Scar causes asymmetric upper lip (philtrum) after cyst removal - What can help? (photos)

Question

Hi. Im devastated. Im 2,5 weeks post op. A plastic surgeon surgically removed a cyst on my philtrum, located on the right column. I knew it would be a scar but not that the symmetry of the columns would look so destroyed. Since the scar is in the middle of the right column dragging the skin “inwards” its like that column almost disappeares, loosing all the volume there. And just above the scar where the column is still intact its swollen, so it looks like a half column. Can laser help? Filler?

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hello! At 2.5 weeks, it's incredibly early to predict the outcome of the scar. Scars will continue to remodel through 6-12 months. There are options to improve the healing, though. We often use Biocorneum twice daily. It helps to provide a moisture barrier and protection from the sun. Making sure not to rub the area or move it aggressively the first 6-8 weeks help prevent stretching and tension. Lasers and IPL can be used to smooth and decrease the pink appearance after the 6 week mark. Hope that helps!

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

Scar causes asymmetric upper lip (philtrum) after cyst removal - What can help? (photos)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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Scar causes asymmetric upper lip (philtrum) after cyst removal - What can help? (photos)

Answers (2)

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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.