How to treat 10+ y/o cold sore scars on upper lip (vermillion border)? (Photos)

Question

I've had some cold sore scars on my upper lip along my vermillion border (both sides) that I got from not letting the scabs heal completely. They've mostly turned white from loss of pigment, but when my lips are flush with blood (I'm very vascular/thin skinned) it looks worse. I've struggled a lot mentally with having the scars, it's kinda like a stamp on my face that I have HSV-1. What are my options? Would a tattoo work?

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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You could have cosmetic, not artistic tattooing in the area, but be on treatment for Herpes before treatment and continue after treatment to avoid a flare up and more scarring.

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs. It's difficult to evaluate your skin through this type of forum, but from what I can see, it looks like hypopigmentation (white blemishes). It's very difficult to regain pigment, but medical tattooing is a new treatment option and results are promising. I highly recommend you research and consult with a medical tattoo artist in your area for more information. Take care and good luck.

How to treat 10+ y/o cold sore scars on upper lip (vermillion border)? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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