Scar Tissue in Bottom Lip - Scar Revision Surgery Candidate?

Three months ago, I had a fall and wound up biting through my bottom lip.  I was advised not to get stitches, and as a result, a large scar mass has formed on the interior just below the lip.  It is approximately 1/8'' Wide by 1'' Long.  It feels 100 times bigger however.

I have tried massaging it religiously, and it is still the same size.  My lip actually feels somewhat number and I would like to know if that is due to the scar, and if it were removed, would some of the number dissipate?  Further, I have beard hair under my bottom lip and do not want to lose any more than I have already - is this possible?

If I do have the surgery, do I stand the chance of developing new scar tissue?  Could it possibly be as big and cumbersome as it is now?  I know through the movement of the lips and mouth during the initial healing made my situation worse.  How long should the lip be left untouched for the best heal results?  Should I not speak?  Eat often?  etc...

Any advice or information you can give on this is much appreciated.  Thanks.

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

Scar revision should wait until there is no further active healing occurring (when the scar is fully mature).  This can take up to a year or more after the initial injury.  The numbness may be related to residual swelling from the injury.  This may improve with time and will be a barometer of scar maturation.

Massaging will probably have minimal benefit.  Eating and speaking will not affect the scar.  You probably should consult with a plastic surgeon at this time so that you can be followed appropriate as the scar matures.  This consulation will help determine the timing of scar revision and give you appropriate guidance about the success of any revision.