Hypertrophic lip scar: Should I get steroid injection asap? (photos)

Question

My lip split open and i got 7 stitches in my lip on 8/15. The stitches fell out around 8/31. Now I have a bump on my lip --probably hypertrophic scar tissue. Should i get a steroid injection in it now or wait at all for it to heal on its? do i have other tx options?

Marc Polacco, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Scar tissue typically matures over the course of several months. While this bump will likely continue to soften over time, injection with steroid or 5-FU may be helpful in speeding up the process. Massage may also be helpful. Hope this info is helpful, and all the best!
-Dr. P

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Your question is a good one! In general, there is more swelling than scar tissue in the lip, less than one month after surgical repair. The best person to make a judgment call on this would be your surgeon. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

Rosa B. Lipin, MD · Answer

I would massage the area with ointment (aquaphor or vaseline) for at least 5 minutes a day, this should help soften the scar tissue. If there is no improvement with that, then I would consider a steroid shot, but do not rush into it, as there can be adverse effects.

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

Good Morning! After an injury, inflammation occurs and if too much, scarring can be a result. At this point, I would consider a Kenalog steroid injection to the area which is most firm. After, I have my patients massage the area to loosen the tissue. If needed, repeat injections occur roughly every 3 weeks until soft. This gives the incision the best chance of healing flush with the surrounding tissue. Hope this helps out!

Hypertrophic lip scar: Should I get steroid injection asap? (photos)

Answers (4)

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