Laser resurfacing for Sun Damaged Lips (actinic cheilitis)
White discolouration and blurring of the vermillion border in a long term surfer
Actinic cheilitis or ‘surfers lips’ is the lip form of actinic keratosis (sun spots) and is due to chronic sun exposure.
It presents as persistently rough, scaly or cracked lips, subtle white discolouration, or blurring of the border of the lips. It is relatively common in fair skinned adults who have had a significant amount of cumulative UV exposure.
Actinic chelitis is to considered be ‘pre-cancerous’ and illustrates an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
If left untreated the risk of developing a skin cancer on the lip is about 6-10%. SCC’s on the lips are 11 x more likely to metastasise than SCC’s in other areas. Therefore actinic cheilitis is important to detect and treat early.
Laser Vermillionmectomy is performed by our Dermatologists to rejuvenate the lips and to significantly reduce your risk of squamous cell carcinoma.
A consultation is required prior to treatment.
Treatment is performed in our clinic and the area is numbed prior to treatment.
Generally only one treatment is required and generally a patient experiences 5-10 days of downtime.
This is a Medicare rebateable treatment
Laser Vermillionectomy at HCDL for Actinic Cheilitis. A great treatment for sun damaged lips.