What is Philtrum Shortening?

• The “philtrum” refers to the vertical distance between the base of the nose (columella) and the top of the upper lip. A longer-than-ideal philtrum can make the face appear longer, the upper lip less visible, or the smile less dynamic.
• Philtrum shortening (sometimes called “philtrum reduction” or part of an upper lip lift) involves surgical removal of a small strip of skin beneath the nose (often via a “bull-horn” shaped incision) to reduce that distance and lift/define the upper lip region.
• The result: better facial proportions, improved visibility of the upper lip (“lip vermilion show”), and a more youthful appearance.

Why consider it in Seoul, Korea?

• Seoul has a well-established aesthetic surgery market with skilled plastic surgeons who specialise in facial contouring, lip lifts and philtrum shortening.
• Because you’re based in Gyeonggi-do (near Seoul), logistic for consultations, surgery and follow-up visits are convenient.
• The procedure is relatively simple compared to full rhinoplasty or major facial surgery—so many clinics in Seoul offer refined versions with minimal downtime and concealed scarring.

Typical Procedure & What to Expect

Consultation & Planning

• The surgeon evaluates your facial proportions: philtrum length, lip visibility, lip-to-nose relationship, upper lip volume, smile dynamics, skin thickness.
• Discussion of what amount of shortening is appropriate to maintain natural lip movement and avoid over-lifting (“duck lip” effect) or unnatural appearance.

Surgery Day

• Anesthesia: Typically local anaesthesia with or without mild sedation.
• Incision: A curved incision (bull-horn style) placed under the nostrils along the nasal base, small strip of skin removed, upper lip lifted/secured, fine sutures used to minimise visible scarring.
• Duration: Usually ~30 to 60 minutes (depending on extent) in many Seoul clinics.
• Postoperative: Dressings and instructions given; usually outpatient (no overnight hospital stay required).

After-care & Recovery

• Swelling and bruising around the incision and upper lip area are common in the first few days.
• Most patients can resume everyday non-strenuous activities within about 5-7 days; full healing and scar fading over 1-3 months.
• Sutures removal usually around 5-7 days (if non-dissolvable).
• Scar is hidden beneath the nose, and when well done, becomes subtle and minimally visible.

What It Can Treat / Key Benefits

• Shortens the philtrum to correct facial proportions, especially when the philtrum looks elongated.
• Elevates the upper lip subtly: improves lip volume visibility, “pink lip show”, and smile aesthetics.
• Can give a more youthful look, refine mid-face appearance, improve lip shape and reduce the “aged” appearance of a long philtrum.

Suitability & Limitations

Good candidates

• Individuals who feel their upper lip area (philtrum) is too long, lip visibility is low, or face looks elongated.
• People looking for a permanent correction rather than repeated filler-based lip enhancements.
• Good health, realistic expectations, willing to follow after-care.

Less suitable / Consider alternatives if

• Major lip volume loss or sagging skin in mid-face – a lip lift alone may not address all concerns.
• If only lip volume reduction is needed, not length shortening, then other procedures (filler, fat grafting) might be more suitable.
• If donor site issues or heavy healing risk (e.g., smokers, poor wound healing) then risks may be higher.

Cost Range in Seoul – Ballpark Figures

• According to sources, philtrum shortening surgery in Seoul ranges roughly from ₩1,500,000 to ₩3,500,000 KRW (≈ US$1,150–2,700) depending on surgeon, clinic, complexity, whether combined with other procedures.
• Some clinics list specific pricing for “philtrum size reduction” at ~ ₩2,100,000 KRW for standard cases.
• Additional costs may include sedation, foreign-patient services, post-op medications, follow-up visits.

Key Questions to Ask Your Surgeon/Clinic

• What incision method will you use and how do you ensure minimal visible scarring?
• How much shortening of the philtrum is planned (in mm) and how does that align with facial proportions?
• How will upper lip movement and smile be preserved (to avoid “too lifted” look or restricted mobility)?
• What is included in the cost (anesthesia, facility fee, sutures, follow-ups)?
• What is the expected downtime and recovery period in my case?
• Can you show before-/after photos of previous patients with similar facial anatomy/concerns?
• What is your revision policy if I’m not satisfied or there is asymmetry/scar thickening?
• What after-care and scar management do you recommend (scar massage, laser, etc)?

Practical Tips for Before & After

• Before surgery:
• Avoid alcohol, smoking, and medications that increase bleeding (aspirin, NSAIDs) for several days prior.
• Bring clear photos of your face (front, profile) to the consultation.
• Ask about travel/ stay requirements if you’re coming from abroad.
• After surgery:
• Follow instructions for wound care: keep incision clean and dry, avoid strong lip movements initially.
• Eat soft foods and avoid wide opening of the mouth in early days to minimise stress on the sutures. shensclinic.com
• Use sunscreen on the area once healed, and consider scar-management treatments if advised (e.g., laser, silicone sheets).
• Avoid smoking, excessive sun exposure, heavy exercise or sauna until cleared.
• Expectations:
• The final outcome becomes clearer after swelling subsides (1-2 weeks) and scar matures (3-6 months).
• Results are permanent but the face still ages – maintenance of lip volume and mid-face health remains important.

Final Thoughts

Philtrum shortening in Seoul is a refined, targeted procedure for improving the lip-to-nose relationship, enhancing lip visibility, and refining facial proportions. Because you are based near Seoul, you are well-placed for access to clinics that specialise in this kind of subtle facial contouring. The key for your website audience will be emphasising: (1) correct diagnosis of the philtrum length, (2) choosing a surgeon experienced in subtle fine-feature work, (3) the importance of after-care and realistic expectations.