6 months post-op, what options do I have for lip lift scar? (Photos)

Question

I had my procedure 6 months ago. It left me with a terrible scar and do I recently had co2 laser done by the same surgeon who did the lip lift. Initially the skin was smooth and it looked as though it had erased the scarring however as time has passed, the scarring has come back and left me with obvious raised scar beneath nostrils. I absolutely despise it and want to correct. The co2 laser was a difficult healing process so I’d prefer not to undergo another treatment. What options do I have?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The general rules for scar treatment are pretty simple. If a scar is hypertrophic (i.e. elevated), then intralesional inflammatory injections can shrink and flatten it. For the residual off-white or ivory color of the scar, professionally performed manual microneedling (no need for the added expense or risks of RF micorneedling) can be performed accompanied by the topical application of prescription strength pigment enhancing agents, such as topical tyroisine and lanatoprost. Ablative lasers, such as the C02 laser, rarely address the problem and poses the risks of prolonged healing,  prolonged post-treatment redness, infection and even additional scarring. So, I would not suggest this as a treatment avenue and the use of  expensive fraxel laser treatments, which also likely  be hawked to you in your pursuit of treatments, are backed up far more by marketing hype and social media buzz, but woefully little hard science. So, "buyer beware" if considering these approaches. Hope this helps, best of luck and Happy New Year.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! Scar creams can be used on scars to minimize appearance as well as silicone scar sheets. Lasers such as Microneedling can also be performed to minimize appearance as well. We would love to see you in person or virtually to discuss treatment options or schedule a consult with a licensed aesthetician.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Stephen Matta, DO · Answer

Thank you for the pictures as it is helpful to see. CO2 will only treat the superficial layer of skin and you likely need to go deeper with neural therapy for scars or Morpheus microneedling. A regenerative medicine physician with ultrasound expertise will be able to help with your specific scar.Hope that helps!

6 months post-op, what options do I have for lip lift scar? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Scar therapy

Answer: Scar therapy

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

6 months post-op, what options do I have for lip lift scar? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Scar therapy

Answer: Scar therapy

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.