What Is a Long Face?

A long face, also known as long face syndrome or vertical maxillary excess (VME), is a facial condition where the vertical proportions of the face are elongated, making the face appear long, narrow, and unbalanced.

Key signs of a long face include:

• A lengthened midface, especially around the upper jaw and gums
• A gummy smile with excessive gum show when smiling
• A chin that appears too small compared to the upper face
• A hollow, tired appearance
• A face that looks longer and more prominent in profile photos

This condition often leads to functional issues like difficulty closing the lips naturally, and aesthetic concerns such as an unbalanced or less youthful appearance.

What Is Long Face Correction Surgery?

Long Face Correction Surgery is a facial bone contouring procedure designed to reduce excessive vertical height in the face, particularly in the midface area, and restore balanced facial proportions.

At Seoul Cheil Plastic Surgery, the most common surgical technique for long face correction is:

• Le Fort I osteotomy to reposition the upper jaw (maxilla) upward
• Bone removal or segmental osteotomy to shorten the vertical height of the upper jaw
• Correction of the gummy smile by reducing gum exposure
• Genioplasty (chin surgery) to adjust chin position if needed
• Surgery time: approximately 3 to 5 hours under general anesthesia
• All incisions made inside the mouth, leaving no visible scars

Why Is Genioplasty Often Combined With Long Face Correction?

In many cases, a long face is accompanied by a receding or small chin. After shortening the midface, the chin may appear even less prominent.
By combining genioplasty, the surgeon can:

• Enhance chin projection
• Adjust vertical chin height
• Create a more harmonious lower face
• Complete the balanced facial proportions

Key Characteristics of a Long Face

• Excessive gum show when smiling (gummy smile)
• Lips that don’t close naturally (lip incompetence)
• Long, narrow face shape
• Weak or recessed chin
• Tired, aged appearance
• Teeth showing even at rest
• Difficulty achieving a balanced look with makeup or hairstyles

Can Orthodontics or Botox Fix a Long Face?

While orthodontics can align the teeth and Botox can soften muscle bulk, neither can correct the underlying bone structure of a long face.

For true vertical skeletal issues, long face correction surgery is the only effective solution for lasting, natural-looking results.

Long Face Correction Surgery at Seoul Cheil Plastic Surgery

Seoul Cheil Plastic Surgery is a trusted leader in facial bone contouring, with decades of experience helping patients achieve natural, balanced results.

Why choose Seoul Cheil:

• Over 20 years of expertise in facial bone surgery
• Customized facial analysis for each patient
• Advanced intraoral techniques for scar-free results
• Comprehensive pre-op and post-op care
• Multilingual support for international patients



If you’ve been struggling with a long face, long face correction surgery at Seoul Cheil Plastic Surgery can help you achieve a more proportionate, youthful, and confident appearance.

Book your consultation today and take the first step toward a beautifully balanced profile!