Rising demand for 'undetectable' cosmetic surgery… Incision-free philtrum dimple surgery draws attention as a new option for improving midface proportions
Preference for "cosmetic surgery that leaves no visible signs of having been done" continues to grow. As surgical methods that keep incision marks hidden from view gain popularity across various areas such as the eyes, nose, and lips, so-called "internal-incision and incision-free" techniques have become one pillar of the cosmetic surgery trend.
Scarring left after cosmetic surgery has long been one of the risks patients worry about most. Accordingly, surgical methods that minimize incisions by placing them in locations hidden from external view have steadily advanced.
Lower eyelid fat repositioning places the incision on the conjunctiva (the inner mucous membrane of the eye), so no scar remains on the outer skin, while improving the step-off and hollowing beneath the eyes. Closed rhinoplasty places the incision only inside the nostrils, allowing the nasal shape to be corrected without any marks on the outside of the nose. Incision-free philtrum dimple surgery is performed by making a tiny opening in the oral mucosa, creating philtrum definition without any external scarring.
What these three procedures have in common is that, even where an incision is made, its location — the conjunctiva, the inside of the nostrils, or the oral mucosa — cannot be seen with the naked eye from the outside. The perception that patients can return naturally to everyday life with little recovery burden after surgery is driving up demand.
Among these, incision-free philtrum dimple surgery has been drawing particular attention recently. As a "short midface" emerges as a benchmark for refined facial proportions, interest is deepening in this procedure, which corrects the shape of the philtrum to visually shorten the midface.
Incision-free philtrum dimple surgery creates a natural concave curve in the philtrum area through a small incision made via the oral mucosa. This curve produces an optical effect that makes the philtrum appear shorter while also creating soft light and shadow between the nose and lips, enhancing the dimensionality of the central face. This in turn leads to an effect in which the entire midface looks slim and well-balanced.
Dr. Seungwan Tak, Director of Dr.Tak Plastic Surgery Clinic, explained, "The cosmetic surgery trend is shifting toward natural, undetectable improvement rather than dramatic change," adding, "Incision-free philtrum dimple surgery is drawing attention because it is approached through the oral mucosa, leaving no external marks while simultaneously improving both facial proportions and dimensionality."
He continued, "Philtrum dimple surgery should not look at philtrum length alone; a natural result can only be achieved by comprehensively considering harmony with nose height, lip volume, and the overall midface proportions," and added, "Because the suitable technique can differ depending on each person's facial structure and skin characteristics, thorough prior consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential."
Even with an incision-free method, surgery is still surgery, so the course and outcome may vary depending on the individual's facial structure, skin condition, and healing ability. It is advisable to choose the method best suited to you through a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon before the procedure.
Medical Today, Reporter Kim Mi-kyung