Philtrum
The philtrum is the vertical groove between the nose and the upper lip — its length and shape are key facial proportion markers.
Definition
The philtrum is the small vertical depression running from the nasal columella down to the cupid's bow of the upper lip. Anatomically it is bordered by two ridges (the philtral columns) and is a developmental landmark formed by the fusion of the medial nasal and maxillary processes during embryogenesis. Philtrum length — measured from subnasale (base of nose) to upper-lip vermillion — is the metric most discussed in aesthetic analysis. Average adult length is 13-15mm in women and 15-18mm in men. A short philtrum (under the population mean) is associated with youth and a fuller-looking upper lip, while a long philtrum lengthens the lower face and is one of the metrics targeted by lip-lift surgery.
Why it matters
Philtrum length is one of the few midface metrics that meaningfully changes with age — it gradually elongates over decades as the upper lip thins and descends. A short philtrum reads as youthful and is associated with a "stacked" facial appearance where features sit closer together. A long philtrum visually pushes the chin down and can make the lower third look elongated even when the jaw itself is well-proportioned. Lip lift surgery (subnasal bullhorn) shortens the philtrum by 2-4mm and is one of the highest satisfaction-rated facial procedures.
How AI measures it
AI detects the subnasale point (where the nose meets the upper lip) and the upper-lip vermillion border, then measures the vertical distance between them in pixels and converts to a normalized facial percentage. Some tools also evaluate philtrum width and the prominence of the philtral columns.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a normal philtrum length?
13-15mm for women, 15-18mm for men in young adults. Length grows roughly 1mm per decade after age 30.
Can you make your philtrum shorter?
Surgically, yes — a subnasal lip lift removes a 2-4mm strip of skin under the nose and shortens the philtrum permanently. There is no reliable non-surgical method.
Why does the philtrum get longer with age?
The upper lip thins and descends due to soft-tissue laxity, bone resorption around the maxilla, and dental wear. The philtrum stretches as a result.