Would a laser help with scars on the lip?

Dr. Irwin
August 13, 2010
Hi doctor I have 2 scars on my lips from 10 years ago. The scars occured after removing warts electrically. One on my upper left side lip and the other on the right side bottom lips and they are all hypertrophic. I had consulted with a plastic surgeon and he said that fraxel laser could help to makr the scars shrink I am so afraid because the lips are so sensitive . Does fraxel cauuse any more hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation in my case? And does it work well to blur the scars edges because they are so reaised which get me embarassed

Hmmmm.   I’d really like you to get an opinion from a dermtologist too.  Do you have a good one in your area?  Ideally, one who does the full range of medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology.  When you say hypertrophic, I’m assuming they are small, whitish and raised since that’s the kind of scar that usually occurs on the lips after electrocautery.  

Ask the dermatologist you see about doing a small “punch” excision of the scars.  Your lip would be numbed (much more comfortable), and a tiny, tiny instrument used to take out just the scar tissue, with 1-2 tiny stitches in for about 5 days.  This usually heals very nicely with no recurrence of the bump.   Your insurance may not cover this because it’s cosmetic.   I’m not crazy about using Fraxel for this.  It would take many treatments to make much improvement in this type of scar on the lips.    Good luck!!!     Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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