I have dermal melasma on my upper lip (essentially untreatable). Could a skin colored tattoo help to fill the area?

A tattoo is not a great idea for upper lip melasma. I would consider a combination of Melarase creams, Melapads, and Clear and Brilliant laser. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Skin coloured tattoos and matching is one of the hardest skill sets to learn. Small areas do well, but to do an entire cosmetic unit (upper lip) is NOT a good idea. Yes, dermal melasma is hard to treat, I just wrote some advice on this condition- possibly if it is resistant, persistent dermal melamsa then try lasers ALONG with creams. 1. I would use the Q switch laser over other lasers2. If it is dermal, trans epidermal elimination (i.e. exfoliation of pigment/ melanin) can be achieved with Fractional lasers. In this setting I would use low % coverage erbium laser, in conjunction with creams, you will require at least 4-8 treatment spaced 4 weeks apart. Tattooing is not a good idea. Kind regardsDr Davin LimLaser DermatologistBRISBANE, Australia