Mole removal scar pinched in and disrupting smile line. Can I do anything to fix how it impacts my smile? (Photo)

Question

I had a mole removed from below and slightly to the left of my mouth by surgical excision. Unfortunately, the scar looks very pinched, and pulls in my smile line, making my smile very asymmetrical. I didn't realize this was a risk and I'm feeling very distraught about the result. I have been getting laser treatments from my Dr., but that seems to only address the scar. Is there something I can do to fix how it impacts my smile? The scar itself does not bother me, just my altered smile.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Scars can be temporary or permanent and there are many aspects of scars that can be improved. During your consultation, we look to determine the textural changes, hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, scar color, scar contour depth, scar atrophy, inflammation, and scar thickness. Once complete, a HIDEF protocol is established that includes pigmentation protocols to either lighten or darken scar tone, retexturization of scars, inflammatory mediators, lasers, and contour correction. All of these require time and multi-plane correction.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Mole removal scar pinched in and disrupting smile line. Can I do anything to fix how it impacts my smile? (Photo)

Answers (1)