OP. DR. AKIN ŞAHİN

Lip Lift Scar: Healing Timeline and How to Make It Almost Invisible

The most common worry about a lip lift is the scar. It sits in the centre of the face, just beneath the nose, so it is natural to want it to be as discreet as possible. The good news is that, with the right technique and aftercare, a lip lift scar usually heals into a fine line that is very difficult to see. In this article, I explain where the scar is, how it heals month by month and what both the surgeon and you can do to make it as invisible as possible.

Where Is the Lip Lift Scar?

In a bullhorn (subnasal) lip lift, the incision follows the natural curve at the base of the nose: across the base of the columella and along the bottom of each nostril. This line lies in a natural shadow and crease, which is why it is the preferred place for the scar. When the scar heals well, it blends into the shadow beneath the nose.

In a corner lip lift, small incisions are placed at the corners of the mouth. These scars are usually more visible than bullhorn scars and are chosen carefully.

Lip Lift Scar Healing Timeline

Week 1

The incision is closed with very fine sutures. The area is swollen and slightly red. Stitches are usually removed between days 5 and 7. At this stage the scar looks like a thin red line.

Weeks 2–4

The scar is pink and may feel slightly firm or raised. This is a normal part of healing, as the body produces new collagen. Light make-up can be used to camouflage it once the skin has fully closed.

Months 2–3

The scar starts to soften and flatten. Redness gradually fades. Most patients find that the scar is visible only up close.

Months 3–6

The scar continues to mature, becoming paler and finer. In most patients, it blends into the shadow beneath the nose.

Months 6–12

Scar maturation is complete. The final appearance of the scar should be judged at this point, not before.

What the Surgeon Does to Minimise the Scar

The quality of a lip lift scar depends largely on surgical technique:

  • Precise incision design: The incision must follow the natural curve of the nostril base exactly. A straight or poorly placed line is more visible.
  • Removing the right amount of skin: Removing too much skin creates tension and can over-shorten the lip.
  • Deep anchoring: The most important detail. The lip muscle is anchored to the strong tissue at the base of the nose. This deep support carries the lift, so the skin is closed without tension. Tension is the main cause of wide, visible scars.
  • Fine closure: Very fine sutures and careful alignment of the skin edges.
  • Timely stitch removal: Removing stitches at the right time prevents suture marks.

What You Can Do to Help Your Scar Heal

Your aftercare also makes a real difference:

  • Keep the incision clean: Follow the cleaning instructions and apply the ointment prescribed.
  • Avoid stretching the lip: In the first two weeks, avoid wide smiling, exaggerated mouth movements and stretching the upper lip.
  • Use silicone gel: Once the stitches are out and the skin has closed, silicone scar gel helps the scar mature flat and pale. Use it for at least 2–3 months.
  • Protect from the sun: UV light can darken a healing scar. Use sunscreen on the area every day for at least 6 months.
  • Do not smoke: Smoking reduces blood flow and impairs healing.
  • Be patient: A scar takes up to a year to fully mature.

Who Is More at Risk of a Visible Scar?

Some people are more prone to visible scars:

  • People with a history of thick or raised scars (hypertrophic scars or keloids)
  • Smokers
  • People with very oily or thick skin at the base of the nose
  • Patients in whom too much skin is removed, causing tension

If you have a history of poor scarring, tell me during your consultation. We can plan extra preventive measures and closer follow-up.

What If the Scar Is Visible?

Most lip lift scars heal very well. If a scar remains red, thick or raised after several months, several treatments can help:

  • Silicone gel and taping
  • Steroid injections for raised scars
  • Laser treatment to reduce redness or improve texture
  • In rare cases, a small scar revision

I follow my patients closely, so any healing problem can be treated early.

Is the Scar Worth It?

For most patients with a long upper lip, yes. The trade-off is a fine scar hidden beneath the nose in exchange for a permanent, natural improvement in lip shape, volume and tooth show. Many patients tell me that after a few months, neither they nor the people around them notice the scar. If you are still unsure, read lip filler vs lip lift to compare the options.

You can find details about the procedure, prices and packages on my lip lift cost in Turkey page, and the full recovery timeline in lip lift recovery day by day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will people notice my lip lift scar?

Once healed, a well-placed bullhorn scar is usually very difficult to notice, as it lies in the natural shadow beneath the nose.

When can I cover the scar with make-up?

Once the stitches are removed and the skin has fully closed, usually after 7–10 days.

How long should I use silicone gel?

For at least 2–3 months, ideally until the scar is pale and flat.

Can the scar be treated if it does not heal well?

Yes. Silicone, steroid injections, laser and, rarely, scar revision can improve it.