Philtrum Shortening in Seoul, Korea
Philtrum shortening in Gangnam, Seoul at Marble Plastic Surgery: reduce a long space between nose and upper lip with an incision hidden under the nose.
Typical ranges for philtrum shortening; your surgeon confirms the details at consultation.
What is philtrum shortening?
Philtrum shortening (philtrum reduction) is surgery that shortens the space between the base of the nose and the upper lip by removing a small strip of skin beneath the nose. At Marble Plastic Surgery in Gangnam, Seoul, it is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon as part of its facial contouring procedures.
A long philtrum makes the midface look long and hides the upper lip and teeth. Shortening it by a few millimetres rebalances the lower face and lets the upper lip show more, without adding volume. The incision follows the natural curves at the base of the nostrils so the scar is concealed.
Who is philtrum shortening for?
Suitability is decided at a 1:1 consultation with your surgeon.
- A long distance between nose and upper lip
- A midface that looks long in proportion
- A thin upper lip that shows little when smiling
- People who want a lasting change rather than filler
How philtrum shortening is performed at Marble
- Consultation and planning Your surgeon measures philtrum length against your facial proportions and tooth show, and marks the number of millimetres to remove.
- Anesthesia and monitoring A board-certified anesthesiologist selects the anesthesia with your surgeon, administers it, and monitors you continuously throughout the procedure.
- Shortening the philtrum A bullhorn-shaped strip of skin is removed beneath the nose, the deeper tissue is anchored to reduce tension on the skin, and the incision is closed with fine sutures.
- Recovery and discharge You rest in a private recovery room under monitoring. Before you leave, the team explains wound care, medication and your follow-up schedule.
Recovery and aftercare
Stitches beneath the nose are removed after about five to seven days. Swelling settles in one to two weeks and the scar line fades over several months.
- Follow-up visits with the surgeon who performed your procedure
- Wound and scar checks at each visit
- Written aftercare instructions in English
- Remote follow-up after you return home
Surgeon-of-record policy
The board-certified specialist you consult with performs your surgery — no substitute surgeons.
Anesthesiologist on site
A board-certified anesthesiologist manages screening, anesthesia and recovery.
Real-time monitoring
A central system monitors every patient continuously during surgery and recovery.
Operating-room CCTV
Cameras in the operating room provide transparency and faster emergency response.
Frequently asked questions
How much can the philtrum be shortened?
Typically a few millimetres, which produces a visible change in proportion. The amount is limited so the mouth still closes comfortably.
Will the scar under my nose be visible?
The incision sits in the crease at the base of the nose. It is red at first and usually fades to a fine line.
Is philtrum shortening the same as a lip lift?
Yes. Philtrum shortening, philtrum reduction and subnasal lip lift describe the same procedure.
Who will perform my procedure at Marble Plastic Surgery?
The surgeon you consult with performs your surgery. Marble follows a surgeon-of-record policy with no substitute surgeons, and a board-certified anesthesiologist is on site full-time to manage anesthesia and monitoring.
Can I arrange a consultation in English before traveling to Seoul?
Yes. International patients can start with an online consultation by sending photos and goals through WhatsApp or the contact form. The plan is then confirmed in person at the clinic in Gangnam.
Explore more face procedures
Plan your philtrum shortening consultation
Send your photos and goals and a member of our team will reply with next steps. You can also use the consultation form at the bottom of this page.
- Clinic
- Marble Plastic Surgery (마블성형외과)
- Address
- 3F Juryuseong Bldg., 435 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00
Sat 10:00–16:00
Closed Sundays & public holidays - Languages
- English, Japanese, Chinese and Thai coordinators
All surgery carries risks, including bleeding, infection and inflammation. Results, recovery time and satisfaction vary between individuals. Times shown are typical ranges and are confirmed for you at consultation. This page is for general information and is not a substitute for a medical consultation.