- (07) 5681 1585
- admin@parkwoodskinclinic.com
- 76-122 Napper road, Parkwood 4214 QLD
Doctor-led diagnosis and treatment for sun damage of the lips with a focus on early intervention, skin cancer prevention and optimal outcomes
Early assessment leads to the best outcomes
Book a consultation with our doctor.
Actinic cheilitis is a caused by long-term sun exposure. It affects the red part of the lips and may appear as dryness, scaling, thinning, redness or crusting.
It is considered a precancerous condition and can progress to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.
A clinical examination is performed by our doctors to assess your lips. If there are areas of concern, a small biopsy may be recommended
We follow evidence-based guidelines to ensure safe and accurate care
CO2 laser vermilionectomy (also called laser ablation) targets damaged cells across the entire sun-damaged vermilion border.
Our doctor is experienced in Co2 laser surgery with a focus on safety and excellent outcomes.
Recovery is individual, but most patients can expect:
We are with you throughout your recovery.
Treatment for actinic cheilitis may be eligible for a Medicare rebate, particularly when:
Our team will advise you of rebate eligibility at your consultation.
No. Actinic cheilitis is not a lip cancer, but it is a precancerous form of sun damage that can sometimes progress to squamous cell carcinoma. Persistent or suspicious changes should be medically assessed.
CO₂ laser vermilionectomy is performed under local anaesthetic to minimise discomfort during treatment. After the procedure, the lip can feel sore, swollen and sensitive for several days while the treated surface heals.
The goal of CO₂ laser treatment is to remove sun-damaged tissue while preserving the natural contour of the lip. Temporary swelling, redness and crusting are expected during healing, while longer-term changes in colour, texture or scarring are uncommon but possible.
Most patients require around 1–2 weeks for the lip surface to heal after CO₂ laser vermilionectomy. Swelling, tenderness and crusting are expected initially, while redness and sensitivity may take several weeks to fully settle.
Yes. Actinic cheilitis can recur after treatment because the underlying sun damage may continue to affect the lip. Ongoing SPF lip protection, sun avoidance and regular review can help reduce the risk and detect new changes early.
Yes. Alternatives to CO₂ laser include prescription creams, photodynamic therapy (PDT), cryotherapy, electrosurgery and surgical vermilionectomy. The most appropriate treatment depends on the extent of sun damage, biopsy findings and individual clinical factors. Your doctor will discuss the available options following assessment.