Changing the Deepest Roots,
Leaving No Traces Behind
AVA's detail lies in reconstructing the invisible core structures beneath the skin.
Philtrum Reduction
A procedure that delivers a significant anti-ageing effect without significant cost. By shortening the elongated philtrum, the procedure restores upper incisor show and Cupid's bow definition. Dual-plane dissection combined with a scar-concealing design means scarring is rarely a concern.
Quick Facts
| Procedure | Philtrum Reduction · Philtrum Reduction |
|---|---|
| Surgeon | Dr. Kim Seungsoo (Board-certified Plastic Surgeon, 10+ yrs) |
| Key Technique | Dual-Plane Philtrum Reduction |
| Time | 1 hour |
| Anesthesia | Local / IV Sedation |
| Hospitalization | Not required |
| Stitch Removal | Day 7 |
| Follow-up Visits | 1–2 times |
| Recovery | 1–2 weeks |
| Best For | Philtrum appearing elongated due to ageing · Loss of Cupid's bow definition — a flat, featureless upper lip border · Upper incisors not visible when speaking, with only lower teeth showing · Mid-face appearing vertically long · Philtrum appearing elongated following orthognathic surgery · Desire for a significant anti-ageing effect without significant cost · Preference to avoid the commitment of a full facelift |
Dual-Plane Philtrum Reduction
Dual-layer dissection and fixation of the skin and muscle produce long-lasting results with a virtually imperceptible scar.
Four Age-Related Changes to the Philtrum
These explain why philtrum reduction offers one of the most significant results relative to cost among all anti-ageing procedures.
| Area of Improvement | Pattern of Change | Visual Result |
|---|---|---|
| Philtrum Length | Progressively elongates | The mid-face appears vertically longer |
| Cupid's Bow | Flattens and disappears | A flat, featureless appearance with no definition |
| Upper Lip Position | Descends | Upper incisors become barely visible when speaking |
| Expression Signal | Only lower teeth become visible | A powerful marker of facial ageing — one of the key factors that makes a person look older |
A Significant Anti-Ageing Effect Without Significant Cost
Philtrum reduction offers one of the highest ratios of visible change to cost among all anti-ageing procedures. A single focused procedure fundamentally transforms the visual proportions of the face.
Mid-Face Length Reduction
Shortening the elongated philtrum immediately corrects the visual effect of a long mid-face
Cupid's Bow Restoration
A three-dimensional Cupid's bow is re-created in the previously flat philtrum, restoring a defined appearance
Upper Incisor Show Restored
Restores the youthful expression of upper teeth being visible when speaking
Overall Facial Proportion Improved
As the mid-face shortens, the overall facial proportions are redistributed in a more youthful direction — producing a visual effect that rivals or exceeds that of a facelift
The Most Common Concern With Philtrum Reduction — How Is Scarring Managed?
When Dual-plane dissection is combined with a scar-concealing incision design, the resulting scar becomes barely visible. AVA applies both principles simultaneously.
Dual-Plane Dissection
The skin and orbicularis oris muscle are dissected independently as two separate layers, with the muscle layer absorbing all the tension. Because virtually no tension is transferred to the surface skin closure, the incision line heals cleanly.
Scar-Concealing Incision Design
The incision is designed to follow the natural boundary line and curvature at the base of the nose. It is naturally concealed in the shadow beneath the nose and, once healed, blends with the natural creases to become virtually undetectable.
※ Both principles must be applied simultaneously for the scar to become barely visible. Either principle alone has inherent limitations.
Philtrum Groove Sculpting
A C-curve groove is created in a flattened philtrum to restore three-dimensional definition and a youthful facial appearance.
Check Point Highly Recommended For
Philtrum Reduction Procedure
Hidden Design
Incision designed along the natural base-of-nose boundary
Dual Dissection
Skin and orbicularis oris separated independently
Fixation & Groove
Muscle fixation and philtrum groove formation
Micro-Suture Closure
Multi-layer closure to minimise scarring burden
3 mm Is the Dividing Line — Guide to Simultaneous Corner Lip Lift
When philtrum reduction is performed in mid-life, the central portion of the philtrum tends to elevate more than the corners. Depending on the amount shortened, a simultaneous corner lip lift may be recommended to balance the lateral corners.
Less than 3 mm
Philtrum reduction alone
The degree of change is small, so the difference between the central and lateral elevation is barely perceptible. A standalone procedure produces a natural result.
3 mm or more
Philtrum reduction + corner lip lift recommended
When philtrum reduction is performed in mid-life, the central philtrum elevates more than the corners. Shortening by 3 mm or more requires simultaneous lifting of the corner lip to maintain a natural curvature and bilateral balance.
※ The precise amount of reduction is determined during consultation through a comprehensive assessment of philtrum length, upper lip position, and degree of incisor show.
Anti-Aging Procedures — At a Glance
The right fit depends on where the laxity is, how deep it runs, and your recovery window.
| Procedure | Area | Time | Anesthesia | Recovery | Key Technique |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facelift Full Face Lift | Full face, jaw, neck | 3 hours | IV Sedation | From 2 weeks | AVA Plastic Surgery 'Dual-Plane' Lifting |
| Mini Facelift Customised Mini Lift | Mid / lower face (choose) | 2 hours | IV Sedation | 1–2 weeks | Only the Incision Is Shorter — SMAS Dissection Is the Same |
| Forehead Lift Endoscopic Forehead Lift | Forehead, glabella, brow | 1 hour | IV Sedation | From 1 week | '1.5 cm × 4 Minimal Incisions' — No Visible Scarring |
| Sub-Brow Lift Sub-brow Lift | Upper lid, eye corners | 1 hour | Local / IV Sedation | From 1 week | AVA 'Dual-Plane' Sub-Brow Lift |
| Upper Blepharoplasty Upper Blepharoplasty | Upper eyelid | 1 hour | Local / IV Sedation | 1–2 weeks | Incisional Ptosis Correction — An Important Addition |
| Lower Blepharoplasty Lower Blepharoplasty | Lower eyelid | 1 hour | Local / IV Sedation | 1–2 weeks | Surgeon-customized approach |
| Philtrum Reduction Philtrum Reduction | Philtrum (nose-to-lip) | 1 hour | Local / IV Sedation | 1–2 weeks | Dual-Plane Philtrum Reduction |
| Corner Lip Lift Corner Lip Lift | Mouth corners, lips | 30–50 minutes | Local / IV Sedation | From 1 week | Scar Management Is the Essence — Triangular Flap Transposition |
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The AVA Difference
AVA Dual-Deep Plane Lifting
Multi-layer dissection of SMAS and deep tissue with tension applied at the SMAS layer.
The incision-site skin is designed to remain tension-free.
Anatomy-Based Long-Term Design
Dissection depth and lift vectors are individually calibrated
based on Mendelson's midcheek anatomy and Jacono's long-term outcome data.
Patient Satisfaction Defines Completion
Surgery is complete not when sutures are removed,
but when the patient smiles in front of the mirror.
Q&A
RELATED · Medical Terms
Post-op Instructions
- Do not rub the surgical area strongly for about a week.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 2 weeks as they delay recovery.
- Swelling and bruising vary individually but will gradually improve.
- Light walking or stretching helps reduce swelling.
Curious About This Procedure?
Our head surgeon provides a one-on-one assessment and a tailored treatment plan just for you. Results and recovery may vary by individual.