Is there a procedure to rid myself of upper lip melasma?

Question

I don't even know if I should call it melasma as its not that severe, it looks more or less like a 5 o clock shadow. I just don't know why it's on my upper lip and nowhere else on my body? I do have excess hair growth (hirsutism) but no dark patches anywhere else on my body. It's embarrassing plus I'm brown skinned. I want my upper lip to be the same color as the rest of my face/body! Please help

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Melasma is permanent and you will need long term treatment such as skin care, lasers, microneedling/PRP and peels to get improvement and then be put on a maintenance plan.  Please see an expert for evaluation.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

For upper lip melasma, we recommend Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Replenish cream. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Melasma is a side effect of fluctuating hormones, genetics, UV exposure, and trauma to the skin.  Melasma on the upper lip can be effectively treated with a combination of hydroquinone or Skin Medica's Lytera natural skin brightener at home.  In office procedures such as chemical peels like the Vitalize Peel by Skin Medica or the VI Peel are our favorites.  Strict use of mineral based sunscreen is essential.Fraxel laser or Sublative Fractional RF technology works great for long-term improvement of melasma.Hope this helps. Good luck.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Topical products and Spectrase sun block. 
Melarase is a great regimen to add or a Brightening Kit in its entirety.
I also recommend that you add one of two of these oral supplements for pigmentary control: Scler-X PIH Relief Complex from VenaSmart or Pigmentation Correction Complex from KareSkin.
You will need wide spectrum UV protection with SPF 30+ sunblock as well. 
H Karamanoukian MD FACS

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Depending on the degree of melasma and location either chemical peels with TCA, or Cosmelan mask combined with sunscreen will reverse the melasma.  I have treated thousands of patients with melasma and it takes time but can be treated. Best, Dr. Green

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Melasma can not be completely cured, however effective treatment are possible. This is because your skin is extremely sensitive to UV and even the smallest amount can stimulate your pigment cells to produce colour. The mainstay of treatment is strict UV protection- hats, sunglasses and SPF every 4 hours.

I prefer to use a combination of creams and laser for melasma. Hydroquinone can be used (5-8%), along with vitamin A creams. I usually start my patients on laser (low dose Q switch or Picosure) a few weeks after they commence on creams. I use the Clear and Brilliant 1927 as maintenance treatments.

In some cases I combine glycolic AHA peels, and in other cases I use a tablet called Tranexamic acid to help.

More information on available treatments in the Web Reference below.  All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Laser, surgical and aesthetic dermatologist. Brisbane, Australia

Is there a procedure to rid myself of upper lip melasma?

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