Dislike lip lift scar - should I get a revision surgery?

Question

Hello I had a lift of the upper lip 2 months ago, I really dislike the scar, it is deep and crooked on one side. Should I have a second surgery?

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Good morning, hope you are well. My recommendation is to wait at this point before considering a revision surgery. Lip swelling generally takes 3 months to subside. Scars generally take 12 months to mature, and as that process takes place it is expected to become less and less noticeable. If you revise a scar too soon, you are resetting that 'healing' clock prematurely and may worsen the situation unnecessarily. Furthermore, there are other options besides surgery that can help to camouflage an unfavorable lip lift scar such as laser treatment (fractionated CO2--this can be considered as early as 2 months). Make sure that you minimize sun exposure, and continue good wound care, and follow up with your surgeon on advice about scar modulation. I hope this advice helps!
Best,Dr. Tower

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

I’m sorry that you’re not happy with your lip lift scar. You may likely need a revision scar surgery. However it is usually recommended to wait at least 6 months before undergoing any revision surgery.

An « in person » exam would also be necessary.

I hope this helps,
Best of luck !

An « in person » exam would also be necessary.

I hope this helps,
Best of luck !

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. 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 decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. If the surgery was only 2 months ago, it is likely your scar will continue to heal and change in appearance for up to six months after your procedure. During the healing process, it is essential to follow all the instructions from your doctor for proper incision care. If you are still unhappy with your result at that time, you could schedule an in-person assessment with your surgeon to discuss the possibility of a revision surgery. Always work with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon to ensure the best possible outcome.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The problem with revision surgeries in areas subject to either static (at rest) or dynamic (with muscular movement) tension is the risk for the subsequent development of stretch scars and even tram track stitch marks. The use of professionally performed manual (no need for the added expense and extra risks of RF microneedling) accompanied by the application of prescription pigment promoting agents, such as topical tyrosine and lanatoprost, can help to better blend hypopigmented scars in both color and and texture with the surrounding normal skin. In the late 1980s already, it was known that early intervention in the treatment of scars--within a period of eight to twelve weeks following the surgery (or injury, infection or acne) that caused them--offered the best chance for blending them or even erasing them. Much more recent recommendations have extended this time frame to between four and twelve weeks. Once scars have "matured" (over three months of age), the chances for that degree of improvement diminish considerably. Considering that two months have already elapsed, you would be wise to seek consultation with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist asap in order to remain within this optimal window of time for maximal improvement.  Best of luck.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

You will probably benefit from lip scar revision. However, you should wait at least 6 months after surgery while swelling resolves. A second opinion consultation with someone experienced in lip lift surgery before undergoing revision is recommended. Hope this helps.

Dislike lip lift scar - should I get a revision surgery?

Answers (6)

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