Short PhiltrumSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Short Philtrum
A short philtrum is a shorter than normal distance between the upper lip and the nose.
The philtrum is the groove that runs from the top of the lip to the nose.
The length of the philtrum is passed down from parents to their children through genes. This groove is shortened in people with certain conditions.
This condition can be caused by:
- Chromosome 18q deletion syndrome
- Cohen syndrome
- DiGeorge syndrome
- Oral-facial-digital syndrome (OFD)
No home care is needed for a short philtrum, in most cases. However, if this is only one symptom of another disorder, follow your health care provider's instructions on how to care for the condition.
Contact your child's provider if you notice a short philtrum on your child.
An infant with a short philtrum may have other symptoms and signs. Taken together, these may define a specific syndrome or condition. The provider will diagnose that condition based on a family history, medical history, and physical exam.
Medical history questions may include:
- Did you notice this when the child was born?
- Have any other family members had this feature?
- Have any other family members been diagnosed with a disorder associated with a short philtrum?
- What other symptoms are present?
Tests to diagnose a short philtrum:
- Chromosome studies
- Enzyme tests
- Metabolic studies on both mother and infant
- X-rays
If your provider diagnosed a short philtrum, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.
Ear, Nose And Throat Associates P.C.
. Dr. Lewoczko is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Short Philtrum. His top areas of expertise are Nasal Septal Hematoma, Low Nasal Bridge, Perichondritis, Nasal Flaring, and Laryngectomy.
Ear Nose And Throat Associates, PC
. Dr. Abkes is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Short Philtrum. His top areas of expertise are Hyperparathyroidism, Familial Isolated Hyperparathyroidism, Osteitis Fibrosa, and Neonatal Severe Hyperparathyroidism.
Ear, Nose And Throat Associates P.C.
. Dr. Winstead is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Short Philtrum. His top areas of expertise are Nasal Septal Hematoma, Low Nasal Bridge, White Sponge Nevus, and Perichondritis.
Published Date: January 02, 2026
Published By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Fuleihan RL. T-Cell and combined deficiencies. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 165.
Madan-Khetarpal S, Arnold G, Ortiz D. Genetic disorders and dysmorphic conditions. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire S, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 1.