Dr. Sam Lam Plastic Surgery Forum

hi Dr lam,

I had a lip reduction in 2001 and i am still not 100% happy with the results. On my upper lip the scar band is visible and is even more noticeable when I smile or purse my lips. I believe the physician did a straight line incision. I am not happy with this look. I live in London, UK but would be willing to fly to Dallas. Is this something that is possible to correct?

Thanks

Hmm,
A scar band correction does not sound easy to manage. It does not sound as if you need more removed either. You can send me a PM with a photo but I can't guarantee I could do anything.
Best,
SML

honestly, i can't see the scar band in the photo but it looks almost as if nothing was done. i would recommend a revision lip reduction for the upper lip and possibly even the lower lip. they are still a bit large aesthetically speaking.
best,
sml

thanks Dr Lam
Would I be able to send you a video of my lips, maybe the incision might be easier to see then.
How much would the lip reduction cost roughly? also im quite scared about some of the complications that could arise from the surgery, especially the second time around.
what are the risks of nerve damage or atrophy of the lips?

thanks so much for answering my questions

no problem answering questions. that is the point of this forum. you can send me a video if you like to my PM account. the cost is $2500 for the first lip and $1000 for the second lip. that includes all facility and anesthesia costs. typically, patients fly out the next day. i have never seen atrophy or nerve damage from this procedure. obviously, anything is possible but i don't go deep with this so i doubt anything like that would happen.
best,
sml

Hi Dr Lam, i was trying to pm a video to you but it is not allowing me. Could the file be to big? Is it possible to send it to an email account?

yes, drlam@lamfacialplastics.com. i just saw my patient day one from a quadruple revision procedure including scar for ethnic lip reduction and he is flying out today. he said he would write a patient-submitted testimonial soon.
best,
sml

hi,
i just reviewed your video. it was extremely helpful. i now understand what you are talking about. it looks as if the incision line is visible and leads to some unusual bunching when you smile. obviously, i can't promise you a correction but it does look pretty straightforward. fortunately, the old scar sits in an area that needs to be removed anyway including some of the front dry red lip that in my opinion (and apparently yours too) would truly benefit from further reduction to make it look more aesthetic. i think your bottom lip would also benefit from reduction. i would not charge you anything extra for the scar correction because the old scar sits right in the area that i would remove anyway. your situation looks pretty straightforward to correct. if you would like, you can schedule when you are ready by emailing constanze@lamfacialplastics.com or calling 888-866-3388. if you have further questions please let me know. i seriously doubt you would have that kind of scar with my technique, as i have never seen it.
best,
sml

Thanks Dr Lam, I will contact your secretary. I just had a few more questions, if part of the front dry lip is removed, would that not leave a visible scar again? Do you use certain techniques to make the scar less prominent? Also do you have more pictures of lip reductions that you have done.

Thanks again

typically, the answer is no. my technique (which is much more gentle than most surgeons) should not leave a scar like what i see with yours. the lip reduction photos in my gallery are all that i can show you, but i think they are pretty extensive. most people have 1 or 2. i have 10 plus. also, i just posted a video on after care for lip reduction you might be interested in. here is the link:

lamfacialplastics.com/plastic_surgery/dallas/content/view/1653/47/

(i can't put the www business there since i have a spam filter in this forum.)
best,
sml

hi dr lam,
when i go to the gallery i dont see the link for lip reduction pictures. i may be missing something ;-)

it is under the cosmetic before and after gallery (first one), slide down until you see the gallery on lips, then click that as well, then you will see "corrective". that will lead you there.