD · Answer

The most direct solution to a long philtrum is a lip lift.  However the ultimate goal of most facial surgery is to rebalance the face so that all the pieces work together in harmony, and it may be that you need more than just a lip lift or something else entirely.  Therefore the best recommendations would come from an in-person exam, and it may be in your interest to schedule a consult with a Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon to discuss your concerns in greater detail.  Best of luck!

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Lip lift for long upper lip and philtrum. This is done with an M Incision inside the nose. If properly done you won’t see a scar. See a very experienced Surgeon for this surgery.

Andre Panossian, MD · Answer

Although most will agree that a lip lift will be helpful, I would like to see a side view before making that recommendation. The angle of your nose with your lip is an important one to look at when trying to decide about lip lift vs maxillary augmentation. The side view will show this best.Read about Dr. Panossian's lip lift and reshaping techniques.

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What can I do about the long philtrum?

Answers (3)

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