Is this melasma on my upper lip line? It looks like brown lip liner. My top lip looks uneven due to it. (Photo)

Question

I have had a brown line and spots appear on one side of my top lip, on the actual lip line. It starts right at the peak with a few spots & changes the shape of my lip and causes assymetry with the other peak. Then a brown line trails off down my lip like lip liner. Is this melasma? If so, how can it be treated since it is actually on the delicate lip area? It looks worse in person & was hard to photograph. Please help!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

​Hyperpigmentation of any kind needs a combination approach of peels like cosmelan, enlighten and aerify along with dermarolling (EmerageSkin roller with anteage AERIFY MD ampules weekly,; lasers like Clear + Brilliant, Aerolase or Laser Genesis; radiofrequency like Venus Viva; and constant skin care and sun protection. Bimonthly facials with SilkPeel DermalInfusion are essential to hydrate, exfoliate and infuse vitamins and antioxidants into the skin. If you have acne you can do additional treatments and peels to get more improvement. Hypopigmentation will need more of an evaluation and possibly additional lasers to get improvement. I suggest a formal consultation with an expert in lasers and peels. Best, Dr. Emer.​

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Melasma can make your skin look mottled and hyperpigmented. Melasma is usually caused by endogenous and exogenous hormones, the sun, inflammation, and possibly thyroid dysfunction. I would use a combination protocol that includes topical Melarase creams first, followed by a combination of light fractional laser, depigmenting lasers and IPL, vascular pulsed dye laser, and Covalent peels. 
  
Recommended Creams: Melarase Brightening Kit
  
MelaClenz
  Melarase AM
  Melarase PM
  Melapads
  Replenish Retinoid Cream
  Best, 
  
Dr. Karamanoukian
  
Realself100 Surgeon

Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD, MS · Answer

Hi there,Thank you for your question. I see what you are talking about in your photographs and I believe you need to be seen in person in order to get a detailed history and physical exam. I've treated tons of melasma and I've never seen it present like this. I would schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist who can help get your skin back to looking great! Good luck!

Is this melasma on my upper lip line? It looks like brown lip liner. My top lip looks uneven due to it. (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Is this melasma on my upper lip line? It looks like brown lip liner. My top lip looks uneven due to it. (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.