Lip reconstruction after removal of BCC - Is there any treatment available to fix my vermillion border?

Question

A year ago I had MOHS surgery to remove a small BCC. Unfortunately the surgeon had to remove part of my lip. This has left me with a step in my vermillion border, persistent underneath swelling and a drooping lip. I am uncomfortable with the swelling and disappointed with the cosmetic outcome. Please could you advise if there are any treatments available to help and if you would recommend a revision of my border? I am worried I could make my lip and above scar worse if I interfere anymore.

Moris Aynechi, DMD, MD · Answer

Great question.  The reason for the cosmetic concern is that the vermilion is not lined up.  Once the area is revised to match the lines, you should have a rather satisfactory result.  The scar is unavoidable, but usually overtime it would soften and not a concern.

Greg Bran, MD, PhD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Unfortunately it is not uncommon to see step-deformities at the vermillion border after removal of skin tutors or wound closure due to an injury. In order to improve the alignment of the vermillion border we would need to perform a scar revision surgery. According to your photos, the part closer to the right corner of your mouth needs to be raised. Additionally the scar above the red part of your lip could be revised, too. Unfortunately it is impossible to avoid any scars, but we can try to make them fairly inconspicuous. In order to get the best result, it is very likely that we would need to do a scar revision surgery (which can be performed under local anaesthetic) first, and then additional minor treatments. It is advisable to plan any kind of scar revision surgery in the face during the winter, as the sun will be less intense and good sun-protection will therefore be more effective in the course of wound-healing. Hopefully this was helpful. Good luck.
Kind regards, 
GB

Lip reconstruction after removal of BCC - Is there any treatment available to fix my vermillion border?

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Lip reconstruction after removal of BCC - Is there any treatment available to fix my vermillion border?

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Surgery

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