Are there any procedures or treatments to smooth out a puckered hypo-pigmented scar and make it less visible? (Photos)

Question

I had a upper lip lift back in 2016. Since then, a hypo-pigmented, puckered scar above my lip right under my nostrils. It’s becoming more and more noticeable, and people have commented on it. I’m self-conscious of it. Are there ANY procedures or treatments to smooth this out and make this less visible? Of course, I’d rather non-invasive and less expensive, versus paying $2000 for a scar revision. Please advise!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

From the photo, it appears that the scar is hypopigmented and covered by track-track stitch tracks Besides the downtime and expense, revision surgeon runs the risk for the development of a stretch scar and stitch tracks. I have had gratifying results treating scars like this using a combination of professionally performed microneedling accompanied by the topical application of prescription strength pigment enhancers, such as tyrosine and lanatoprost. You would be wise to consult a board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Best of luck.

Are there any procedures or treatments to smooth out a puckered hypo-pigmented scar and make it less visible? (Photos)

Answers (2)

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