I am currently 5 weeks post surgery of an upper lip lift. My lip lift scar has stretched and this is mainly my fault

Question

I panicked after my lip lift (felt it was too high), and after reading some info online, I started manually tugging at my lip in an attempt to lower it. I did not realize what this was doing to my scar, and now my scar is large and raised in places, but not everywhere. I am terrified that I've created a keloid. I did manual stretching for 2 solid weeks after surgery, started at week 2/3. I had no idea. Please let me know your thoughts. I have never had a keloid and noone in my family has either.

Amy K Hsu, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear  Ms.Jello~
It is normal for the lip to appear high after a lip lip procedure due to the swelling.  Although it can be concerning during the healing period, rest assured that as the lip heals it will drop slightly and appear more natural.  I would not recommend doing any stretching or other exercises that have not been recommended by your surgeon.
It is difficult to see the incision clearly in your photographs as there is some blurriness and ointment present in the area of the incision.  You may benefit from a steroid injection or silicone treatment to the area.  Please follow-up with your surgeon with any concerns.
Best wishes for your recovery,Amy Hsu

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Lip lift scars can be white and visible. Hidef protocols can help with visible lip lift scars on the face. I see a lot of these in my office in Beverly Hills. Surgery is often not needed if lasers and HIDEF scar revision techniques are introduced. 
In our office, we combine treatments starting with topical pre-conditioning of the scars with Plato's Scar Serum for hypertrophy and Melarase PM for pigmentation. Fractional RF, laser, and micro fractional RF can help limit scar growth. Kenalog IIT can also help reduce scar thickness. For lip lift scars specifically, I use selective Hyfrecation to reduce scarring. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

I am currently 5 weeks post surgery of an upper lip lift. My lip lift scar has stretched and this is mainly my fault

Answers (2)

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