Removal of white scar on lip from surgery 8/9 years ago. What are the best options? (Photo)

Question

I had surgery about 8/9 years ago to remove a growth on my lower lip which has left a very noticeable white scar in the centre of my lip. I'd like to know the best way for this to be removed/revised such that it looks as natural as possible and matches the colour of the rest of my lip

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for describing this so clearly—what you’re noticing is actually a very common type of post-surgical change, especially on the lips. A white scar on the lip usually reflects a loss of pigment (hypopigmentation) and sometimes subtle textural changes in the healed skin.

Because the scar is already 8–9 years old, it’s considered fully mature, which means we focus more on improving appearance and blending rather than “removing” it completely. The goal is realistic: making it less noticeable and closer in color and texture to the surrounding lip.

Here are the best options I typically consider:

1. Medical tattooing (lip micropigmentation)
This is often one of the most effective solutions for white lip scars. A trained specialist can carefully implant pigment to match your natural lip color. When done well, it can significantly camouflage the contrast and restore a more even tone.

2. Fractional laser treatments
Devices like fractional CO2 or Er:YAG lasers can help improve the texture of the scar and sometimes stimulate a small degree of repigmentation. While lasers won’t always fully correct a white scar, they can soften its edges and improve how light reflects off the area, making it less noticeable.

3. Microneedling (sometimes combined with topical agents)
Microneedling can help remodel scar tissue and, in some cases, encourage mild pigment return. It’s usually a gradual improvement option and works best for texture rather than pure color correction.

4. Surgical scar revision (selected cases)
In certain situations, a plastic or dermatologic surgeon can excise and re-close the scar more precisely. On the lip, however, this is only helpful if the scar is structurally noticeable—because it will still heal with some degree of color difference.

5. Excimer laser or repigmentation therapies (limited use)
These are sometimes used to stimulate pigment production in hypopigmented scars, but results on long-standing lip scars are variable.

In many cases like yours, the most natural-looking improvement actually comes from a combination approach—for example, a fractional laser series to refine texture followed by medical tattooing to correct color mismatch.

The lips are a very visible and dynamic area, so small changes can make a meaningful difference. With the right approach, the goal is not to erase the scar entirely, but to make it blend so well that it no longer draws attention.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist to discuss the use of manually performed Dermastamp Microneedling (no need for the added expense or risks of RF microneedling) to help restore the color and texture of the scar. Since this is a "mature" scar (I.e. over three months old), complete repigmentation by any approach is unlikely, but 60-80% improvement is potentially possible. My concern about surgical removal is that, especially in an area subject to a great deal of movement, it may result in a stretch scar.  I hope this helps and best of luck.

Removal of white scar on lip from surgery 8/9 years ago. What are the best options? (Photo)

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