Hypertrophic Scar After Bullhorn Lip Lift? (photo)

Thank you for posting your question and your picture. It looks like you may benefit from a revision lip lift, which, in this case would also be a scar revision to remove the hypertrophic scar tissue. The timing of this procedure, however, needs to be carefully considered. Also, if you are prone to forming keloids or other hypertrophic scars in other parts of your body, a more conservative approach (including laser treatments and kenalog injections) may be preferable.  It would be good for peace of mind to seek a second opinion from a qualified surgeon who specializes in lip procedures.

Thank you for your question. The Lip Lift procedure is performed to accentuate the size and/or shape of the upper lip by removing skin from the region just underneath the nose. As the distance is decreased between the nose and the lip, the red lip is 'lifted'. In appropriate individuals, shortening this distance may impart or restore a more favorable balance to lips and face.



Incision sites are strategically placed in the natural creases between the nose and the upper lip. Full scar maturation takes about 12 months. Once mature, subnasal lip lift scars are generally well concealed.



If your scar is hypertrophic, you may be a candidate for surgical scar revision. At the time of scar revision, additional lip lifting may be considered. However, your development of a hypertrophic scar following your Lip Lift may indicate that you are at increased risk for forming another hypertrophic scar from any scar revision. 

This scar should be treated conservatively with IIT and pulsed dye laser therapy for at least a few months prior to any lip scar revision.