What is the best regimen for post-op scar care after a lip lift?

Question

I am really worried about having a visible scar, especially as I have an upward turned nose. What is the best regimen for post scar care? Silicone gel or silicone strips? Moisturiser as well, vit E or Bio-Oil? How do I combine the two? Obviously I will wear SPF too - under or over the silicone gel??

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

Timothy Osborn, MD · Answer

Vitamin E is great for scars. It can help to lighten their appearance. SPF is super important, especially in the weeks following the procedure to prevent pigmentation. It is important during the surgery that enough sutures are placed to secure the incision and prevent pulling/stretching of the skin, which would make the scar larger. Unfortunately there is no way to complete a lip lift without leaving a visible scar, so you do have to weigh the pros and cons.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

When performed properly this scar is well hidden within the base of the nose. For few months after surgery application of silicone gel may be beneficial.  Hope this helps.

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. Your surgeon will undoubtedly advise you on their preferred wound care regimen. I generally recommended a topical antimicrobial to start, and then switch to silicone gel. You can buy a silicone gel that has SPF, or apply sunscreen first followed by silicone gel.
Best,Dr. Tower

What is the best regimen for post-op scar care after a lip lift?

Answers (4)

Answer: Wound Care After Lip Lift

Answer: Wound Care After Lip Lift

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

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

What is the best regimen for post-op scar care after a lip lift?

Answers (4)

Answer: Wound Care After Lip Lift

Answer: Wound Care After Lip Lift

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

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