LAM FACIAL PLASTICS

Hello Dr. Lam,

Around Christmas eve, I got into a pointless fight and was punched in the lower left lip. my teeth cut the inside of my lip but there wasn't a full puncture wound. In any case, didn't get sutures and I now have scar tissue inside my lip. My asymmetry is off when I smile and I talk a little slanted to the right. I was told by one doctor that it could potentially last for the rest of my life. Then I was told by another that it could last for up to a year but that any sort of operation was out of his control at this point. Is there anything I could possibly do?

hi,
yes, it could last a year but it also could last the rest of your life. do not cut it out, as that can lead to more scar tissue. the best treatment that really works is injectable 5FU. unfortunately 99% of docs out there do not know about it. they use steroids, which in my opinion is very risky and can cause atrophy to the tissues, i.e. a hole.
best,
s.

The scarring is fine, don't care much about that. However are you also saying that I may talk/smile that way forever? Also, would I be running any risks with the 5FU injection?

if the scar is impeding the movement then the dissolve hopefully will help. i really have no idea how long your scar will last. some scars fade over time. some remain. hard to know in the lip.

risks of 5FU really theoretically could include color changes of darkening but have not seen it. honestly, i believe it is very safe if targeted straight into the scar itself. it certainly in my opinion is 10000x safer than steroid injections.