Darkening of Upper Lip After 8 Seesion of IPL for Hair Removal??

Question

I had 8 seesions IPL on my upper lip for hair removal purposes only. (fair asian skin,dark hair). I had good results,after the last session on 6 OCT 2011, the next day I noticed darkening of my upper lip, I have only used aloe vera gel (can't get hydroquinine in UK it is illegal) now 1 month later the area is still SLIGHLTY darker, will this resolve with time? what should I do? I wear sunscreen every day and DO NOT want to have any more IPL sessions.

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

It sounds like you have Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation... this is not uncommon.  If you can't get Hydroquinone then the second best topical would be products that have Kojic Acid, Mushroom extract and Alpha-Arbutin all have properties to inhibit tyronaise enzymes that produce melanin and cause hyperpigmentation.   We like IS Clinical's White Lightening Complex and Serum.  Glycolic medical facials can also aid in reducing the hyperpigmentation.  Check with your medical provider to see what they may have that is similar to this.  Continue using your sunscreen everyday.

	Good luck.

	 Dr. Grant Stevens

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

It sounds like what you have is post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can happen with IPL or hair removal with IPL (it doesn't happen as much with other lasers types like diode or alexandrite). But with IPL it is more prominent in skin types like yours. PIH resolves over time, but I know it's frustrating. You definitely need to avoid the sun, as that will make it last longer and could make it worse. Aloe vera won't do anything as it doesn't have the ability to affect pigment, so you can stop using that. You could try a Tretinoin gel, but really, PIH will resolve with time.

Eugene Mandrea, MD (retired) · Answer

You may try  other bleaching agents, such as Tretinoin and/or Azelaic Acid.

	Also you may try a treatment with the Alexandrite Laser (done by an experienced operator)  for more prompt results.

	It is extremely important to use sunscreen for a prolonged time to the treated area (and to the entire face).

	In the future, if you desire further hair removal, it may be beneficial to use the Alexandrite Laser. It does an excellent job for hair removal.

	Always make sure that you are being treated by an experienced,Board Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon.

Darkening of Upper Lip After 8 Seesion of IPL for Hair Removal??

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Darkening of Upper Lip After 8 Seesion of IPL for Hair Removal??

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about IPL

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