There have been quite a few enquiries on lip shortening/ lip lifting recently as more patients are aware that a long lip is one of the telltale signs of ageing. (The ideal philtrum range for females is 11-13 mm and 13-15 mm for males.)
In patients with a long philtrum, the teeth are concealed when smiling and in patients with a short philtrum, the gums are exposed, giving the appearance of a protruding mouth. As plastic surgeons, we also correct philtral anatomical abnormalities as part of a cleft lip repair operation. Plastic surgery for the lips can have a profound effect in creating a harmonious countenance.
Philtral shortening
Whilst fillers to the lip can create an illusion of a shorter philtrum, the only way to shorten the philtrum is through a surgical procedure known as a lip lift. The lip lift procedure is a small procedure that is performed under local anaesthesia and as a day procedure. The scars are designed to be hidden along the creases of the nose so as to avoid any visible scars. A lip lift serves to achieve four objectives:
- It shortens the distance between the nose and the upper lip (the philtrum)
- It increases the incisor show
- It can pull up the corner of the lips (see corner lip lift below)
- It increases the mucosa of the upper lip
Other Procedures on the Philtrum include:
Lengthening of the philtrum. Although uncommon as this may create a more aged appearance, the philtrum can be permanently lengthened using structural fat grafting to the upper lip.
Creation of philtral ridges. In certain individuals, the philtral ridges may not be obvious or the shape may not be ideal. Precise structural fat grafting can be done to augment or change the philtral ridges.
Corner lip lift. A corner lip lift does not affect the philtrum but is mentioned here for completeness. A corner lip lift is a small procedure which involves limiting the incisions to the corners of the mouth, in the process turning the corners up to create a more aesthetic and harmonious smile.
