When you look in the mirror, do you always feel like the area between your nose and lips is flat, lacking the depression it should have, making your upper lip appear heavy and your facial refinement insufficient? A shallow philtrum is mostly congenital, but it does affect overall three-dimensionality. Philtrum deepening is a surgery targeting this small detail — by deepening the central depression and raising the ridges on both sides, the upper lip instantly gains more dimension. Which method suits your lip condition and whether the recovery period is acceptable — the following explains one by one, helping you turn your ideas into an executable plan.
The philtrum is a longitudinal depression located below the nasal columella, in the center of the upper lip. The clearer the philtrum dimple, the stronger the facial three-dimensionality, and the more youthful and refined it appears. An indistinct or shallow upper lip philtrum groove mostly belongs to congenital developmental issues, making the upper lip shape less aesthetically pleasing. Philtrum deepening surgery reshapes the orbicularis oris muscle ring through surgical removal of lip connective tissue and subsequent suturing, thereby deepening the philtrum groove. Its core principle is through meticulous sculpting of subcutaneous tissue to recreate the raised philtrum columns and the depressed philtrum dimple, visually increasing the three-dimensionality of the upper lip. The surgery can deepen the philtrum alone, or be combined with philtrum shortening to simultaneously improve facial proportions.
Philtrum deepening surgery is mainly suitable for the following groups:
Flat or absent philtrum — upper lip is flat, with no philtrum or very shallow philtrum, lacking three-dimensionality;
Blurred philtrum lines — philtrum columns are not obvious, boundary between nose and lips is blurred;
Poor upper lip shape — hoping to improve overall lip shape by deepening the philtrum;
Facial proportion imbalance — philtrum appears too long or too short, dissatisfied with facial proportions;
Pursuing delicate facial details — hoping to emphasize philtrum three-dimensionality and create a more refined impression.
Absolute contraindications: Active infection in the lip or facial area, such as cold sores, oral ulcers, etc.; severe systemic diseases such as uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, etc.; bleeding disorder; keloid tendency; pregnant or breastfeeding women; those with excessively high or unrealistic psychological expectations.
There are mainly three methods for philtrum deepening, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
| Method | Operation Method | Advantages | Disadvantages | Longevity | Reference Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Injection Filling (Hyaluronic Acid / Autologous Fat) | Inject filling material on both sides of the philtrum columns, creating a depression effect by raising the sides | Non-invasive, no downtime, immediate results | Results not permanent, requires periodic touch-ups | 6–12 months | ₩300,000–800,000 |
| Intracutaneous Thread Traction | Implant threads within the philtrum groove skin for traction, deepening the philtrum groove | Minimal trauma, fast recovery | Limited longevity of results | 1–2 years | ₩500,000–1,200,000 |
| Surgical Incision Method (Partial Orbicularis Oris Excision) | Make a concealed incision on the inner side of the upper lip, excise part of the connective tissue, reshape the orbicularis oris muscle ring, then suture | Long-lasting results, strong three-dimensionality | Has wound, requires recovery period, scarring risk | 1–10+ years | ₩1,500,000–4,500,000 |
Selection recommendations: If you want quick results with no downtime, choose injection filling (hyaluronic acid or autologous fat); if you pursue permanent results and can accept a recovery period, choose the surgical incision method; if you want minimal trauma with moderate longevity, choose intracutaneous thread traction. In Gangnam, Seoul, many hospitals offer C-shaped philtrum dimple plastic surgery technology, with more photogenic profile effects.
Step 1 – Professional Consultation:Korean lip plastic surgery doctors evaluate philtrum morphology, upper lip thickness, and facial proportions, combining 3D simulation to display postoperative results and formulate a personalized surgical plan.
Step 2 – Preoperative Preparation:Fasting for 8 hours before surgery. The surgery uses local anesthesia, with a duration of approximately 1 hour.
Step 3 – Precise Operation:A concealed incision is made on the inner side of the upper lip (inside the oral cavity), the anterior lip subcutaneous connective tissue is removed, the orbicularis oris muscle ring is reshaped, and then the skin and muscle are sutured several times at the philtrum groove. The incision is completely inside the oral cavity, with no visible external scar.
Step 4 – Postoperative Recovery:Sutures are removed after 7 days. Daily life can be resumed 1–2 weeks postoperatively; results are most natural and stable after 3–6 months.
Immediate Effect: In the early postoperative period, results may not be obvious due to swelling, but the three-dimensionality of the philtrum has been preliminarily established.
Progressive Effect: After 5–10 days postoperatively, as swelling subsides, the philtrum dimple is noticeably deepened and facial contours are optimized; obvious improvement is visible after 2–4 weeks; after 3–6 months, when soft tissue fully adapts, results reach stability — upper lip three-dimensionality is significantly enhanced, and the overall face appears more refined and youthful.
Longevity: The surgical incision method can maintain results for 1–10+ years, belonging to semi-permanent to permanent improvement. Hyaluronic acid injection results last approximately 6–12 months. As age increases, natural aging may still affect philtrum morphology.
Q1: What is the difference between philtrum deepening surgery and philtrum shortening surgery?
A: Philtrum shortening surgery aims to shorten the distance between the nose and lips, improving facial proportions; philtrum deepening surgery aims to increase the three-dimensionality of the philtrum area, making the depression more obvious and the ridges on both sides more prominent. The two can be combined.
Q2: Is the surgery painful? How long is the recovery period?
A: Local anesthesia is used, with no pain during the procedure. After the anesthetic wears off, there may be mild pain, which can be relieved with painkillers. Daily life can be resumed 1–2 weeks postoperatively; results are fully stable after 3–6 months.
Q3: Will there be scars after surgery?
A: The surgical incision is on the inner side of the upper lip (inside the oral cavity), with completely no visible external scar. However, those with keloid-prone skin need to be cautious.
Q4: How much does philtrum deepening surgery cost in Korea?
A: In 2026, in Gangnam, Seoul, the surgical incision method is approximately ₩1,500,000–4,500,000; hyaluronic acid injection is approximately ₩300,000–800,000. Prices vary depending on the hospital, doctor experience, surgical complexity, and whether anesthesia fees and postoperative care fees are included. It is recommended to confirm before surgery whether the quotation is all-inclusive.
Q5: Is philtrum deepening surgery safe?
A: Any surgery carries risks. Choosing a formal medical institution and an experienced lip plastic surgery doctor is the core of ensuring safety. A detailed consultation is required before surgery to confirm there are no contraindications.
Common Side Effects: Temporary swelling and bruising may occur postoperatively, usually subsiding on their own within 3–4 days; in rare cases, upper lip numbness may occur, generally recovering within 3–6 months.
Potential Complications: These include infection, bleeding and hematoma, incision scar hypertrophy, and unsatisfactory postoperative results. Choosing an experienced doctor can significantly reduce risks.
Rational Recommendations: Philtrum deepening surgery is a precision lip surgery that places extremely high demands on the doctor’s aesthetic sense and suturing technique. When choosing a clinic in Korea, be sure to select a lip plastic surgery specialty hospital operated by an experienced plastic surgeon. A thorough consultation must be conducted before surgery to fully understand your own lip structure and surgical plan. Manage expectations rationally — philtrum deepening can bring significant yet natural improvement in lip three-dimensionality, but natural harmony should be pursued rather than excessive exaggeration. Beauty is worth investing in, but safety always comes first.