How do I fix a bad lip lift scar? (Photo)

Question

Hello, I am 7 months out from a lip lift I had. The scarring looks terrible. What should I do to help fix this?

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

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I'm sorry that this has happened to you. There are a lot of complaints about lip lift scars on RealSelf.  It's an unfortunate, but not uncommon risk from any procedure that requires cutting and suturing. 
Intralesional injections of an anti-inflammatory agent and/or light electrocautery or Scalpel Sculpting (no sutures required) can help to flatten the the bumpy (hypertrophic) scars seen in the photos. 
For any hypopigmentation, professionally performed manual microneedling (no need for the added expense and risks of RF microneedling) combined with the application of Rx strength pigment enhancers, such as topical tyrosine and latanoprost, can be used. 
You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar treatment expert. Hope this helps and best of luck.

How do I fix a bad lip lift scar? (Photo)

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How do I fix a bad lip lift scar? (Photo)

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