YAAN Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul, Korea Philtrum Shortening (Lip Lift) in Gangnam, Seoul, Korea
A minor surgical lip lift that shortens a long upper lip and shows more of the vermilion and teeth. Planned in English by our physicians in Gangnam.
- 45–60 min Procedure
- 1–2 weeks Swelling
- 5–7 days Stitch removal
- 3–6 months Scar matures
- Quote At consultation
What is philtrum shortening, and is it right for you?
Philtrum shortening (subnasal lip lift) removes a thin strip of skin just under the nose to shorten the distance between the nose and upper lip. The lip rolls up slightly, showing more pink lip and upper teeth for a youthful, balanced look.
At YAAN Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, the incision follows the natural nose base to keep the scar discreet. A written quote is provided after examination.
Who Philtrum Shortening suits, and who it doesn't
We would rather tell you what you don't need. These are general guides; your doctor confirms suitability after examining you.
Often a good fit
- A long philtrum (distance from nose to lip)
- A thin upper lip that rolls inward
- Few upper teeth showing at rest
- People wanting a permanent change
- Healthy adults
Probably not the first choice
- A short philtrum already
- People prone to thick or keloid scars
- Those who cannot stay for stitch removal
- Smokers who cannot stop around surgery
- Pregnancy
A small change, a big difference
Design: the surgeon measures the ideal philtrum length for your face.
Excision: a bullhorn-shaped strip of skin under the nose is removed.
Closure: fine stitches hide the scar along the nose base. A lip flip Botox is a temporary non-surgical alternative.
The Philtrum Shortening procedure step by step
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Consultation
Measurements and design, in English.
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Anaesthesia
Local anaesthetic.
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Surgery
About 45–60 minutes.
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Stitch removal
After about 5–7 days.
What to expect, week by week
- Week 1
Swelling and tightness; stitches removed.
- Week 2
Most swelling settles.
- Month 1–3
Scar is pink and gradually fades.
- Month 6
Scar matures and softens.
Physician-led care in Gangnam
Every Philtrum Shortening plan at YAAN Clinic is set by a licensed physician, not a sales consultant. Our medical team has more than 14 years of experience in lifting, laser and petite procedures. See the full medical team.
- Master's programme, Seoul National University College of Medicine
- Former Clinical Instructor, Seoul National University Hospital
- Former Visiting Professor, Hanyang University College of Medicine
- Former Academic Director of Petite Procedures, Korean Society for Laser, Dermatology and Trichology
- Laser education instructor, Korean Association of Private Practice Physicians
Planning Philtrum Shortening on a trip to Seoul
Book in English
Send your concerns, photos and travel dates through our consultation form or Instagram. We reply in English and confirm prices in Korean won before you arrive.
Time it around your trip
Plan to stay in Seoul for at least 7 days after surgery for stitch removal and a check-up before you fly.
Aftercare while travelling
Limit wide mouth movements, keep the incision clean, avoid smoking and use scar care as advised.
We are in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on Bongeunsa-ro. See our Gangnam clinic and why patients choose YAAN.
Philtrum Shortening questions, answered
How much is philtrum shortening in Seoul?
Will there be a scar?
Is the result permanent?
Is there a non-surgical option?
Do the doctors speak English?
Often considered with Philtrum Shortening
Lip Fillers
Lip volume. ₩490,000 / cc.
BotoxLip Flip Botox
Temporary lip roll.
FillerLip Injections
Shape and hydration.
LaserLip Brightening
Even lip colour.
BotoxPerioral Lines
Lines around the mouth.
BotoxMouth Corner Botox
Lift mouth corners.
ScarsScar Revision
Scar care.
PricesFull Price List
All YAAN prices.
Explore by concern: Eye & lip Injectables
Find out if Philtrum Shortening is what you need
Send your concerns and travel dates. A doctor-led plan and a clear price in won, before you book anything.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Results vary between individuals, and side effects are possible. Suitability is decided by a physician at consultation.
