muheung-lip

Scarless Philtrum Indentation (Incisional / Non-Incisional)

Naturally indent the philtrum to complete a defined C-curl line connecting nose tip → philtrum → upper lip. Choose between incisional and non-incisional methods based on your condition and desired change.

Scarless Philtrum Indentation (Incisional / Non-Incisional)

The most dimensional and refined side profile is achieved when the nose tip, philtrum, and upper lip flow in a smooth curve. A flat or slightly puffy philtrum makes the side profile look heavy and lips appear buried. Dr.Tak's scarless philtrum indentation slightly indents the philtrum center while preserving both philtrum ridges, creating a defined C-curl line. We offer both incisional and non-incisional methods depending on each patient's condition.

Ideal Candidates

• Flat or puffy philtrum making side profile look heavy
• Disconnected nose tip → philtrum → upper lip line in side view
• Upper lip lacks dimension and looks flat
• Adequate philtrum length but seeking more defined line
• Preference for scarless system with no external incision visibility

Two Surgical Methods

Dr.Tak's scarless philtrum indentation proceeds by either incisional or non-incisional method based on bone and soft tissue condition + desired change. Both designed within the scarless system.

1) Non-Incisional — Quick Recovery, Gentle Change

Without incisions, this method preserves both philtrum ridges or precisely indents the center, creating a natural C-curl line. Short procedure time, fast recovery, immediate daily life return.

• Suitable for: relatively normal philtrum form seeking more defined line, first-time patients wanting low-burden surgery, those needing minimal recovery time
• Procedure time: ~20-30 min
• Recovery: 1-3 days (minimal swelling)
• Anesthesia: local or light sedation

2) Incisional — Greater Change, Permanent Result

Through inner mucosal incision along the philtrum centerline, we directly form indentation and reinforce/reposition the ridges — a precise surgical method. Creates more defined and permanent C-curl line than non-incisional.

• Suitable for: very flat or puffy philtrums, those wanting greater change, those preferring permanent line improvement, those undergoing other lip procedures (philtrum reduction, mucosal advancement) simultaneously
• Procedure time: ~60 min
• Recovery: 5-7 days (major swelling), 1-month settle-in
• Anesthesia: sedation
• Incision: inside mucosa — no external scars, micro-suturing

Which Method to Choose?

Both methods are not "better than the other" — they're chosen based on your condition and lifestyle. Dr.Tak personally consults 1:1 to comprehensively evaluate philtrum bone, soft tissue thickness, side profile proportion, desired change, and recovery time availability — recommending the most suitable method. Many patients are satisfied with the non-incisional method alone; if greater change is desired, incisional or staged combination is also possible.

Synergistic Procedures

Combining with philtrum reduction (inner/outer) allows simultaneous adjustment of philtrum length while creating a more dimensional line. Combining with mucosal advancement (lip augmentation) improves both upper lip volume and line for an overall more refined side profile. The incisional method is efficient when combined with other incisional procedures in one session, sharing recovery time.

Recovery

Non-incisional allows daily life return within 1-3 days with minimal swelling. Incisional sees major swelling subside within 5-7 days, and mucosal sutures often dissolve naturally. Both methods see natural line settle in after 1 month, with final results completing over 3-6 months. During recovery, avoid stimulating foods and excessive facial expressions, abstain from smoking and alcohol for 1 week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is C-curl philtroplasty the same thing as philtrum reduction? What's the difference?
This is a really common point of confusion, but the two procedures have completely different goals. Philtrum reduction shortens the length of the philtrum (the vertical distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip). C-curl philtroplasty, on the other hand, is not about length at all. It creates a soft dimple or groove down the center of the philtrum and accentuates the two philtral ridges (the columns on either side) to add depth and a true three-dimensional quality. The result is a defined C-curl line that flows from the nose tip through the philtrum and into the upper lip, giving the side profile far more dimension and definition. If you also want to adjust the length of your philtrum, the C-curl procedure can be combined with philtrum reduction, using either an inner or outer approach.
How do I choose between the incisional and non-incisional methods?
It isn't a matter of one being better than the other. The right choice depends on the current shape of your philtrum and on your lifestyle. The non-incisional method shapes the central groove and brings out the ridges without any incision. The procedure takes only about 20 to 30 minutes, recovery is just 1 to 3 days, and the change is soft and natural, so you can get back to daily life quickly. It's a great fit if this is your first procedure or if you can't set aside much downtime. The incisional method works through a small incision on the inner mucosa, forming the central dimple directly and reinforcing and repositioning the ridges. It produces a larger, permanent change and a more defined line, making it well suited to a philtrum that is quite flat or puffy, or to anyone planning to combine it with other lip surgery. During your one-on-one consultation, Dr. Tak evaluates your bone structure, soft tissue, side-profile proportions, and how much recovery time you can realistically take, and then recommends the approach that fits you best.
Do I actually need this procedure? Does it work for everyone?
It isn't a procedure that everyone needs. We have to look at the whole picture together: the length of your philtrum, the thickness of your upper lip, the angle between your nose tip and lips, and your overall side-profile proportions. You also need to have some existing ridge definition in the philtrum for the result to look natural. If the procedure is forced on someone who isn't a good candidate, it can end up looking artificial or lead to problems such as scarring or scar contracture. For that reason, Dr. Tak always assesses your suitability carefully in consultation first, and only recommends the procedure if it's genuinely right for you. As a side note, if your philtrum is long or your mouth appears to project forward, this may be a protruding-mouth (bimaxillary protrusion) pattern, which often calls for a different approach rather than C-curl philtroplasty.
Will I be left with a scar?
Both methods are performed within a fully scarless system, with no scarring visible from the outside. The non-incisional method involves no incision at all. With the incisional method, the incision line is placed along the midline of the philtrum on the inside of the mucosa, so it stays completely hidden, and it is finished with delicate micro-suturing. Either way, there is nothing to see on the surface.
Are the results permanent? How long does recovery take?
Because the incisional method reshapes the actual structure of the philtrum, it can deliver a permanent improvement to the line. The non-incisional method gives a softer change, and how long it lasts can vary depending on the technique and the individual, which we'll go over with you in consultation. As for recovery, the non-incisional method takes about 1 to 3 days with very little swelling, while the incisional method takes about 5 to 7 days with more noticeable swelling. With both methods, the line begins to settle from around the one-month mark, and the final result comes together over the following 3 to 6 months. During recovery, it helps to avoid spicy or irritating foods and overly exaggerated facial expressions, and to refrain from smoking and alcohol for one week so the area can stabilize well.