What can I use over my scar to help the appearance after lip lift revision, and how soon can I start to apply it?

Question

I had a lip lift 2 months ago and I am not satisfied with the results because it looks absolutely the same as if I didn't have anything done. The only difference is that I have a small white scar on the right side of my nostril. I am having a lip lift revision and I would like to know what I can place over the scar afterwards to help the appearance? And also, when should I start applying it- right after surgery? Or a few weeks post? Thank you!!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Kristina Tansavatdi, MD · Answer

Scars take a full year to mature so it is important to take care of it for one year after surgery. The three things you should do right after surgery are:1) Protect the scar from direct sun light --- It is not the same thing as applying sunscreen. You should have a hat or umbrella to shield the scar. This should be done for up to one year2) Bacitracin or aquaphor ointment to keep the incisions moist and speed healing 3) Take vitamins for wound healing (vitamin A and C, zinc)After the wound has healed and is fully closed at 2 weeks, if there are concerns for a raised scar then you can start applying silicone gels or sheets. Do not use OTC Mederma - there is no evidence in its benefits for scars. You can also start to massage the wound but get approval from your surgeon before doing this. If the scar is a thin white line without raised appearance, that is probably the best outcome you can achieve. Any incision on the face or body will leave a scar and they can be imperceptible if the wound was closed meticulously, the incision was well placed to hide the scars, after care was appropriate, and the patient did not have history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Discuss scar management with your surgeon.  It is best to avoid sun exposure until the scar is healed.  You could try some of the over the counter scar creams.  I feel that the rubbing does more for the scar than the cream, but it is worth trying.

What can I use over my scar to help the appearance after lip lift revision, and how soon can I start to apply it?

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