American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Medical Professionals
 
worriedmama
2 months ago
Answered

Vermilion Border Scar

Hello, my 1 year old was injured about 3.5 months ago and this is the scar (top left side) that has formed on his lip, crossing his vermilion border. Does anyone have experience with a similar scar in young patients and how did it eventually end up healing? I am worried it will show this wide gap in the border forever.

Procedure: Cleft Lip and Palate Repair
Location: Edmonton, AB - Canada

Replies 3

Karol Gutowski
ASPS Surgeon
Add to Favorites

Based on the picture, it healed well. If it bothers him when he is older and can make a decision on treatment, it can be revised.

More
Stephen Warren
ASPS Surgeon
Add to Favorites

The white roll is interrupted with a slightly wide, depressed scar. Since the scar is only 3.5 months old, I would recommend waiting upwards of 12 months or more to allow the scar to remodel. Interruptions in the white roll can be easily corrected in a relatively short, albeit important procedure. There is no particular biologic window of opportunity to correct the white roll scar, but ages 2-5 years can be challenging because the child is old enough to perturb the healing tissue, but to young to follow instructions.

More
Alfred Antonetti
ASPS Surgeon

Any plastic surgeon has experience with this. You need to stop worrying about it. It is healing very well and nothing should be done about it or you risk making it worse. For certain, I would wait at least a year before considering anything and most likely would wait until the patient complains about it and wants to do something about it. You could consult a local ABPS certified or eligible plastic surgeon for consultation.

More
Logo

Patient Care Center