Philtrum scars are not an area to be erased according to a fixed formula, but rather an area to be adjusted one by one. One of the most common questions we receive in the clinic is how to treat philtrum scars. Scars vary in shape depending on the cause, the person, and the area. Even with the same cleft lip and palate scar, the form differs from person to person, so rather than fitting it into a predetermined mold, it's more about gradually addressing each undesirable aspect to achieve the most natural appearance.
Why Do Philtrum Scars Occur?
The causes of philtrum scars are more diverse than one might think. The most common cases are injuries from acne or shaving, and recently, we've seen a considerable number of scars remaining after cosmetic surgeries like nose surgery. Rarely, they can also result from injuries sustained in falls.
- Scars from acne or shaving
- Marks remaining after cosmetic surgeries such as nose surgery
- Scars from trauma, such as falling
First, the Fact That Scars Remain After Surgery
Scars inevitably remain after surgery. However, what we are truly curious about is whether noticeable scars will remain to the extent of interfering with social life or daily activities. We can gauge this to some extent by observing the progress after suture removal and a certain period.
If the redness subsides quickly and the scar does not protrude, the likelihood of severe scarring is low. Conversely, if the redness persists or the area rises, it may gradually harden, so it should be monitored.
Areas That Heal Well, and Challenging Areas
The outcome of scar treatment is greatly influenced by the area. Generally, facial skin, which has good regenerative capacity, tends to recover well, while areas with lower regenerative capacity, such as hands and feet, become more challenging. Among facial areas, the nose and its surrounding area, the philtrum, are regions that require careful handling due to relatively insufficient blood supply and low regenerative capacity.
Why Lasers and Fillers Are Used Together
One of the major reasons philtrum scars appear asymmetrical is adhesion within the skin. In such cases, after loosening the adhered parts to some extent with a laser, finishing with filler in areas lacking volume can be supplementarily helpful in enhancing the completeness.
What is the Optimal Treatment Cycle?
The treatment cycle varies depending on the doctor's experience, but we generally recommend a one-month interval. If the interval is too short, it can put a strain on the skin, and if it's too long, the overall treatment period may be prolonged. Therefore, if there are no special issues, about one month is generally suitable. For reference, we recommend hair removal after all scar treatments are completed. This is because the strong energy of hair removal lasers may excessively stimulate the treated area, which could be detrimental.
Why It's Better Not to Postpone
It is advisable to address philtrum scars as soon as possible. The newer the scar, the somewhat easier the treatment tends to be. Moreover, for cleft lip and palate scars, the concern that others might notice can be a significant source of stress for the individual. There is no reason to postpone. With sufficient treatment, one can expect natural results to the extent that others might not even notice.
Results may vary from person to person, and accurate diagnosis and treatment are determined after consultation.
Written by. Dr. Lee Sang-joo, Chief Director (Yonsei Star Dermatology) · Medical Staff Introduction · Last reviewed 2026-06-03