Understanding the Causes of Lip Corner Lift Scarring and the Effectiveness of Laser Treatment | Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon
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Understanding the Causes of Lip Corner Lift Scarring and the Effectiveness of Laser Treatment | Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon

We've summarized how to gradually improve redness, depressions, and hypertrophic scars remaining at the suture site after lip corner lift surgery, using lasers and subcision tailored to each specific pattern.

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Lip corner lift surgery, which creates a softer, more positive impression with slightly upturned lips, is steadily gaining popularity after eye and nose surgeries. However, it's not uncommon for the surgery itself to go well, but then for scars to remain at the suture site, leading to renewed concerns. The first question that often comes to mind is, "Can existing lip corner scars really be improved with lasers?" To answer directly, consistent treatment tailored to the specific scar pattern has shown improvement not only in early scars but also in scars that have been present for a long time.

Why Do Scars Form Easily Around the Lips?

The skin around the lips is among the thinnest on the body. Furthermore, it's an area that moves constantly while speaking, smiling, and eating, making the suture site prone to repeated irritation. When such irritation accumulates, even the same lip corner lift scar can manifest differently in each person.

Common forms reported include:

  • Redness that persists for a long time
  • Atrophic scars that appear whiter and depressed compared to the surrounding skin
  • Hypertrophic scars where the suture site becomes firm and raised
  • Adherent changes where the skin appears to be pulled downwards

Since the patterns vary even in the same area, the approach to treatment for similar surgical scars must differ.

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When Is the Best Time to Start Treatment?

Regardless of the type, if a scar becomes visible, it is generally advantageous to start treatment as early as possible. However, immediately after surgery, it's safer to allow 2-3 weeks for recovery rather than proceeding directly with treatment. During this time, the sutures need to be removed and a certain degree of healing must occur before the skin is ready for treatments like lasers.

Since the optimal starting point varies for each individual, we recommend consulting with medical staff for confirmation and advice rather than making a self-assessment. Natural recovery alone has limitations in scar improvement, and it's often difficult to expect satisfactory results with relatively simple care like ointments or taping.

It's easy to assume that scars will fade naturally over time, but it's important to remember that once established, hypertrophic or atrophic scars are difficult to return to their original skin condition without active treatment.

Laser Treatment: Which Devices and How Are They Used?

Recently, there has been an increase in cases where lip corner lift scars are improved through laser treatments such as Ultrapulse Encore, StarLux, and Vbeam Prima. Even for the same scar, the equipment used varies depending on whether redness or depression is the primary concern.

DeviceMechanism of ActionPrimary Indication
Ultrapulse EncoreLaser reaches deep dermal layers to reorganize clustered scar tissue and induce collagen regenerationFirmly clustered scars, hypertrophic scars
StarLuxNon-invasive fractional method reduces epidermal damage while inducing dermal regenerationRed or thinned scars
Vbeam PrimaCalms redness caused by excessively developed blood vesselsRedness, pre-stage before progression to depressed or white scars

In clinical practice, it's more common to combine several devices step-by-step, considering both the color and depth of the scar, rather than using just one. The same principle applies to treating similar cosmetic surgery scars.

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One of the advantages of laser treatment is that the advancement of various devices allows for a wide range of situations, from early scars to long-standing ones. If you have any questions, you can easily check by contacting us via chat for lip corner scar treatment.

If Depression Is Severe, Add Procedures

There are cases where laser treatment alone is not sufficient. For deeply depressed scars, procedures such as skin boosters or Subcision may be performed concurrently to further enhance skin regeneration.

Subcision is a procedure that uses a medical needle to sever the adherent fibrous bands that are firmly pulling the skin downwards. Once these bands are released, the depressed area rises, helping to naturally fill in the indentation. This approach, which directly addresses the scar tissue itself, can be seen as similar in principle to Surgical Scar Revision.

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For hypertrophic scars where the suture site is firmly raised, Triamcinolone Scar Injection may be combined to flatten the scar tissue. Since the pattern of scars varies from person to person, even if the underlying cause is similar, it is better to consider multiple factors comprehensively when planning treatment rather than relying on a single method.

How Many Sessions Are Needed for Improvement?

It is difficult to expect rapid improvement in a short period. The number of treatments required varies depending on an individual's skin regeneration capacity, the shape and depth of the scar, its location, and the surgical method used.

Often, at least 10 periodic treatments, consistently performed at 1-2 week intervals without interruption, are necessary. Rather than experiencing dramatic changes in the first few sessions, the process typically involves a gradual refinement of the skin texture as more sessions accumulate.

It is also beneficial to pay attention to the following at home:

  • Consistently maintain UV protection on the treated area
  • Avoid touching or picking at the scar with your hands
  • Use prescribed ointments or taping only as instructed
  • Be careful to avoid repeated stimuli that involve opening the mouth wide
  • Continue with scheduled sessions without skipping

Where You Get Scar Treatment Matters

If you choose surgery for a better appearance but are left with a scar, the burden can be significant. To achieve rapid improvement and avoid further irritation or side effects during the treatment process, it's best to start by choosing a place that can meticulously address lip corner lift scars according to their specific pattern, without taking them lightly.

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We hope that consistent, ongoing care can ultimately help you overcome noticeable scar concerns. If you're curious about the pattern of your scar and what combination of treatments might be right for you, we recommend checking with consultation for lip corner scar treatment now before drawing your own conclusions.

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Chief Director Dr. Sang-Joo Lee (MD, PhD, Yonsei University College of Medicine and Graduate School, Completed Dermatology Residency at Severance Hospital, President of the Korean Dermatological Association) Chief Director Dr. Sang-Joo Lee's Profile First Published 2025-07-08 / Last Reviewed 2026-06-16

This content is for general information purposes only; treatment results and the number of sessions may vary by individual. Please consult with medical staff for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

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