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.