How can I remove the five year old scar on my lip? (Photo)

Question

About 5 years ago I busted my lip open. It has left behind this darker raised bump scar and I don’t know how to get rid of it. Does anyone what I could do?

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

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

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin - Winnetka & Chicago. This is a great question. I recommend CO2 resurfacing laser as one of the most effective options for improving the appearance of a five-year-old lip scar. Mature scars can be difficult to erase completely, but CO2 laser resurfacing helps smooth texture irregularities, blend the scar into the surrounding skin, and stimulate collagen remodeling for a more natural look over time. Depending on the scar type, some people combine CO2 with other treatments—like microneedling, steroid injections, or filler for indented scars—to get the best result. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photo and your concern. I completely understand how a scar on the lip can feel very noticeable and bothersome, especially when it’s raised and darker than the surrounding skin.

For a scar that’s several years old, there are a few approaches that can help improve both its color and texture:

Laser treatments: Certain lasers can help flatten raised scars and reduce pigmentation, making the scar blend more naturally with your surrounding skin.

Injectable treatments: In some cases, small amounts of steroid injections can soften raised scars.

Topical treatments: Prescription creams or silicone gels can sometimes help lighten and smooth scars, though older scars respond more slowly.

Minor procedural revision: If the scar is particularly prominent, a small in-office procedure can reshape or excise the scar for a smoother appearance.

It’s important to keep in mind that while these treatments can significantly improve a scar’s appearance, complete erasure is rarely possible—but we can often make it much less noticeable.

Healing and improvement are gradual, so patience is key, but there are effective options to make the scar much more subtle.

Nikolas Block-Wheeler, MD · Answer

Scars on the lip can pose an aesthetic and functional challenge for patients. From the photo, it appears that it is confined within the pink part of the lip, which makes this problem easier to camouflage with a scar revision. I would recommend removing the raised, dark area with a small excision and realigning the edges using a strong, tension free closure.

How can I remove the five year old scar on my lip? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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