philtrum-corner-lip

Lip Lift (Philtrum Reduction)

Directly shortens the philtrum length between the nose and upper lip to complete a youthful look. Dr.Tak's signature procedure that finds your facial golden ratio with a difference of just 1mm.

Do you see lips like yours?

Find a “before” photo similar to yours and see how it changed after surgery.

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ProceduresLip Lift + Corner Lip Lift + Lateral Lip Lift + Corner Extension

※ Results may vary depending on the individual.

The philtrum is the first feature the eye settles on at the center of the face, and its length is a key factor determining your overall impression and a youthful look. Beyond simply shortening the philtrum, Dr.Tak Plastic Surgery closely analyzes each person's facial proportions and features to find the most harmonious, ideal ratio down to a 1mm difference. Drawing on rich clinical experience and aesthetic sense, we deliver natural beauty as though it had always been your own face. Philtrum reduction is not merely about becoming shorter — it is a delicate process of completing the face's golden ratio.

Completing the ideal facial ratio

Facial beauty begins with the balance and proportion of each feature. Philtrum length in particular has a major effect on overall facial proportions — especially the lower face running from the nose to the lips and chin. A long philtrum can make the midface look relatively long and give an older impression. To solve this, Dr.Tak Plastic Surgery closely analyzes each person's golden facial ratio to find and design the most ideal philtrum length. Under the philosophy that a 1mm difference governs the balance of the whole face and a youthful image, we deliver the most harmonious, refined facial line.

The key to a youthful look: looking younger and brighter

There are many conditions for a youthful face, but a short, defined philtrum is one of the important factors. A long philtrum can make you look older or your expression flat. Dr.Tak's philtrum reduction goes beyond simply shortening — it adds dimension and vitality to the whole face for a younger, brighter impression. The upper lip's C-curl comes alive and the mouth becomes defined, naturally completing a lively, youthful face.

Why Dr.Tak chooses an external incision

There is more than one way to shorten a philtrum. Dr.Tak Plastic Surgery uses an external incision, for a single reason: to put the effect of the surgery precisely where it belongs — on the philtrum and the lip.

Advantage What it means
Precise control The amount of philtrum shortening and of upper-lip show can be adjusted directly.
A stable design The mouth shape you want can be realised more accurately and more reliably.
True to the point of the surgery It is the approach most faithful to what this operation is actually for: the philtrum and the lip.

An honest word about the scar

Because the incision is external, the scar cannot be nothing at all. That said:

  • the incision is placed at the border where the nose meets the philtrum (under the nose), designed to sit where it is not readily noticed,
  • it fades gradually over time,
  • and in many cases it settles to a level that make-up covers comfortably.

Giving up the real result — the philtrum and the lip — in order to avoid a scar is not Dr.Tak's direction. Get the result right first, then minimise the scar with refined suturing and aftercare — that is the standard we hold to.

Designing the upper-lip show (lip line) precisely

As the philtrum shortens, the upper lip lifts naturally, and how much of the upper teeth shows — the lip line — changes both at rest and when you smile. The advantage of the external incision is precisely that this degree of upper-lip show can be adjusted with precision.

  • We design around the change in your mouth both with a neutral expression and while smiling.
  • For those who want the bright impression of the upper teeth showing slightly, we plan for exactly that,
  • and for those uncomfortable with a large change or with gum show, we keep the range restrained.

Even within the same philtrum reduction, how much of a change to the mouth someone wants differs from person to person. Dr.Tak designs only after sketching out the mouth you want, together with you, in a thorough consultation.

No more worrying about scars — micro-suture know-how

The scar is what those considering philtrum reduction worry about most. Dr.Tak Plastic Surgery has concentrated all its skill and know-how into "clean, seemingly invisible suturing." Heartfelt praise from clients — "I was surprised the scar was so clean," "the suturing is truly delicate" — proves the excellence of our micro-suture technique.

Considering even the finest details hard to see with the naked eye, we suture meticulously, stitch by stitch, with a craftsman's spirit. By minimizing skin tension and optimizing the healing process, the scar fades naturally so that it becomes barely noticeable over time after surgery.

Dr.Tak's own 'ligament-hook fixation method'

Not only satisfaction with the result but also safety and longevity are very important. Dr.Tak Plastic Surgery's proprietary 'ligament-hook fixation method' is a core strength that sets us apart. Client feedback — "the surgery feels safe and sturdy, so I trust it" — shows the effect of this method.

Unlike conventional simple suturing, it firmly anchors the skin tissue of the philtrum area to the surrounding ligaments. This firm fixation markedly lowers the risk of the surgical site sagging or deforming over time. As a result, you can maintain stable, lasting beauty for a long time without worrying about revision surgery.

How the surgery proceeds

  1. 1:1 detailed consultation & design — we analyse facial proportions, philtrum length, the state of the upper lip and the mouth you want, then plan the incision line and how much to shorten. Any history of nose surgery or other procedures is checked at this stage.
  2. Safe anaesthesia — performed under local anaesthesia to keep the burden minimal.
  3. Incision & philtrum shortening — we incise along the planned line at the border where the nose meets the philtrum (under the nose) and shorten the philtrum by the designed amount.
  4. Ligament-hook fixation — the shortened tissue is anchored firmly to the surrounding ligament to secure stability and durability.
  5. Micro-suturing — we close with refined suturing that keeps tension to a minimum. Where required, combined procedures such as a C-curl or a corner lift are performed at the same time.

Recovery and downtime

This varies from person to person, but the usual course is as follows.

  • Suture removal: usually around 5–7 days after surgery.
  • Swelling and bruising: early swelling begins to subside within a few days, and most people recover to a level that does not seriously disrupt daily life.
  • Return to routine: with a mask, a relatively quick return is possible, though recovery speed differs from person to person.
  • Scar maturation: the scar may look red and firm at first, but it usually softens and fades gradually over six months or more.

For your exact recovery schedule and precautions, please follow the guidance our medical staff gives you after surgery.

Scar-care guide after surgery

We recommend the following to keep the scar as clean as possible. (The details differ by procedure and are explained to you directly at the clinic.)

  • Taping: taping in the direction that draws the incision line together helps with scar care. Usually recommended for 3–6 months; stop if dermatitis develops.
  • Massage: once you are into the recovery phase, light massage along the incision line can help. Apply ointment and work gently.
  • No smoking: smoking is very bad for scar healing. We recommend six months without smoking if possible, three months at minimum.
  • Pigment care: the area around the lips tends to retain redness, so pigment can be managed with a laser if needed.
  • Raised-scar care: if the scar becomes firm or raised, it can be managed with injection treatment and similar options.

Synergy procedures that pair well

Philtrum reduction delivers an excellent change on its own, but combining it with other procedures to maximize the harmony of the whole face produces even more remarkable synergy.

• C-curl surgery (Philtrum Contouring / Definition (C-Curl)): makes the philtrum look concave; often performed as an option with Lip Lift.
• Lateral Lip Lift: brings out the rolled-in outer part of the upper lip.
• Corner lip lift: lifts the mouth corners for a bright, positive impression.
• Cupid's bow surgery: makes the lip line defined and attractive.
• Mucosal advancement (lip augmentation): boosts upper-lip volume for fuller lips.

What if it is lip volume, not philtrum length?

Patients often come in thinking "my philtrum looks long," but on examining the actual oral and skeletal structure the cause is sometimes not philtrum length but the lip being rolled inward or looking thin. In that case mucosal advancement (V-Y lip augmentation) may suit better than philtrum reduction.

Dr.Tak does not recommend by length alone. We look at the skeletal and lip structure together and propose the procedure that actually fits. Where the lips look thinner after orthodontics, two-jaw surgery or facial contouring, this distinction needs particular care.

Recommended for

• Those whose philtrum is long, making the face look long overall
• Those whose philtrum has lengthened with age, looking older
• Those whose upper lip looks relatively thin and who want more volume
• Those who want a youthful image
• Those whose philtrum and lip line look disharmonious and heavy in profile
• Those whose upper teeth barely show when smiling and who want a brighter mouth

The limits of the effect — honestly

Lip Lift generally allows about 3–5mm of shortening; even if you want more, we limit it to an appropriate range for safety and naturalness. Excessive shortening can instead look unnatural. Dr.Tak comprehensively analyzes your facial proportions and bone structure to recommend the most suitable length.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of surgery is inner philtrum reduction?
It is a surgery that directly shortens the length of the philtrum, the space between the nose and the upper lip, to improve facial proportions and create a youthful impression. Rather than simply making it shorter, we design it down to the millimeter to match each person's facial golden ratio.
How much can the philtrum be shortened?
A reduction of about 3 to 5mm is generally possible. Even if you want a greater reduction, we limit it to an appropriate range for the sake of safety and a natural result; because excessive reduction can look unnatural, we analyze your facial proportions and skeletal structure to recommend a suitable length.
Will I be left with a lot of scarring?
We place the incision line at the border beneath the nose and suture meticulously with micro-suturing, so that over time it fades to become almost inconspicuous. By minimizing tension on the skin, we support recovery.
Won't the philtrum become long again over time?
With Dr.Tak's 'ligament-hook fixation,' the philtrum tissue is firmly anchored to the surrounding ligaments, lowering the risk of sagging or deformation and helping the result last a long time.
Who do you recommend this for?
We recommend it for those whose philtrum is long, at 15mm or more; those whose philtrum has stretched with age, making them look older; those who want a youthful look; or those whose philtrum and lip line look heavy in profile. Combining it with procedures such as a C-curl or lip-corner lift creates great synergy.
Where can I see philtrum reduction reviews? What is satisfaction really like?
Korean medical advertising law restricts publishing patient testimonials on a clinic website, so instead of posting reviews we show you material directly at your consultation. Philtrum reduction is surgery in which a 1mm difference changes the whole impression. That is why seeing what changes on your own facial proportions helps far more than reading someone else's review. Dr.Tak Plastic Surgery works strictly by appointment so there is enough consultation time: when you visit, Dr.Tak personally analyses your facial proportions and explains the change you can expect. When you do look up philtrum reduction reviews, check these points. Which method was used — inner philtrum reduction, outer philtrum reduction, or a technique targeting under the nose: the result and the scar are completely different in each case. How long after surgery the photo was taken — a photo right after surgery and one six months later are nothing alike. Scars settle over about six months, so look for cases at least six months out. The original philtrum length and face shape — a case is only worth comparing if the starting point resembles yours.
Which clinic in Korea is best for a lip lift (philtrum reduction)?
Rather than looking for the "best" clinic, look for the clinic that does this one thing all day, every day. At Dr. Tak Plastic Surgery, we perform lip lift and lip surgery only — that focus is the reason our judgment on this area is different. A lip lift is a millimeter-scale operation. A 1mm difference changes how young, how balanced, and how expressive your entire face reads. In most Korean clinics, lip lift sits at the bottom of a long menu — an add-on to rhinoplasty or facial contouring. Dr. Tak Plastic Surgery does not have that menu. The philtrum and the lips are the only areas we operate on. That single focus is what allows us to offer the following. We read your case against thousands of lips, not a general aesthetic rule. Because every consultation we take is a lip case, we see patterns a generalist encounters only occasionally: which lip shapes give an unnatural result when shortened, when the upper lip needs to be unrolled rather than lifted, when the real issue is projection rather than length. Dr. Tak personally handles every consultation and every operation. We know exactly what the incision is doing — and we tell you honestly. Techniques marketed as "scarless" do not skip the incision: they move it under the nose or inside the nose, so the scar is hidden rather than absent. We use an external incision that targets the philtrum and upper lip directly. Yes, this leaves a scar, and we say so plainly. We accept that trade-off because it gives precise control over the two things you actually came in for: philtrum shortening and upper lip exposure. Refusing to compromise the result in order to avoid a scar is our standard. We design toward a target tooth show. For most patients from the US, UK, and Australia, this is the real motivation behind a lip lift — a subtle 3–4mm upper tooth display at rest reads as youthful. Not every technique allows fine control of it. Our external approach does, and we calculate the target during design rather than leaving it to chance. We will tell you when a lip lift is not your answer. A consultation here sometimes ends with a different recommendation than the one you arrived with. Patients have requested a lip lift when, after examining their oral structure and profile, the correct procedure was V-Y lip advancement — because the concern was lip projection and E-line balance, not philtrum length. A clinic that agrees to everything is not necessarily agreeing with you. Our aftercare is built around this one procedure. Scar outcome is not decided in the operating room alone. We provide taping direction specific to your exact procedure — inner lip lift, outer lip lift, and corner lip lift each require a different direction — along with scar ointment and, when needed, laser and injection treatment through the six-month maturation period. We are not going to tell you we are the best clinic in Korea. We will tell you what we do, why we do it this way, what you are trading off, and whether you are a good candidate. If you are not, we will say so.
How much does philtrum reduction (lip lift) surgery cost in Korea?
There is no single price for a lip lift, because "lip lift" is not one operation. The cost depends on which technique your anatomy actually needs — and on what the quoted fee does or does not include. We give you an exact figure after your consultation, once we know what you need. Here is what we suggest you understand before comparing quotes from Korean clinics. What actually changes the price The biggest factor is the scope of surgery. Philtrum reduction divides broadly into two procedures: inner lip lift, which shortens the philtrum itself, and outer lip lift, which unrolls the outer portion of the upper lip so it shows fuller and wider. Some patients need only one. Others need both to reach the result they came for. On top of that, many patients combine philtrum concavity surgery (C-curl) for a more defined side profile, or corner lip lift to correct a downturned mouth. Each addition changes the scope, and therefore the price. Revision cases are quoted differently. If you have had a previous lip lift elsewhere, the operation must account for scar adhesion, the position of the old incision, and how much tissue remains to work with. The planning is different, so the cost is too. Anesthesia method is a further factor. Why the cheapest quote is rarely the real number Ask every clinic the same question: is scar aftercare included? With a lip lift, the scar outcome depends as much on the six months after surgery as on the surgery itself. That period may require laser treatment for redness and, in some cases, injection treatment for a raised scar. If those are billed separately, a low headline price can end up higher than a complete one. Ask what is covered, and for how long. Two more questions worth asking anywhere in Korea: is the doctor who consults you the doctor who operates, and is anything in the quote something you did not come in for? At Dr. Tak Plastic Surgery, we perform philtrum reduction and lip surgery only. We do not add procedures outside that scope, and we have no incentive to. For international patients Budget for the follow-up, not just the operation. Stitches come out about a week after surgery, so plan your stay accordingly. Scar management continues for roughly six months, and if you cannot return to Seoul, we will give you a written home protocol — taping direction specific to your exact procedure, ointment, and what to watch for. Ask any clinic you are considering whether they provide this. Remote aftercare guidance is part of what you are paying for. A lip lift is a permanent, millimeter-scale change to the center of your face. The most expensive outcome is not a high fee — it is a surgery that was not the right one for you. Confirm the procedure is correct for your anatomy first, then compare prices among clinics that can perform it properly. Get an exact quote: send us your photos and we will tell you what you need and what it costs, before you book a flight.