How can I fix a small cut scar on my lips? (Photo)

Question

I have a small scar on my upper lip. I got it when I was a baby and I never fixed it. What kind of treatment may help me with this?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. For a small, longstanding scar on the upper lip, CO2 resurfacing is often one of the most effective options to improve its smoothness and blend it with the surrounding skin. Because upper-lip skin is very textured and expressive, fractional CO2 can help soften the edges of the scar, refine uneven texture, and stimulate new collagen so the area looks more uniform.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis. We see atrophic and hypertrophic scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. 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 discuss the best treatment options for your type of skin. .

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Guray Yesiladali, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

From your photo, the scar appears shallow and well-healed, which is a positive starting point. There are several treatments that can help blend it with the surrounding skin.
• Laser resurfacing (such as CO₂ or Erbium laser) can smooth the surface and even out pigmentation.• Microneedling or fractional RF helps stimulate collagen and soften the texture.• Scar revision surgery may be an option if the scar edges are raised or uneven.• Subtle filler or fat micrografting can camouflage any minor indentation.
Since the scar is old, a single approach is rarely enough. A combination plan chosen after direct evaluation usually gives the most natural result.
Wishing you confidence and comfort as you take the next step toward refinement.Güray Yeşiladalı, MD

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

It looks like the scar you’re referring to is quite small and well-healed, but I completely understand wanting to make it less noticeable — especially since the lips are such a focal point of the face.

For older, flat scars like this one, treatments that focus on improving texture and color blending tend to work best. Options may include:

Laser resurfacing (such as fractional or erbium laser): helps smooth the scar tissue and blend it more evenly with the surrounding skin.

Microneedling: can stimulate collagen remodeling and soften the scar’s appearance over a few sessions.

Topical silicone gel or scar creams: these can still help maintain softness and reduce any subtle unevenness over time.

If the scar is slightly indented or raised, a tiny filler touch-up or subcision may help even out the contour.

Since this scar has been there since childhood, it likely won’t disappear entirely, but it can definitely be improved and blended so it becomes much less noticeable.

How can I fix a small cut scar on my lips? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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