column (e.g. in newspaper)
2025.07.16
What are the key points to avoid failure in philtrum reduction?
A dual-specialty doctor with a background in plastic surgery, bridging cosmetic surgery and ophthalmology. At the university hospital, he performed numerous high-difficulty cases, primarily focusing on eye and facial bone surgeries, cultivating precise techniques grounded in anatomy. He prioritizes achieving both aesthetic beauty and functional safety, offering customized treatments around the eyes that incorporate ophthalmological expertise. He actively utilizes not only incisional surgery but also non-invasive procedures like hyaluronic acid injections. By carefully assessing each individual's condition and unique appeal, he provides bespoke treatments that guide patients toward naturally harmonious, well-defined eyes.
Hello, I'm Ryutaro Natsume, a cosmetic surgeon specializing in enhancing your appearance.

As one agesThe lengthening of the area under the nose・・・A sense of aging”や"Seems lonely, seems to have little luck”It gives the impression that...
TodayIntroducing Philtrum ReductionI'll do it!
”The terms ”failure” and ”scars" often appear online,Incorrect indications, surgical technique issues, or problems with postoperative patient managementor something like that...
There are various factors involved, so this time I'll explain them!
(Top: Pre-operative, Bottom: Post-operative, Procedure: Philtrum Reduction)
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・Age-related changes in the lips and philtrum


As the facial muscles around the mouth weaken and collagen in the dermis decreases, the philtrum sags and lengthens, and the lips also become smaller.
This makes the area under the nose appear elongated and aged, giving off a ”lonely, unlucky” impression.
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・How to Improve the Sagging Skin Under the Nose
Here are the treatments in order of ease of use:
①Philtrum Botox
By injecting small amounts of Botox at several points along the edges of the upper and lower lips, the lips are lifted upward to create a fuller appearance.
You may hear rumors that it can make it hard to drink water or cause spills, but starting with small amounts and finding the right amount for you is perfectly fine!
② Lip Hyaluronic Acid
For more details, check out this blog post!
Increasing the volume of the upper lip can help shorten the philtrum.
Improves complexion,Moisturizingalso has the effect of
③Philtrum Reduction Surgery
Finally making an appearance here,This time's themeThat's it!

The loose skin under the nose is excised and carefully sutured.This is the fundamental solution!
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・Indications for philtrum reduction
The distance from the base of the nasal bridge to the upper edge of the upper lip is 20mm or more (overall balance is also important)
If you prefer the look of your upper lip pushed up more than 5mm
・Individuals unsuitable for philtrum reduction
Gummy smile: It worsens with a short philtrum.
Protruding teeth, pronounced maxillary protrusion: May cause difficulty closing the mouth due to a short philtrum.
Inability to maintain postoperative rest / Prone to keloids: Scars may be noticeable.
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◎Our commitment to leaving no scars/avoiding unnatural results
We are meticulous in our commitment to design, surgical techniques, and appropriate postoperative management.
・Design Philosophy


① Wavy design, partial preservation of the nasal floor ridge
At the entrance to the bridge of the nose, originallynasal floor protrusionThere is a surge of excitement.
No nasal floor elevationlike a nose suddenly appeared out of nowhere on the face”Like a party prop fake nose”The sense of incongruity grows stronger.
Making an incision right at the base of the nasal floor, as if cutting into it, results in a less noticeable scar but causes greater discomfort.
If you avoid this by making the incision slightly away from the base, the scar will be more noticeable when viewed from the front.
Therefore, we will implement a wavy design.
Part of the nasal floor prominence is left intact (resulting in a slightly noticeable scar), while an incision is made at the base of the nose in another area.
A single continuous horizontal line is easily recognized as a scratch, so by breaking it up, it is no longer perceived as a scratch.
We conceal what needs to be concealed, utilizing visual effects to minimize the appearance of scars.
② The point at the base of the nasal columella
The base of the columella refers to the root of the columella. By making an incision a few millimeters toward the columella from this point, the location becomes less noticeable even if the postoperative scar stretches.
・Commitment to Surgical Technique
①Preventing regression
Preventing relapse by suturing the labial dermis and orbicularis oris muscle to the nasal septal cartilage.
It also aims to reduce tension on the skin to minimize scarring.
②Incisions and sutures that minimize scarring
The incision will be made at an angle. This creates a wider contact surface for the wound edges, making it less likely to leave a scar.
Suturing is performed meticulously using a magnifying loupe, layered in three stages: between the orbicularis oris muscles, between the dermis, and between the epidermis, to prevent unevenness or tension.
・Our Commitment to Postoperative Care
Pulled wounds are prone to scarring.
Particularly around the mouth, which is frequently involved in talking, eating, and other movements, careful management during the first month is crucial.
For up to one week after surgery: Continue taping to relieve tension on the wound site.
Starting one week post-surgery: Oral administration of Rizaben, a keloid and hypertrophic scar treatment medication
For the first month after surgery: Avoid prolonged conversations and eating with your mouth wide open. Do not open your mouth wide.
We ask that you strictly adhere to this.
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・Summary
A long, drawn-out pauseA sense of aging”や"Seems lonely, seems to have little luck”It gives the impression that many people are concerned about it.
This time, we'll cover the indications for philtrum reduction surgery and key points to avoid failure.
I discussed the design and surgical techniques I routinely employ, along with postoperative management.
Although the surgery involves approximately one month of restrictions, patients report high satisfaction, stating things like "I'm glad I did it" and "I enjoy applying makeup more now."
Please entrust your care to Dr. Natsume, a board-certified plastic surgeon.
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Reservations can be made here.
Complete your reservation in 60 seconds ▶︎
👉 https://reservation.medical-force.com/b/d7bb811e-ebd5-4b93-93f8-588864b24f15
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※There are various approaches to aesthetic medicine, and opinions and practices may differ among physicians. Please consider the information provided here as one reference only, and we hope you will choose medical care that suits you and meets your expectations.
We apologize if any unintended inaccuracies or misleading expressions were included. In such cases, we will make appropriate corrections or additions.
【Profile】
Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ryutaro Natsume
https://biancaclinic.jp/doctor/natsume/
Performed numerous facial surgeries, particularly focusing on the eye area and facial bones, in the field of plastic surgery.
Regarding treatments for the eye area, I believe that not only aesthetic appearance but also ophthalmic functionality is extremely important. To provide safer and more reliable treatments, I am currently deepening my expertise as an ophthalmologist.
We actively incorporate non-surgical procedures such as hyaluronic acid injections, in addition to treatments requiring surgical instruments.
From a multifaceted professional perspective encompassing cosmetic surgery, cosmetic dermatology, reconstructive surgery, and ophthalmology
BIANCA CLINIC, a leading Japanese clinic specializing in beauty and regenerative medicine, provides the latest aesthetic treatments.
【Career】
2020: Graduated from Tokyo Medical University Tokyo Metropolitan Saiseikai Central Hospital
2022 Jikei University Hospital Department of Plastic Surgery
2023 Department of Plastic Surgery Jikei University School of Medicine Kashiwa Hospital
2024 BIANCA CLINIC
【Professional Affiliations/Qualifications】
Japanese Society of Aesthetic Surgery (JSAS)
Full Member of the Japan Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Full Member of the Japanese Society of Craniofacial Surgery
Full Member of the Japanese Ophthalmological Society
【SNS】
Instagram account
https://www.instagram.com/dr.natsume?igsh=OHBvd3VtajV1bmY1&utm_source=qr