smile-revision

Outer Philtrum Revision

Revision surgery for a previous outer-philtrum reduction that left scarring, asymmetry, overcorrection, or insufficient results near the nostrils.

The outer philtrum — the area beside the nostrils — is a delicate region that shapes both your front and side profile at once. If you've been troubled by scarring or asymmetry after a first outer-philtrum reduction, Dr.Tak analyzes the cause precisely and redesigns a natural proportion. No unnecessary procedures — only the correction you truly need.

Who It's For

  • Your outer philtrum was never shortened as much as you originally wanted
  • The two sides healed with uneven length or shape
  • The incision-line scar near the nostrils is visible or creates a pulling sensation
  • You were overcorrected — for example, the upper lip lifts too high and shows gum
  • Your philtrum looks different from the front than from the side, which feels off

Why Revision Is More Difficult

The outer philtrum is the boundary where the nostril, philtrum, and upper lip meet, so even a small scar or asymmetry shows clearly on the face. A revision site carries added scar tissue and adhesions, so it demands a far more precise design than the first surgery. As a clinic dedicated to the philtrum and lips, Dr.Tak Plastic Surgery corrects this while also accounting for a natural transition around the nostrils.

Dr.Tak's Revision Principles

  1. Precise scar and proportion analysis — We carefully assess the scar condition of the previous incision line and any left-right asymmetry.
  2. One-on-one root-cause consultation — We first clarify the cause: too little reduction, too much, or asymmetry.
  3. Realistic expectations — We are honest about how much improvement is achievable.
  4. Micro-suture technique — We also refine the position and direction of the scar around the nostrils to keep any trace to a minimum.

Timing

Revision is safest once the tissue has stabilized — at least 6 months after the original surgery. Pushing ahead before the scar has matured can leave the result unstable.

The Procedure

We re-incise precisely along the outer incision line and redesign both sides for symmetry. Scar tissue is excised and improved with micro-sutures, and we correct the proportions as a whole so the line flowing from the nostril into the upper lip connects naturally.

Aftercare — It Shapes the Result

The area around the nostrils moves a great deal, so taping care is especially important. Because smoking delays wound healing, we recommend stopping for at least 3 months — ideally 6. To keep the scar from hardening, periodic massage and, if needed, scar-softening injections can be combined.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is outer philtrum revision surgery needed?
It is considered when the outer philtrum was not adequately shortened, when the two sides are asymmetric in length or shape, when the incision scar around the nostril base is conspicuous or causes tightness, when overcorrection has lifted the upper lip excessively, or when the front and side views look different and appear unnatural.
Can the scar around the nostril base also be improved?
We excise the existing scar tissue and reapproximate it with micro-suturing along the natural skin lines, aiming to improve the scar at the same time. Recovery-period care has a major influence on the result.
Can left-right asymmetry be corrected?
Through precise analysis we identify the cause of the difference between the two sides and then redesign them for symmetry. However, when there are large differences in the underlying bone structure or soft tissue, we will honestly explain the limitations in advance.
How soon can outer philtrum revision surgery be performed?
It is safest once the tissue has stabilized, at least 6 months after the initial surgery. Pushing ahead before the scar has matured can leave the result unstable.
Why is outer philtrum revision so demanding?
Because it lies at the junction where the nostril base, philtrum, and upper lip meet, even small scars and asymmetries show prominently in the overall impression. Combined with existing scar tissue and adhesions, this requires a more precise design than the initial surgery.