Will Darkening of Upper Lip Fade From IPL?

I am having IPL on my upper lip, I have had 8 seeions so far with good results. One day after my last seesion I noticed slight darkening of my upper lip, will this fade? I'm really worried. Normally I have asian skin (light) and dark hair.Thank you.

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by ST in London in London, SE1

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Upper Lip Darkened after IPL

Treating Asian skin can be difficult because it theoretically looks light, but has a great deal of melanin which is what the IPL is attracted to. I normally recommend Asian patients visit offices with highly trained technicians and physicians who have significant experience treating this skin type. That being said, the darkening should fade over time, but a prescription strength hydroquinone will help significantly. Please also make sure you contact the office that treated you and let them... more

Darkening skin after IPL...

You should consider starting a prescription strength Hydroquinone 4% (available at your doctors office) during the night and a Kojic Acid during the day, if your skin can tolerate it. This can speed the process up and lighten your discolorations. It is very important to always wear and reapply your sunscreen! Good luck. Dr. Grant Stevens

Darkening of Upper Lip After IPL in Asian Skin

If you are noticing darkening after IPL treatments, I would advise stopping the treatments at this time and start using a bleaching cream to attempt to get the dark area to fade. Also, please use sunscreen daily even as we head into winter.

Melasma is common

8 sessions sounds like a lot of treatment on the upper lip. It implies that you have had a substantial amount of pigment before starting down the laser path---you might have a condition called melasma, common in Asian women. Unfortunately, it is somewhat difficult to clear completely. See a dermatologist who can prescribe a bleaching medication called hydroquinone----you should start with the minimum concentration of 4%, and maybe increase to 6% or even 8% in... more