Can Cleft Lip and Palate Scars Be Erased with Laser Treatment? | Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon

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The philtrum and lips are among the most visible areas of the face, where even a small blemish draws attention. What if a persistent scar remains there? "Can this mark truly be lightened with a laser?" is the first question patients often ask before deciding to seek treatment. To answer directly, while there are differences depending on the scar's shape and depth, gradual improvement towards a natural appearance through staged treatment is reported.

The lips and philtrum move with every facial expression and cannot be completely hidden by a mask. Therefore, a mark of the same size appears much more prominent in this area than elsewhere.

The causes of scars vary from person to person. They can be sequelae of trauma or inflammation, or they can form during the suturing process after surgery. Among these, cleft lip and palate surgery is a common background for scars in the lip and philtrum area.

Cleft lip and palate refers to a congenital condition where the lip and palate do not fully fuse, resulting in a split. It occurs relatively commonly, in about 1 in 700 to 1000 people, and since surgery is usually performed for treatment, concerns about the remaining marks often follow.

Family history can be considered a primary background factor. The probability of occurrence may increase if parents, siblings, or grandparents have a similar medical history.

However, it is not solely determined by genetic factors. Environmental factors also play a significant role, so it is especially important to be careful during the early stages of pregnancy, between 4 and 12 weeks, when the fetal face is forming. Adequate nutrition, avoiding arbitrary medication, smoking, and alcohol consumption are known to be important for healthy fetal development.

Here are some important points to remember for early pregnancy care:

• Consistently maintain a balanced nutritional intake
• Do not take medication based on self-diagnosis; consult with medical staff
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption
• Do not miss regular check-up appointments

This is the most frequent question asked by those with such concerns. There is no single fixed formula for all scar treatments. This is because the shape and depth vary depending on the cause of formation and from person to person.

In the clinic, scar treatment is less about a one-time procedure and more about a process of addressing each cause to gradually match the general skin texture. In a way, it can be seen as proceeding with a customized treatment approach tailored to each individual.

Since it is not a matter that can be resolved in a short period, cases of satisfactory results are reported when sufficient time is taken and the process is carried out step by step with patience. If you have similar concerns, reviewing information on causes and management of cosmetic surgery scars may also be helpful.

If you have any questions, you can easily leave them via cleft lip and palate scar treatment chat consultation.

For cleft lip and palate scars, it is generally better to start as early as possible. Regardless of the type, older marks tend to be more challenging to lighten.

Especially since they are located on the highly visible face, which can cause stress from others' gazes, there is no need to set a specific timing and delay treatment, nor to give up thinking it's too late. The first step is to assess the current condition and determine the direction.

We've summarized important points to consider before deciding on treatment:

• The shape and depth of the mark vary from person to person, so treatment plans are individualized.
• Treatment often proceeds in stages rather than being completed in one session.
• Results may vary from person to person.
• It is important to first assess the current condition through a consultation.

One thing to keep in mind here is the standard for satisfactory results after laser treatment. It is good to think of it not as making it completely as if it never happened, but as bringing it closer to a state where others do not notice the previous issue and can naturally overlook it.

Aligning these expectations can reduce the burden felt during the treatment process and allow for calm observation of changes at each stage.

After surgery, scars can sometimes affect the lip shape, leading to asymmetry. Lip asymmetry occurs because the affected area becomes firmly adhered. Laser treatment can help release the adhered parts to some extent.

After primarily refining the texture, insufficient volume can be supplemented with additional methods depending on the condition. Surgical Scar Revision, which focuses on refining the scar texture itself, may also be considered.

In this session, we summarized information that individuals with cleft lip and palate scars might be curious about. Beyond a simple skin issue, it is a topic of great concern as scars can potentially lower self-esteem or cause social burden.

Significant improvement is reported with appropriate treatments and procedures, so if you are curious about your current condition or need confirmation, please feel free to contact Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon.

Cleft Lip and Palate Scar Treatment, Inquire Easily via Chat

Thank you.

Chief Director Lee Sang-Joo · Board-Certified Dermatologist As a board-certified dermatologist, I have long specialized in scar and pigment treatment. I am the Chief Director of Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon, an adjunct professor at the Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, and will serve as the President of the Korean Dermatological Association in 2026. View Chief Director Lee Sang-Joo's Profile · First Published 2025-02-18 · Last Reviewed July 23, 2026

This article is intended for general medical information purposes, and the shape of scars and treatment results may vary by individual. Please consult with a board-certified dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.