On my upper lip, what do you see, a SEAGULL' WINGS incision, or T-SHAPE incision? (Photo)

Question

My insurance approved a scar surgery removal on my mid-upper lip, but I cannot agree with the surgeon, who is saying that Area #3 ( excised at the green lines) will close up with sutures in a T-SHAPE. In my opinion, area # 3 should be closed with sutures as the shape of SEAGULL's WINGS, by connecting the purple dots and suturing the green perimeter. Because these differences in viewpoints, and I am not signing up for this surgery. May I be enlightened by a kind specialist here on realself.com?

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

I'd really like to see a photo of the scar that isn't marked up just to see what part of your lip scar will need to be removed. I would agree with your surgeon that a T-shaped closure is likely the best option with what you've drawn. The only other option to create your "seagull" closure is to advance alot of your lip mucosa outward to the vermillion border. This would also require discarding alot of essentially normal lip tissue to create your ideal scar. Based on the photo's you've posted I wouldn't recommend what you're proposing. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

It is hard to know based on these pictures of what the correct excisional scar pattern would be for your lip scar. But what you are describing is geometrically correct. On the upper lip at the cupid's bow region, the only way to get a T-shaped closure is to have an excisional outline that closely mimics that pattern. Otherwise the cupid's bow will be pulled down. These are common issues seen in cleft lip repairs, particularly bilateral cleft lip revisions.

Richard Galitz, MD, FACS (in memoriam) · Answer

I believe your surgeon has drawn out the proper schematic to deal with your problem. I cannot say for sure only because I cannot see the actual scar you are addressing in the photos. I would absolutely NOT connect the purple dots as this will pull down and distort Cupids bow which would be a disaster.Also I see no reason to carry an incision ,which would probably be visible, any further laterally then is needed to correct the scar problem.

On my upper lip, what do you see, a SEAGULL' WINGS incision, or T-SHAPE incision? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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On my upper lip, what do you see, a SEAGULL' WINGS incision, or T-SHAPE incision? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

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