scarless-lip

Scarless Philtrum Indentation (C-Curl)

Creates a natural hollow in the philtrum to complete the three-dimensional C-curl line running from the nose tip through the philtrum to the upper lip. You can choose between an incisional or non-incisional method depending on your condition and desired degree of change.

Scarless Philtrum Indentation (C-Curl)

The side profile looks most three-dimensional and refined when the nose tip, philtrum, and upper lip connect in a smooth curve. When the philtrum is flat or slightly bulging, the profile looks heavy and the lips get buried. Scarless Philtrum Indentation creates a gentle hollow in the center of the philtrum and accentuates both philtrum ridges to form a crisp C-curl line; Dr.Tak Plastic Surgery offers both incisional and non-incisional methods depending on the patient's condition.

Recommended for

• Those whose flat or bulging philtrum makes the profile look heavy
• Those whose nose-tip–philtrum–upper-lip line looks broken in profile
• Those whose upper lip feels flat and lacks dimension
• Those whose philtrum length is fine but who want a crisper line
• Those who want a scarless (無痕) procedure with no external scar

Two methods

Dr.Tak's Scarless Philtrum Indentation is performed via the incisional or non-incisional method depending on the patient's bone and soft-tissue condition and desired degree of change. Both are designed within a scarless system with no externally visible scar.

1) Non-incisional — faster recovery, gentler change

A non-incisional approach that accentuates both philtrum ridges or precisely hollows the center to form a natural C-curl line, without any incision. It offers a short procedure time, fast recovery, and immediate return to daily life.

• Suitable for: those whose philtrum shape is relatively normal but who want a crisper line; those who want a low-burden first procedure; those who cannot take a long recovery period
• Procedure time: about 20–30 minutes
• Recovery: 1–3 days (almost no major swelling)
• Anesthesia: local or light sedation

2) Incisional — greater change, permanent result

A precise surgical method that approaches through an incision inside the mucosa along the center line of the philtrum to directly form the hollow and reinforce/reposition both ridges. It can create a crisper, permanent C-curl line than the non-incisional method.

• Suitable for: those with a markedly flat or bulging philtrum; those who want a large degree of change; those who prefer a permanent line improvement; those combining it with other lip procedures (philtrum reduction, mucosal advancement, etc.)
• Procedure time: about 60 minutes
• Recovery: 5–7 days (major swelling), natural settling after 1 month
• Anesthesia: sedation
• Incision: located inside the mucosa — no externally visible scar, micro-sutured

Which method should you choose?

The two are not a matter of "which is better" but a choice based on the patient's condition and lifestyle. Through a 1:1 consultation, Dr.Tak personally evaluates the philtrum's bone structure, soft-tissue thickness, profile proportions, desired degree of change, and available recovery period to recommend the most suitable method. The non-incisional method is often satisfying enough; if you want more change, the incisional method or a staged combination of both is also possible.

Procedures that pair well

Combined with philtrum reduction (inner/outer), it can adjust philtrum length while creating a more three-dimensional line. Combined with mucosal advancement (lip augmentation), it improves the volume and line of the upper lip at once, further refining the overall profile proportions. Performing the incisional method together with other incisional procedures in one session can efficiently shorten the combined recovery period.

Recovery after surgery

The non-incisional method allows a return to daily life within 1–3 days with almost no major swelling. With the incisional method, major swelling largely subsides within 5–7 days, and the mucosal sutures often dissolve naturally, requiring no separate removal. Both methods settle into a natural line after 1 month, with the final result completing over 3–6 months. During recovery, avoiding irritating foods and excessive facial expressions and refraining from smoking and drinking for one week help stabilization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a philtrum dimple the same as philtrum reduction? What is the difference?
This is a point people often confuse, but the two have different purposes. Philtrum reduction is surgery that shortens the 'length' (the vertical dimension) of the philtrum, whereas a philtrum dimple is a procedure that hollows the center of the philtrum and accentuates both philtrum ridges to create 'depth' and dimension. In other words, a philtrum dimple does not shorten the length; rather, it creates a crisp C-curl line running from the nose tip through the philtrum to the upper lip, improving the side profile (the side view) three-dimensionally. If you also want to adjust the philtrum length at the same time, it can be performed together with philtrum reduction (inner and outer).
Which should I choose between the incision method and the incisionless method?
It is not a matter of "which one is better," but rather a choice based on your philtrum condition and lifestyle. The incisionless method accentuates the ridges and hollows the center without any incision; the procedure is short at 20~30 minutes, recovery is 1~3 days for a fast return to daily life, and the range of change is gentle (suitable for those having a first procedure or who cannot take a long recovery period). The incision method directly forms the concavity through an incision on the inner mucosa and reinforces and repositions the ridges, allowing a larger range of change and a permanent line (suitable for those whose philtrum is very flat or puffy, or who wish to combine it with other lip procedures). Dr.Tak comprehensively assesses your bone structure, soft tissue, side profile proportions, and the recovery period available to you during a 1:1 consultation, and then makes a recommendation.
Do I need a philtrum dimple too? Is it effective for everyone?
It is not a procedure that everyone needs. We have to consider the length of the philtrum, the thickness of the upper lip, the angle between the nose tip and the lips, and the side profile proportions together, and there must be a certain degree of ridge (groove) in the philtrum for a natural result. If it is performed forcibly when not suitable, it can instead look artificial or cause problems such as scarring or contracture, so Dr.Tak first accurately determines suitability during the consultation before making a recommendation. For reference, cases in the 'protruding mouth' category — where the philtrum looks long or protrudes — may require a different approach rather than a philtrum dimple.
Will no scar be left?
Both methods are performed within a scarless (無痕) system in which no scar is visible from the outside. The incisionless method involves no incision at all, and even with the incision method the incision line lies inside the mucosa along the center line of the philtrum, so no scar is visible from the outside, and it is finished with micro sutures.
Is the effect permanent? How long does recovery take?
Because the incision method shapes the very form of the philtrum, a permanent line improvement is possible, while the incisionless method has a gentle range of change and its degree of retention may vary by method and individual, which we explain during the consultation. For recovery, the incisionless method takes 1~3 days (with almost no significant swelling) and the incision method takes 5~7 days (with significant swelling); with both methods the line settles in from about one month onward, and the final result is completed over 3~6 months. During the recovery period, it helps stabilization to avoid irritating foods and excessive facial expressions and to refrain from smoking and drinking for one week.