What is causing dark lines on my lips that looks like lip liner? (photo)

Question

About a year & a half ago I started to notice dark lines around my lips - it looks like lip liner. It's on the lips itself, not above or below. I have been to a number of dermatologists and they all say it's from the sun (I live in a tropical climate) but I always use sunscreen on my lips and stay out of the sun as much as possible. It seems to be getting worse. I read online that it might be a result of stomach and digestion problem? I have been suffering from gastro problems for a while.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

"By injecting a small amount of Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, or Jeuveau into this area, the muscles will relax, causing the hard, deeps lines to smooth and improving the lines and wrinkles. Neuromodulators take 2 to 4 weeks to start working and lasts for up to six months. I suggest getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer
"

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

This discoloration may be genetic. I would recommend Melarase PM + Q switch laser with an expert. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Sometimes, electrolysis can exacerbate such melasma in this distribution of the lips. Melasma needs long term commitment with skin care and avoidance of skin factors such as sun exposure (Spectrase Sun Block) which has wide UV spectrum and SPF 30+ protection. 
Daily good habits with topicals may well help you chieve your goals with a good skin system like the Brightening Kit from KareSkin (see link). You may want to start with Melarase and Pigmentation Correction Complex. Scler-X from another vendor is for PIH relief (see link). 
Melarase AM is non hydroquinone based and allowed for use in the EU and UK.
Best
H Karamanoukian MD FACS

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Most likely melasma of your lip stimulated by excessive sun exposure. Try wearing clear lip balm with high SPF son blocking agents

Laser treatments can help reduce this but they can recur with more sun exposure.

Consider an in person consult with a local dermatologist.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Kristine Brecht, MD (license suspended) · Answer

We love the sun, but the hyperpigmentation to our skin is a result from the suns rays accumulated over time.Consider tattooing your lips to have them all blend more.Wear spf 30+, and chap stick with spf 30+, apply every two hours when in direct sun light. Wide brimmed hats are help and stylish as well.Best. Dr Brecht Seattle, Wa

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.

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

All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Laser, surgical and aesthetic dermatologist. Brisbane, Australia

What is causing dark lines on my lips that looks like lip liner? (photo)

Answers (6)

More Laser Resurfacing Questions

I have dark spots under my eyes; will laser help remove my dark spots under my eyes? (Photo)

Birthmark excision process and cost?

How to get best results with Cutera 532 ktp

Can melasma be painful? What should I do?

Four days post laser resurfacing I have painfully swollen eyelids; face is swollen (peeling now). (photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS