Lip tissue shrinkage (Photo)

Question

21 year old female. Have untreated cheilitis on my lip for about 2 years now. Back in 2020 I had pigment changes along the bottom lip border of my lips. Recently, my lip shape and size has changed significantly. My lip tissue is shrinking and going away along with thinning. I am also having hair grow over where my lips used to be. I have seen a few dermatologists no help at all. Referred me to a plastic surgeon but none can help w the issue. Wat docs specialize in treating this. anyinfowillhelp

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you've been experiencing with your lips. It sounds like a complex situation, and I can understand your frustration in finding effective treatment. Here are a few thoughts and suggestions that might help guide you in the right direction:

Specialists to Consult:

Dermatologist: While you mentioned seeing dermatologists, it may be beneficial to seek out a dermatologist who specializes in oral or mucosal diseases. They can provide a more focused evaluation on conditions affecting the lips and oral mucosa.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: These specialists deal with a range of oral health issues and may offer insights into structural changes in lip tissue.
Rheumatologist: If there is any suspicion of an autoimmune component to your condition, a rheumatologist might be able to help, as they specialize in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Potential Treatments:

Biopsy: If not already performed, a biopsy of the affected tissue might be necessary to better understand the underlying cause of the cheilitis and tissue changes.
Treatment for Cheilitis: Depending on the type of cheilitis (e.g., exfoliative, angular, allergic), specific treatments may include topical or systemic medications.
Addressing Hair Growth: A dermatologist can also advise on treatments for unwanted hair growth, which might include laser therapy.
Additional Considerations:

Patch Testing: If an allergic or irritant contact cheilitis is suspected, patch testing might identify potential allergens or irritants.
Nutritional Assessment: Sometimes, nutritional deficiencies can contribute to lip and skin changes. A healthcare provider might recommend blood tests to rule out deficiencies.
Persistence and Second Opinions: Given the complexity of your symptoms, seeking a second opinion from another specialist might provide new insights or treatment options.

I hope this information helps guide you towards finding the appropriate care. Don’t hesitate to reach out to specialists who might offer a fresh perspective on your condition.

Best regards,

Lip tissue shrinkage (Photo)

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