Hypertrophic Scar After Bullhorn Lip Lift? (photo)

Question

I had a bullhorn lip lift in july 2012. I absolutely didn't get any lift in my lip but it did leave me with a hypertrophic scar. I had my first CO2 fractional laser treatment about 1.5 month ago but aside from it being a little smoother I can't see any difference yet. Will fractional laser help or should I consider a revision surgery (can I get a lip lift?)? Please help me before I waste any more money on treatments that won't work. I'm really getting depressed about this, she's ruined my face.

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

James M. Pearson, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Hypertrophic Scar After Bullhorn Lip Lift? (photo)

Answers (3)

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.

Hypertrophic Scar After Bullhorn Lip Lift? (photo)

Answers (3)

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.