scarless-lip

Scarless Philtrum Contouring / Definition (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.

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ProceduresScarless Philtrum Contouring / Definition (C-Curl)

※ Results may vary depending on the individual.

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 Contouring / Definition (C-Curl) creates a gentle hollow in the center of the philtrum and accentuates both philtrum ridges to form a crisp C-curl line.

What Philtrum Contouring / Definition (C-Curl) changes — dimension and a younger look

Once a natural hollow appears in the philtrum, shadow returns to the centre of the face and its dimension reads clearly. As the space between nose and upper lip becomes defined, a younger-looking effect follows. Above all, in profile the soft C-curl running from nose tip through philtrum to upper lip is completed, so not only the front view but the side view turns refined and lively. As dimension and life are added to a once-flat philtrum, the features as a whole look crisper and better balanced.

Recommended for

• 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
• Those who cannot take a long recovery period and need to return to daily life quickly
• Those having a first procedure who want a low-burden option

No incision at all — the advantages of the non-incisional approach

The defining feature of Scarless Philtrum Contouring / Definition (C-Curl) is that no external incision is made at all. The skin is not cut — a fine opening is made in the mucosa inside the upper lip, and the hollow in the centre of the philtrum together with both ridges is shaped by suture-and-fixation, so no scar is left on the skin surface. It is an especially low-burden option for those who have hesitated because of scarring.

• No scar to worry about: no external incision is made, so no scar is left.
• Fast recovery: with almost no major swelling, a return to daily life is usually possible in 1–3 days.
• Short procedure time: about 20–30 minutes, so the burden is small.
• Light anaesthesia: performed under local anaesthesia or light sedation.
• A natural change: designed without overdoing it, so there is no 'had-work-done' look — the C-curl reads as though it was always there.
• Easy as a first procedure: even those considering a philtrum procedure for the first time can start lightly.

How the procedure proceeds

The flow below is for the non-incisional method.

  1. 1:1 detailed consultation & design — we assess the bone structure of the philtrum, soft-tissue thickness, profile proportions and the degree of change you want, then design the most natural C-curl line.
  2. Non-incisional procedure — without any incision, the centre of the philtrum is precisely hollowed and both ridges accentuated to set the line. (About 20–30 minutes)
  3. Immediate return to routine — with almost no major swelling, you can go about daily life right after.
  4. Natural settling — the line settles in more naturally as time passes.

Dr.Tak's design know-how

Even with the same technique, the result is decided at the design stage. Dr.Tak closely analyses profile proportions and the harmony of philtrum and lips, then designs the balance between the central hollow and the two ridges with care. The key is "not overdoing it" — too deep looks unnatural, too little has minimal effect — so finding the depth and curve that suit each individual matters most. We balance it so that the dimension seen from the front and the C-curl seen in profile are natural at the same time.

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.

Recovery after surgery

Because nothing is incised, there is almost no major swelling and a return to daily life is usually possible within 1–3 days. The line settles in more naturally as time passes. During recovery, avoiding irritating foods and excessive facial expressions and refraining from smoking and drinking for one week help stabilization.

An honest word on what to expect — and what we can't do

The non-incisional method lets us refine the profile naturally with no burden of scarring, but the range of change is on the gentle side. How long the effect holds can vary from person to person, and where the philtrum is markedly flat or bulging — a larger deformity — the non-incisional route alone may not achieve enough. In such cases the incisional method on our Philtrum Contouring / Definition (C-Curl) (C-Curl) page may suit better, so we assess your exact condition in consultation and tell you honestly which approach fits.

It also takes time for the result to settle in naturally, and every result varies from person to person. Dr.Tak draws an honest line between what is achievable and what is difficult before going ahead.

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 external incision at the border between the nose and the philtrum — the same site used for inner philtrum reduction — 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?
It depends on the method, and we tell you honestly. The incisionless method makes no external incision at all, so no scar is left on the skin surface. The incision method, however, uses an external incision at the border between the nose and the philtrum, so a scar cannot be avoided entirely: we place it where it is not readily noticed, minimise it with micro-suturing and aftercare, and it fades gradually over six months or more. This page covers the incisionless method; for the incision method see [Philtrum Indentation (C-Curl)](https://drtakprs.com/en/services/c-curl-philtrum).
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.