“You Look Different Somehow…” 

Kim Na-young Addresses Philtrum Shortening Surgery Rumors and Reveals Her Beauty Secret

Broadcaster Kim Na-young (43) recently shared her makeup technique for making her philtrum appear shorter, while addressing speculation that she had undergone philtrum shortening surgery.

On October 23, Kim uploaded a video to her YouTube channel, No Filter TV, where she demonstrated her current makeup routine.

"I wanted to show everyone how I've been doing my makeup lately," she said. "Since I naturally have a longer philtrum, I pay extra attention to my lip makeup."

She explained that even making the philtrum appear slightly shorter can noticeably change one's overall appearance.

"I simply overline my upper lip a little using a lip pencil," she said.

Kim also shared that after changing her makeup style, many people began asking whether she had undergone philtrum shortening surgery.

"A lot of people seem to be getting the procedure these days, but I haven't had it," she clarified.

A Shorter Philtrum Is Often Associated with a More Youthful Appearance

The philtrum is the area between the base of the nose and the upper lip. Although it occupies only a small portion of the face, it plays an important role in maintaining facial balance and harmony.

A longer midface can make the face appear longer overall and contribute to an older appearance, with the length of the philtrum being a significant factor.

Some people are born with a naturally long philtrum, while others develop one as part of the aging process.

According to Dr. Kirk of Onul Plastic Surgery, the lips and surrounding area are largely composed of muscle. As we age, these muscles gradually lose support, causing the philtrum to lengthen and the overlying skin to sag.

In addition, the corners of the mouth may droop and the upper lip may begin to roll inward, making the upper lip appear even longer.

In patients whose philtrum has lengthened due to aging, the upper teeth may become less visible when smiling, and in some cases, speaking or eating may also be affected.

Philtrum Shortening Surgery Can Restore Facial Balance

An elongated philtrum can be corrected through philtrum shortening surgery, a procedure designed to shorten the distance between the nose and the upper lip while improving overall facial proportions.

Dr. Kirk explained,

"Patients who feel self-conscious about a long philtrum may consider this procedure. One of its primary goals is to create a more youthful facial appearance."

How the Procedure Is Performed

Traditionally, the surgery involves making a small incision beneath the columella (the strip of tissue between the nostrils) to minimize visible scarring.

The procedure generally takes 30 minutes to one hour, with an average recovery period of five to seven days.

However, Dr. Kirk noted that incisions beneath the columella may still leave a visible scar in some patients.

As a result, an increasing number of surgeons now perform the procedure through an intraoral (inside-the-mouth) approach.

In this technique, a small incision is made inside the upper lip along the junction between the lip and the gums. A portion of the mucosa and, in some cases, a small amount of muscle is removed before the tissues are elevated and sutured to shorten the philtrum.

Because the incision is entirely inside the mouth, no external scar is left on the skin.

Proper Proportions Are More Important Than Maximum Shortening

Experts emphasize that successful philtrum shortening surgery is not about making the philtrum as short as possible.

Instead, the goal is to achieve proportions that complement each patient's unique facial features.

Patients should also be aware of potential risks. Because the skin around the philtrum is relatively delicate, scarring can occur more easily than in other areas.

Although uncommon, possible complications include slight elevation of the nasal tip, downward displacement of the nostrils, and scar contracture caused by the dense sebaceous glands in the region, which can make the tissue feel firm or tight.

Careful surgical planning and individualized treatment are essential to achieving natural-looking, balanced results.

Source: Chosun Health – “You Look Different Somehow…” Kim Na-young Addresses Philtrum Shortening Surgery Rumors and Reveals Her Beauty Secret