What Makes a Lip Lift Scar Heal Invisibly?
The direct answer: The most critical factor in achieving an invisible lip lift scar is the suture technique used during closure. Specifically, a deep, tension-free closure combined with a superficial, meticulously placed suture line—often using a subcuticular or intradermal suture—minimizes tension on the skin edges. When tension is eliminated, the body does not need to produce excess collagen (which leads to raised, wide, or visible scars), and the final scar can heal as a thin, flat, and faint line that blends into the natural crease beneath the nose.
This is not just about the thread material; it is about the entire closure philosophy. The goal is to bury the tension in deeper layers so the visible skin surface heals passively. When done correctly, the scar often becomes nearly undetectable within 6 to 12 months, sometimes even sooner depending on skin type and aftercare.
Why the Suture Technique Matters More Than the Thread
Many patients focus on whether the surgeon uses dissolvable or non-dissolvable sutures. While material choice plays a role, the technique is far more consequential. A poorly executed closure with the best suture material will still produce a visible scar. Conversely, a well-executed layered closure with standard sutures can heal beautifully.
The key concept: Deep dermal support. The surgeon must first place deep sutures that bring the deeper skin layers together without any tension on the epidermis. This creates a flat, relaxed wound edge. Then, the superficial skin can be closed with a very fine suture—often a 6-0 or 7-0 polypropylene or nylon—placed as a running intradermal or subcuticular stitch. This stitch runs horizontally just beneath the skin surface, avoiding the "railroad track" marks that can occur with interrupted skin sutures.
The Ideal Closure for a Lip Lift: Layered and Tension-Free
When a surgeon performs a lip lift, an incision is made at the base of the nose, following the natural crease where the nostril sill meets the upper lip skin. The scar's visibility depends largely on hiding it within this natural anatomical shadow. However, even within this crease, a poorly closed incision can become raised, red, or widened.
Here is the step-by-step closure approach that surgeons who prioritize scar quality typically follow:
- Deep layer closure: Using absorbable sutures (such as 5-0 or 6-0 polydioxanone or polyglactin), the surgeon approximates the deeper dermal and subcutaneous tissues. These sutures are placed in an inverted fashion so the knots are buried deep, away from the skin surface. This layer bears the majority of the tension.
- Surface closure: Once the deep layer is secure, the skin edges should be touching passively without any pulling. The surgeon then places a superficial running subcuticular suture—often a non-absorbable monofilament like polypropylene—to precisely align the skin edges. Some surgeons prefer a continuous intradermal suture that remains just beneath the epidermis.
- Skin edge reinforcement: In some cases, a tissue adhesive or sterile strips are applied over the closed incision. This provides additional support and reduces any micro-movement during the early healing phase.
Why this works: The deep sutures absorb the tension that would otherwise pull the scar apart. The surface suture merely guides the edges into perfect alignment. Because there is no tension on the skin surface, the healing process produces a minimal scar response.
| Closure Layer |
Purpose |
Typical Suture Type |
| Deep dermal |
Bears tension; brings wound edges together |
Absorbable (polydioxanone, polyglactin) |
| Superficial intradermal |
Fine alignment; no tension |
Non-absorbable monofilament or absorbable |
| Surface reinforcement |
Protects wound; reduces movement |
Tissue adhesive or sterile strips |
Suture Material: Absorbable vs. Non-Absorbable
There is an ongoing debate among surgeons regarding the best suture material for the superficial layer. Both approaches can yield excellent scars, but they have different trade-offs.
Non-Absorbable Sutures (e.g., Polypropylene, Nylon)
- Pros: These sutures glide through tissue easily, cause minimal tissue reaction, and provide excellent control over edge alignment. Because the body does not need to break them down, there is less inflammation in the early healing phase.
- Cons: They must be removed, typically 5 to 7 days after surgery. If left too long, they can leave suture marks. Removal requires a quick follow-up visit, which can be inconvenient for some patients.
Absorbable Sutures (e.g., Polyglactin, Poliglecaprone)
- Pros: They do not require removal. This can be appealing for patients who cannot return for a follow-up visit soon after surgery. Modern absorbable sutures cause minimal tissue reaction.
- Cons: The absorption process itself involves some inflammation. In rare cases, this can lead to a slightly more visible scar. The surgeon also has slightly less control over the final skin edge during the first week, as the suture begins to lose strength.
The practical reality: Most experienced surgeons choose a non-absorbable monofilament for the final skin closure because it offers the most precise control and the least tissue reaction. The inconvenience of suture removal is a small price for the potential benefit of a better scar.
The Role of Surgical Technique Beyond the Suture
Even the best suture cannot compensate for poor surgical execution. Several technical factors influence scar quality:
Incision Placement
The incision must be placed precisely in the natural crease at the base of the nose. If it is placed too high or too low, even a perfect closure will result in a visible scar because the line will not be hidden in the anatomical shadow.
Tissue Handling
Gentle handling of the skin edges is essential. Excessive crushing or pulling of the skin with forceps can damage the tissue and impair healing. Surgeons who prioritize scar quality use fine instruments and minimize trauma to the wound edges.
Wound Edge Eversion
The skin edges should be slightly everted (turned outward) during closure. As the scar matures and contracts, the everted edges flatten, resulting in a smooth surface. If the edges are inverted (turned inward), the scar will likely heal as a depressed line.
Aftercare: Maximizing Invisible Healing
The surgeon's work is only part of the equation. Patient aftercare significantly affects the final scar appearance. The following steps are commonly recommended:
- Keep the incision clean: Use a gentle cleanser as directed. Avoid scrubbing the area.
- Avoid sun exposure: UV radiation can cause the scar to become permanently darker and more visible. Apply a high-SPF sunscreen once the wound has fully closed.
- Avoid tension on the incision: Do not pull down on the upper lip or make exaggerated facial expressions in the first few weeks. This can widen the scar.
- Silicone gel or sheets: Starting around 2 to 3 weeks after suture removal, silicone products can help flatten and soften the scar. They create a moist environment that reduces collagen overproduction.
- Massage: Once the wound is fully healed, gentle scar massage can help break down excess collagen and improve scar pliability.
- Avoid smoking and vaping: Nicotine constricts blood vessels and impairs wound healing, leading to a higher risk of poor scarring.
Important: Follow your surgeon's specific aftercare instructions. The above is a general guideline and may need to be adjusted based on individual healing response and surgeon preference.
Realistic Expectations: What "Invisible" Actually Means
No scar can truly disappear. The goal is to make the scar imperceptible to the casual observer. A well-executed lip lift scar should be:
- Thin and flat, not raised or depressed.
- Close to skin color, not red or brown.
- Hidden within the natural crease beneath the nose.
- Free of suture marks or cross-hatching.
Most patients can expect the scar to be somewhat pink and slightly firm for the first 4 to 6 weeks. Over the next 6 to 12 months, it should progressively fade and flatten. By one year, many patients find that the scar is visible only upon very close inspection in good lighting.
Choosing a Surgeon Who Prioritizes Scar Quality
When consulting with surgeons, ask specifically about their closure technique. A surgeon who can explain the layered closure philosophy and the rationale behind their suture choice is likely one who prioritizes scar quality. Questions to ask include:
- What type of suture do you use for the deep layer?
- Do you use a subcuticular or intradermal closure for the skin surface?
- Do you remove the surface sutures or use absorbable ones?
- How do you manage tension on the wound?
- Can you show me photos of healed scars from your own patients at 3, 6, and 12 months?
A red flag: If a surgeon dismisses the importance of suture technique or claims that the scar will "just disappear" without explaining how, you should consider seeking another opinion.
Complications That Can Compromise Scar Quality
Even with optimal technique, some patients may experience complications that affect the scar:
- Infection: This can lead to tissue breakdown and a widened or depressed scar. Prompt treatment is essential.
- Wound dehiscence: If the wound edges separate due to tension or poor healing, the resulting scar will likely be more visible.
- Hypertrophic scarring: Some patients are prone to excessive collagen production, leading to a raised, red scar. This is more common in younger patients and on certain skin types.
- Keloid formation: A keloid extends beyond the original wound boundaries. This is rare on the face but possible in genetically predisposed individuals.
Managing these complications early with steroid injections, laser treatments, or revision surgery can improve the final outcome.
Conclusion
The pursuit of an invisible lip lift scar is not about finding a magic suture material. It is about a surgical philosophy that prioritizes tension-free closure. A deep, layered closure that bears all tension, combined with a fine superficial suture that precisely aligns the skin edges without pulling, is the cornerstone of excellent scar healing. When paired with meticulous aftercare and realistic expectations, this approach can produce a scar that is virtually undetectable in daily life.
If you are considering a lip lift, focus your research on the surgeon's technique and their documented scar outcomes, not just the price or convenience of the procedure. Ask about the suture strategy. A surgeon who can explain the "why" behind their closure is far more likely to deliver the result you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a lip lift scar be completely invisible?
No scar can be truly invisible, but a well-executed lip lift scar can be so faint and well-hidden within the natural crease under the nose that it is virtually undetectable to others. The goal is to make it imperceptible, not absent.
How long does it take for a lip lift scar to fade?
Most of the fading occurs within the first 6 to 12 months. The scar will typically be pink and slightly firm for 4 to 6 weeks, then gradually flatten and lighten. Full maturation can take up to 18 months.
Are dissolvable sutures better for lip lift scars?
Not necessarily. Non-absorbable sutures often provide better control and less tissue reaction during the critical first week, but they require removal. Absorbable sutures are convenient but may cause slightly more inflammation. The surgeon's technique matters more than the material.
What is a subcuticular suture?
A subcuticular suture is a running stitch placed just beneath the outer skin surface. It brings the skin edges together without leaving visible suture marks on the surface. It is often used for the final layer of a lip lift closure to minimize scarring.
Can silicone gel improve a lip lift scar?
Yes. Silicone gel or sheets, applied after the wound has fully closed, can help flatten and soften the scar. They create a moist environment that reduces excess collagen production, which is a key factor in visible scarring.
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<h2 style="font-size:28px; line-height:1.3; margin-top:32px; margin-bottom:16px;">What Makes a Lip Lift Scar Heal Invisibly?</h2>
<p><span style="font-size:1.15em; font-weight:700;">The direct answer:</span> The most critical factor in achieving an invisible lip lift scar is the <strong>suture technique</strong> used during closure. Specifically, a deep, tension-free closure combined with a superficial, meticulously placed suture line—often using a <strong>subcuticular or intradermal suture</strong>—minimizes tension on the skin edges. When tension is eliminated, the body does not need to produce excess collagen (which leads to raised, wide, or visible scars), and the final scar can heal as a thin, flat, and faint line that blends into the natural crease beneath the nose.</p>
<p>This is not just about the thread material; it is about the entire closure philosophy. The goal is to <strong>bury the tension</strong> in deeper layers so the visible skin surface heals passively. When done correctly, the scar often becomes nearly undetectable within 6 to 12 months, sometimes even sooner depending on skin type and aftercare.</p>
<h3 style="font-size:23px; line-height:1.35; margin-top:25px; margin-bottom:12px;">Why the Suture Technique Matters More Than the Thread</h3>
<p>Many patients focus on whether the surgeon uses dissolvable or non-dissolvable sutures. While material choice plays a role, the <strong>technique</strong> is far more consequential. A poorly executed closure with the best suture material will still produce a visible scar. Conversely, a well-executed layered closure with standard sutures can heal beautifully.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:1.15em; font-weight:700;">The key concept:</span> <strong>Deep dermal support</strong>. The surgeon must first place deep sutures that bring the deeper skin layers together without any tension on the epidermis. This creates a flat, relaxed wound edge. Then, the superficial skin can be closed with a very fine suture—often a <strong>6-0 or 7-0 polypropylene or nylon</strong>—placed as a running intradermal or subcuticular stitch. This stitch runs horizontally just beneath the skin surface, avoiding the "railroad track" marks that can occur with interrupted skin sutures.</p>
<h2 style="font-size:28px; line-height:1.3; margin-top:32px; margin-bottom:16px;">The Ideal Closure for a Lip Lift: Layered and Tension-Free</h2>
<p>When a surgeon performs a lip lift, an incision is made at the base of the nose, following the natural crease where the nostril sill meets the upper lip skin. The scar's visibility depends largely on hiding it within this natural anatomical shadow. However, even within this crease, a poorly closed incision can become raised, red, or widened.</p>
<p>Here is the step-by-step closure approach that surgeons who prioritize scar quality typically follow:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Deep layer closure:</strong> Using absorbable sutures (such as 5-0 or 6-0 polydioxanone or polyglactin), the surgeon approximates the deeper dermal and subcutaneous tissues. These sutures are placed in an inverted fashion so the knots are buried deep, away from the skin surface. This layer bears the majority of the tension.</li>
<li><strong>Surface closure:</strong> Once the deep layer is secure, the skin edges should be touching passively without any pulling. The surgeon then places a superficial running subcuticular suture—often a non-absorbable monofilament like polypropylene—to precisely align the skin edges. Some surgeons prefer a <strong>continuous intradermal suture</strong> that remains just beneath the epidermis.</li>
<li><strong>Skin edge reinforcement:</strong> In some cases, a tissue adhesive or sterile strips are applied over the closed incision. This provides additional support and reduces any micro-movement during the early healing phase.</li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-size:1.15em; font-weight:700;">Why this works:</span> The deep sutures absorb the tension that would otherwise pull the scar apart. The surface suture merely guides the edges into perfect alignment. Because there is no tension on the skin surface, the healing process produces a minimal scar response.</p>
<div style="overflow-x:auto; max-width:100%;">
<table style="width:100%; min-width:600px; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #ddd;">
<thead>
<tr style="background-color:#f5f5f5;">
<th style="padding:12px; text-align:left; border:1px solid #ddd;">Closure Layer</th>
<th style="padding:12px; text-align:left; border:1px solid #ddd;">Purpose</th>
<th style="padding:12px; text-align:left; border:1px solid #ddd;">Typical Suture Type</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:12px; border:1px solid #ddd;">Deep dermal</td>
<td style="padding:12px; border:1px solid #ddd;">Bears tension; brings wound edges together</td>
<td style="padding:12px; border:1px solid #ddd;">Absorbable (polydioxanone, polyglactin)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding:12px; border:1px solid #ddd;">Superficial intradermal</td>
<td style="padding:12px; border:1px solid #ddd;">Fine alignment; no tension</td>
<td style="padding:12px; border:1px solid #ddd;">Non-absorbable monofilament or absorbable</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding:12px; border:1px solid #ddd;">Surface reinforcement</td>
<td style="padding:12px; border:1px solid #ddd;">Protects wound; reduces movement</td>
<td style="padding:12px; border:1px solid #ddd;">Tissue adhesive or sterile strips</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<h2 style="font-size:28px; line-height:1.3; margin-top:32px; margin-bottom:16px;">Suture Material: Absorbable vs. Non-Absorbable</h2>
<p>There is an ongoing debate among surgeons regarding the best suture material for the superficial layer. Both approaches can yield excellent scars, but they have different trade-offs.</p>
<h3 style="font-size:23px; line-height:1.35; margin-top:25px; margin-bottom:12px;">Non-Absorbable Sutures (e.g., Polypropylene, Nylon)</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Pros:</strong> These sutures glide through tissue easily, cause minimal tissue reaction, and provide excellent control over edge alignment. Because the body does not need to break them down, there is less inflammation in the early healing phase.</li>
<li><strong>Cons:</strong> They must be removed, typically 5 to 7 days after surgery. If left too long, they can leave suture marks. Removal requires a quick follow-up visit, which can be inconvenient for some patients.</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="font-size:23px; line-height:1.35; margin-top:25px; margin-bottom:12px;">Absorbable Sutures (e.g., Polyglactin, Poliglecaprone)</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Pros:</strong> They do not require removal. This can be appealing for patients who cannot return for a follow-up visit soon after surgery. Modern absorbable sutures cause minimal tissue reaction.</li>
<li><strong>Cons:</strong> The absorption process itself involves some inflammation. In rare cases, this can lead to a slightly more visible scar. The surgeon also has slightly less control over the final skin edge during the first week, as the suture begins to lose strength.</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:1.15em; font-weight:700;">The practical reality:</span> Most experienced surgeons choose a <strong>non-absorbable monofilament</strong> for the final skin closure because it offers the most precise control and the least tissue reaction. The inconvenience of suture removal is a small price for the potential benefit of a better scar.</p>
<h2 style="font-size:28px; line-height:1.3; margin-top:32px; margin-bottom:16px;">The Role of Surgical Technique Beyond the Suture</h2>
<p>Even the best suture cannot compensate for poor surgical execution. Several technical factors influence scar quality:</p>
<h3 style="font-size:23px; line-height:1.35; margin-top:25px; margin-bottom:12px;">Incision Placement</h3>
<p>The incision must be placed precisely in the natural crease at the base of the nose. If it is placed too high or too low, even a perfect closure will result in a visible scar because the line will not be hidden in the anatomical shadow.</p>
<h3 style="font-size:23px; line-height:1.35; margin-top:25px; margin-bottom:12px;">Tissue Handling</h3>
<p>Gentle handling of the skin edges is essential. Excessive crushing or pulling of the skin with forceps can damage the tissue and impair healing. Surgeons who prioritize scar quality use fine instruments and minimize trauma to the wound edges.</p>
<h3 style="font-size:23px; line-height:1.35; margin-top:25px; margin-bottom:12px;">Wound Edge Eversion</h3>
<p>The skin edges should be slightly everted (turned outward) during closure. As the scar matures and contracts, the everted edges flatten, resulting in a smooth surface. If the edges are inverted (turned inward), the scar will likely heal as a depressed line.</p>
<h2 style="font-size:28px; line-height:1.3; margin-top:32px; margin-bottom:16px;">Aftercare: Maximizing Invisible Healing</h2>
<p>The surgeon's work is only part of the equation. Patient aftercare significantly affects the final scar appearance. The following steps are commonly recommended:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Keep the incision clean:</strong> Use a gentle cleanser as directed. Avoid scrubbing the area.</li>
<li><strong>Avoid sun exposure:</strong> UV radiation can cause the scar to become permanently darker and more visible. Apply a high-SPF sunscreen once the wound has fully closed.</li>
<li><strong>Avoid tension on the incision:</strong> Do not pull down on the upper lip or make exaggerated facial expressions in the first few weeks. This can widen the scar.</li>
<li><strong>Silicone gel or sheets:</strong> Starting around 2 to 3 weeks after suture removal, silicone products can help flatten and soften the scar. They create a moist environment that reduces collagen overproduction.</li>
<li><strong>Massage:</strong> Once the wound is fully healed, gentle scar massage can help break down excess collagen and improve scar pliability.</li>
<li><strong>Avoid smoking and vaping:</strong> Nicotine constricts blood vessels and impairs wound healing, leading to a higher risk of poor scarring.</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:1.15em; font-weight:700;">Important:</span> Follow your surgeon's specific aftercare instructions. The above is a general guideline and may need to be adjusted based on individual healing response and surgeon preference.</p>
<h2 style="font-size:28px; line-height:1.3; margin-top:32px; margin-bottom:16px;">Realistic Expectations: What "Invisible" Actually Means</h2>
<p>No scar can truly disappear. The goal is to make the scar <strong>imperceptible to the casual observer</strong>. A well-executed lip lift scar should be:</p>
<ul>
<li>Thin and flat, not raised or depressed.</li>
<li>Close to skin color, not red or brown.</li>
<li>Hidden within the natural crease beneath the nose.</li>
<li>Free of suture marks or cross-hatching.</li>
</ul>
<p>Most patients can expect the scar to be somewhat pink and slightly firm for the first 4 to 6 weeks. Over the next 6 to 12 months, it should progressively fade and flatten. By one year, many patients find that the scar is visible only upon very close inspection in good lighting.</p>
<h2 style="font-size:28px; line-height:1.3; margin-top:32px; margin-bottom:16px;">Choosing a Surgeon Who Prioritizes Scar Quality</h2>
<p>When consulting with surgeons, ask specifically about their closure technique. A surgeon who can explain the layered closure philosophy and the rationale behind their suture choice is likely one who prioritizes scar quality. Questions to ask include:</p>
<ul>
<li>What type of suture do you use for the deep layer?</li>
<li>Do you use a subcuticular or intradermal closure for the skin surface?</li>
<li>Do you remove the surface sutures or use absorbable ones?</li>
<li>How do you manage tension on the wound?</li>
<li>Can you show me photos of healed scars from your own patients at 3, 6, and 12 months?</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:1.15em; font-weight:700;">A red flag:</span> If a surgeon dismisses the importance of suture technique or claims that the scar will "just disappear" without explaining how, you should consider seeking another opinion.</p>
<h2 style="font-size:28px; line-height:1.3; margin-top:32px; margin-bottom:16px;">Complications That Can Compromise Scar Quality</h2>
<p>Even with optimal technique, some patients may experience complications that affect the scar:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Infection:</strong> This can lead to tissue breakdown and a widened or depressed scar. Prompt treatment is essential.</li>
<li><strong>Wound dehiscence:</strong> If the wound edges separate due to tension or poor healing, the resulting scar will likely be more visible.</li>
<li><strong>Hypertrophic scarring:</strong> Some patients are prone to excessive collagen production, leading to a raised, red scar. This is more common in younger patients and on certain skin types.</li>
<li><strong>Keloid formation:</strong> A keloid extends beyond the original wound boundaries. This is rare on the face but possible in genetically predisposed individuals.</li>
</ul>
<p>Managing these complications early with steroid injections, laser treatments, or revision surgery can improve the final outcome.</p>
<h2 style="font-size:28px; line-height:1.3; margin-top:32px; margin-bottom:16px;">Conclusion</h2>
<p>The pursuit of an invisible lip lift scar is not about finding a magic suture material. It is about a <strong>surgical philosophy that prioritizes tension-free closure</strong>. A deep, layered closure that bears all tension, combined with a fine superficial suture that precisely aligns the skin edges without pulling, is the cornerstone of excellent scar healing. When paired with meticulous aftercare and realistic expectations, this approach can produce a scar that is virtually undetectable in daily life.</p>
<p>If you are considering a lip lift, focus your research on the surgeon's technique and their documented scar outcomes, not just the price or convenience of the procedure. Ask about the suture strategy. A surgeon who can explain the "why" behind their closure is far more likely to deliver the result you want.</p>
<h2 style="font-size:28px; line-height:1.3; margin-top:32px; margin-bottom:16px;">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<h3 style="font-size:23px; line-height:1.35; margin-top:25px; margin-bottom:12px;">Can a lip lift scar be completely invisible?</h3>
<p>No scar can be truly invisible, but a well-executed lip lift scar can be so faint and well-hidden within the natural crease under the nose that it is virtually undetectable to others. The goal is to make it imperceptible, not absent.</p>
<h3 style="font-size:23px; line-height:1.35; margin-top:25px; margin-bottom:12px;">How long does it take for a lip lift scar to fade?</h3>
<p>Most of the fading occurs within the first 6 to 12 months. The scar will typically be pink and slightly firm for 4 to 6 weeks, then gradually flatten and lighten. Full maturation can take up to 18 months.</p>
<h3 style="font-size:23px; line-height:1.35; margin-top:25px; margin-bottom:12px;">Are dissolvable sutures better for lip lift scars?</h3>
<p>Not necessarily. Non-absorbable sutures often provide better control and less tissue reaction during the critical first week, but they require removal. Absorbable sutures are convenient but may cause slightly more inflammation. The surgeon's technique matters more than the material.</p>
<h3 style="font-size:23px; line-height:1.35; margin-top:25px; margin-bottom:12px;">What is a subcuticular suture?</h3>
<p>A subcuticular suture is a running stitch placed just beneath the outer skin surface. It brings the skin edges together without leaving visible suture marks on the surface. It is often used for the final layer of a lip lift closure to minimize scarring.</p>
<h3 style="font-size:23px; line-height:1.35; margin-top:25px; margin-bottom:12px;">Can silicone gel improve a lip lift scar?</h3>
<p>Yes. Silicone gel or sheets, applied after the wound has fully closed, can help flatten and soften the scar. They create a moist environment that reduces excess collagen production, which is a key factor in visible scarring.</p>
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