How to Get Rid of Upper Lip Hair and Hyperpigmentation?
asked 2 years ago by please help in washington, d.c.
Latest answer by Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Question viewed 6,078 times
Tags: face, mustache, upper lip
I started out bleaching my upper lip when I was a teen. I am half-Asian and I have always had upper lip hair. About the last year or so, I began to notice a mustache-like appearance on my upper lip when I am exposed to the sun. I now use sunscreen 50 everytime I'm exposed to help lessen the effects. However, it does not seem to be helping.
What is the best method for upper lip hair removal and decrease the hyperpigmentation at the same time?
4 answers to How to Get Rid of Upper Lip Hair and Hyperpigmentation?
+1
Laser hair Removal and Hydroquinone
Dr. Novick had a great answer. I believe that this pigmentation, rather than being ascribed to melasma alone may be a combination of melasma and post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation. Through the years I have attended many lectures on melasma. I was curious why so many woman are plagued by an appearance of facial hair above the upper lip, when in fact they are only dealing with pigmentation. The experts I asked never had a good answer.
My hypothesis, perhaps...
more
Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Virginia Beach Dermatologist
Virginia Beach Dermatologist
+1
Getting Rid of Upper Lip Hair and Dark Discoloration
Two of the most common causes of excessive blotchy facial pigmentation (essentially skin stains) are post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma. Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, as the name implies, can follow any kind of inflammation of the skin from wounds, surgery, laser treatments, infection, acne and other skin disorders. Melasma, which has a hereditary component, can arise spontaneously or be provoked by the hormones of pregnancy, birth control pills and unprotected...
more
+1
Hydroquinone before laser
I would focus on decreasing the hyperpigmentation on the lip first. Hydroquinone is the best medication to do this. It may take 3-6 months to see improvement. After the hyperpigmentation has cleared you can proceed with laser treatment for hair removal. I would continue the hydroquinone while undergoing laser treatment. Also, it is a MUST to use sunscreen with SPF 60 daily on this area.
Julia Carroll, MD
Toronto Dermatologist
Toronto Dermatologist
+1
Upper Lip Hair Removal
Consider laser hair removal and topical hydroquinone cream for hyperpigmentation. Depending on your skin type and hair color, some lasers are better than others. Sun exposure can increase hyperpigmentation after laser hair removal. Be careful. Best to avoid sun exposure after most laser therapies. Use sunscreen liberally and hydroquinone. Interestingly, hydroquinone can have a paradoxical effect and cause hyperpigmentation so use judiciously.
Paul Rottler, MD
Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon
Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon