Procedure to fix uneven lip? (photos)

Question

Got my lip busted open when I was 5 on a chain bridge at a park from getting pushed off of it, the doctor did what he could at the time and basically just told my parents to let it heal, now I'm left with a very noticeable uneven upper lip, tired of people constantly noticing it and asking what happened, especially being 19 now it makes me cover my mouth when I talk because I'm so self conscious because of it, can anything be done? Thanks

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Scarring and scar tissue requires a combination approach and sometimes that means surgical removal, lasers, micro needling and fillers. I suggest you see an expert in scar treatment for optimal results. Best, Dr. Emer

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Uneven lip secondary  to trauma. This can be repaired now by removing scar tissue for the lip and this can be done under local anesthesia by a very experienced facial plastic or plastic surgeon.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  It appears that you had a fair amount of scar tissue develop along your right upper lip (left in the picture) during the healing phase of your laceration.  This has caused you the fullness and irregularity relative to your left upper lip.  Correction will require a reapproximation of the tissues while removing a significant portion of the scar to better match your uninjured side.    Be sure to see a board certified plastic surgeon in consultation.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Lip scar tissue is easily removed under local and so worth it. You can drive yourself home and have a fairly quick recovery.

Lily Lee, MD · Answer

it looks like that was a pretty deep cut when you were 5 years old! In addition to the scarring, the cut likely severed some of the muscle, causing the bulge. It would be interesting to see what this looks like when you smile and pucker. Reapproximating the muscle after all these years is not easy and may not be able to be done. I think what can be done easily is to remove the scar tissue and a bit of the wet mucosa that pooches out. This should even out your lip at rest, but it may not be completely symmetrical when you move your mouth. See a board certified plastic surgeon (particularly a pediatric plastic surgeon who does a lot of cleft lip work) for an in person consultation.

Procedure to fix uneven lip? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Excision under local is often all that is needed to correct scar tissue of lips.

Answer: Excision under local is often all that is needed to correct scar tissue of lips.

Answer: Lip repair

Answer: Lip repair

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Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Procedure to fix uneven lip? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Excision under local is often all that is needed to correct scar tissue of lips.

Answer: Excision under local is often all that is needed to correct scar tissue of lips.

Answer: Lip repair

Answer: Lip repair

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.