Long Philtrum
Serving Cincinnati, Ohio & the Tri-State RegionA long philtrum can make the mouth look pendulous and aged. A long philtrum can exist from early adulthood or develop with age. Dr. Jeffrey Harmon is a fellowship trained double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who is specialized in treating long philtrum in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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What Is a Long Philtrum?
The philtrum is a vertical groove that extends from the base of the nose to the upper lip. Paired philtral columns lie on either side of the groove/channel. These ridges correspond to areas that meet and fuse during development. A cleft lip is a result of problems with fusion of this area.
The philtral columns end inferiorly at the border between the red upper lip and upper lip skin, called the vermilion border. This specific location is called the cupid’s peak because they form the peaks of the m-shape to the red upper lip.
Understanding this anatomy is essential to treating a long philtrum since it is more likely to:
- Make the upper lip appear more bottom-heavy and pendulous
- Cover the upper teeth entirely
- Shift the focus of the gaze lower in the face
Importantly, there are no absolute, research-supported guidelines that define what length qualifies a philtrum as long. Moreover, there are other features of the upper lip that may prevent an individual from reaching an ideal length surgically. For example, a patient may demonstrate too significant show of their top teeth to make addressing a long philtrum aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, a decision about an appropriate length for the philtrum and, by extension, the length of the entire upper lip skin, depends on multiple factors and the artistic judgement of the facial plastic surgeon.
What Causes a Long Philtrum?
Someone may have a long philtrum from early adulthood while others develop it with age.
The upper lip is composed of skin, fat, muscle, and mucosa. These tissue layers can thin and lengthen over time.
What Can a Long Philtrum be Confused With?
A long philtrum is generally not confused with anything, because it is a specific anatomic location and is associated with long upper lip skin, more broadly.
How Is a Long Philtrum Treated?
A long philtrum can be treated with a surgical procedure called a lip lift. This is a procedure which can be performed under local anesthesia only, without sedation. However, a consultation with a qualified facial plastic surgeon is essential to determine whether an individual’s medical history, surgical history, and specific anatomy would allow a lip lift to be performed.
A subnasal lip lift can address a long philtrum. A subnasal lip lift involves the design and excision of a complex curvilinear shape of skin immediately under the nose such that the incision approximates in a natural crease at the base of the nose. This incision is closed in multiple layers to minimize tension and, as a result, maximize healing.
Some believe the condition can be treated temporarily using neuromodulators such as Botox® to perform a “lip flip.” Dr. Harmon disagrees.
Why Dr. Jeffrey Harmon Is a Long Philtrum Expert
Dr. Jeffrey Harmon is a fellowship trained, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who is an expert at addressing changes around the mouth, including long philtrum, in Cincinnati.
He has extensive experience treating the full spectrum of patients with a long philtrum, with some requiring complex repairs and others simpler lifts.
Written by Dr. Harmon
Discover the expertise and compassionate care of Dr. Jeff Harmon, a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon deeply rooted in the Cincinnati community. A former collegiate athlete and Cornell University graduate, Dr. Harmon brings discipline, precision, and a global perspective to his surgical practice—refined through elite fellowship training in New York City.
Located in Hyde Park, Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery proudly serves patients throughout the Cincinnati area offering personalized facial aesthetics with world-class skill and a hometown heart.