What can be done about my lip scar from a dog bite? (Photos)

Question

Hi, I was bit by a new family dog on 5/11. This scar on my lip is really bothering me. The upper lip scar is most bothersome, I don't too much care about the one directly on my lip. The upper lip scar has started to become raised. I've been using Scaraway gel liberally ever since I got the stitches out. I am a recent college grad and not a rich girl. What are my options and a price range for them?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Over thirty years ago, we learned that between week eight and week twelve following injury (or surgery, infection, or acne) was the ideal window of time for treating scars that gave the maximal chance of aesthetic improvement. By week eight the scar was strong enough to withstand scar improvement treatments and after week twelve, the scar was now "mature" and was unlikely to to improve more than between sixty to eight percent in appearance. Now, only about a month past suturing would be a reasonable to set up a consultation appointment with a scar specialist so that actual treatment can be scheduled for the above critical window of time. Your scar appears flat, but hypopigmented. If the pigmentation is the only issue, you would be wise to discuss treatment with professional microneedling accompanied by the application of a pigment promoters, such as topical tyrosine and lanatoprost, to improve scar texture and pigmentation. Fees will range according to the region of the country and leavel of expertise of the treating physician. Make sure to ask to see before and after photos of scars treated in this fashion before agreeing to proceed. Best of luck.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Richard Sadove, MD · Answer

Your laceration was treated well and has healed as well as can be explected. There would be no benefit from scar revision. It is white  making it visible against the darker skin. Scars do not have pigment in them. You would have an excellent result from a qualitied Camouflage Tattoo expert to place some pigment which matches your skin color into the scar

What can be done about my lip scar from a dog bite? (Photos)

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