Scars remaining around the lips are in the center of the face, making even small marks particularly noticeable. The most common first question is the expectation, "Won't it fade on its own over time?" To answer directly, it is reported that the recovery process for lip scars tends to be smoother the earlier treatment begins.
No one would welcome scars on their body. Even if they are not large enough for others to notice, they can be bothersome every time you look in the mirror, and it's not uncommon for confidence to shrink as you unconsciously try to hide them. The lips, in particular, have relatively delicate skin and are located in the center of the face, requiring more caution.
Why scars are particularly prone to forming on the lips
Even small accidents like falling or scratching in daily life can damage the skin. In areas like the lips, which are thin and move frequently, marks can easily form during the healing process. Minor injuries may heal quickly, but severe tears or surgical interventions can leave noticeable marks.
The causes can be summarized as follows:
- Scars from unexpected trauma such as falls or scratches
- Marks remaining after large blisters form when skin immunity is weakened
- Traces left after cosmetic surgery to change the shape of the lips or corners of the mouth
- Marks after surgery to resolve problems in the philtrum area, such as cleft lip and palate
Cosmetic procedures performed for a beautiful appearance can sometimes create new concerns, so if you are considering surgery, we recommend making a decision after thoroughly checking its safety.
How will it change over time?
Just as the causes vary, so do the shape and size of scars from person to person. In cases caused by surgical or other medical reasons, it is common for linear scars to remain long around the lips. Initially, they may appear reddish, but over time, they can become firm and raised or turn white.
Many people delay seeking treatment, thinking it will get better soon, only to visit the clinic later. It is important to note that the more established a scar becomes, the more difficult it is to reverse.
In the examination room, we sometimes see cases where the location of the scar affects the existing lip shape. It can appear asymmetrical or blur the Cupid's bow, so we recommend starting proper treatment rather than waiting for it to resolve on its own.
Vascular laser to address redness first
It is reported that starting treatment early for any scar can lead to more favorable results. Especially for reducing redness and preventing the scar from darkening, a vascular laser called Vbeam is applied. The procedure time is not long, and you can return to daily life immediately, so the burden is not significant.
If the scar has become firm or raised, laser treatment combined with Triamcinolone Scar Injection can be applied to alleviate symptoms and make it less noticeable. If you have similar concerns, you may want to check your current condition first through chat consultation regarding scar treatment.
Why we don't rely solely on injection treatment
Injection treatment is one of the popular methods because it can be performed simply. However, Yonsei Star Dermatology avoids concluding treatment with only one injection procedure. While it can help soften raised areas, it may not be sufficient for overall completeness.
The goal of scar treatment is to minimize traces. This includes the process of matching white marks to the surrounding skin. While injection treatment can be expected to soften raised shapes, it has limitations in restoring altered colors to their original state.
Combining lasers to match color and height
To restore the skin color closer to the surrounding skin, the skin's regenerative capacity must be activated above all else. Lasers play this role. In addition to the Vbeam Prima mentioned earlier, high-intensity lasers and the Pinhole Technique are used to stimulate deep within the skin to induce regeneration.
By utilizing the Ultrapulse Encore laser as a representative method, and combining it with injection treatment as needed, even old lip scars can be further refined. For linear marks caused by surgery, Surgical Scar Treatment may be considered, and if the shape itself has been deformed, Surgical Scar Revision may be reviewed.
Things to know before treatment
Even for lip scars in the same location, the shape and time of occurrence vary from person to person, so the combination of lasers that can create synergy also differs. It is not easy to completely erase an already formed scar, and there can be individual differences. Therefore, treatment that matches the skin height and color similar to the surrounding area to make it less noticeable is important.
Before starting treatment, it is helpful to consider the following:
- The time the scar appeared and the changes it has undergone
- Which aspect is prominent among redness, protrusion, or white discoloration
- Whether it affects the lip shape or left-right symmetry
- Whether there was a history of keloid tendency
Especially if you have a constitutional tendency for scars to rise thickly, it is advisable to determine the treatment direction by considering the characteristics of Keloid Scar. To choose the appropriate treatment for the situation and achieve good results, sufficient experience and knowledge must be accompanied.
Lip scars are an area that becomes more difficult to manage the longer they are left untreated. If you are unsure about the current stage of your condition or which treatment to prioritize, please feel free to ask through the consultation below.
💬 Consult NowChief Director Lee Sang-joo (MD, PhD, Yonsei University College of Medicine and Graduate School, Dermatology Resident at Severance Hospital, President of the Korean Society for Dermatology) Chief Director Lee Sang-joo's Profile First published 2025-02-10 / Last reviewed 2026-06-16
This content provides general information and treatment results and recovery patterns may vary by individual. Please consult with medical staff for an accurate diagnosis.