Scar under lips. How can I go about getting this removed? (Photo)

Question

Hello, throughout my childhood I had lip lickers dermatitis. Probably from the ages 8 to 17 years old before I managed to get it under control. As a result I have a permanent shadow under my lips. I was wondering how to go about getting this removed and have it be the same shade as the rest of my face. It is really more apparent when I smile. I am a black woman, so I am not sure how laser would be on my skin tone. 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

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hyperpigmentation, or the darkening of an area of skin, can be a challenging condition to treat, especially in individuals with darker skin tones. However, there are options available. Here are a few potential treatments:
1. **Topical Treatments**: Prescription-strength creams containing hydroquinone, retinoids, azelaic acid, or kojic acid can help lighten dark patches of skin.
2. **Chemical Peels**: Depending on the depth of the pigment, chemical peels can help by exfoliating the top layers of the skin, promoting new skin growth that is a closer match to your natural skin tone.
3. **Microneedling**: Microneedling creates tiny punctures in the skin, which triggers the body's wound healing process and promotes new, healthy skin growth. This can be combined with topical treatments for better penetration and effectiveness.
4. **Laser Treatments**: While laser treatments can be effective for hyperpigmentation, they must be used with caution in darker skin tones due to the risk of causing further hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Certain types of lasers, like the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, are considered safer for darker skin tones.
Before starting any treatment, it is important to have a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist who has experience treating hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones. They can assess your skin, discuss your treatment options, and help you choose the best course of action for your specific needs.
Additionally, daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is crucial to prevent further darkening of the skin. And remember, results can take time and multiple treatments may be necessary, so patience and consistency are key.

Scar under lips. How can I go about getting this removed? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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