Can an Obagi Blue Peel Get Rid of Dermal Hyperpigmentation?

I use the Blue Peel for hyperpigmentation associated with melasma.  Patients are advised to use Melarase cream as a prep prior to peeling. Raffy Karamanoukian, Los Angeles

The Obagi TAC peel is an excellent choice for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation or conditions such as melasma. In preparation for the Blue peel I recommend Melarase AM and Melarase PM to prep the skin. Best.

a Blue Peel is an Obagi branded moderate depth TCA peel. The peel does not correct Hyperpigmentation and if done in a skin prone to Hyperpigmentation such as yourself may result in further Hyperpigmentation. A better approach but gradual is to use bleaching creams. Not glamorous but very effective. 

The stronger the concentration of TCA that is used during
the Blue Peel, the deeper it will penetrate.
Sometimes more than one coat is needed, as well as a series of peels a
month or six weeks apart. Prior to
proceeding with a Blue Peel, I would recommend getting involved with a good
skin care regimen in order to maximize the health of the skin or “turbo charge
it” so that the skin should be able to heel very quickly after a Blue
Peel. At the time of your consultation
with the plastic surgeon, it is important that you discuss what your goal is
for the Blue Peel so they can decide the appropriate level and number of coats
that would be needed.

I would not suggest an Obagi Blue Peel for your situation of lip hyperpigmentation.  The likelihood  that this treatment will improve the hyperpigmentation is low and there is a chance that it could make the situation worse.  I agree with my colleagues, topical bleaching creams including tretinoin and hydroquinone would be the safest and best option.  We also use the Obagi Nu-derm System, which incorporates the above medications, and have found that it works reasonably well for your situation. 

An Obagi Blue Peel is not a good way of treating hyperpigmentation and has the risk of making things worse. The best way to treat hyperpigmentation is by using a combination of two topical prescription-strength medications: hydroquinone and tretinoin cream. Unlike the unsubstantiated claims made by over-the-counter skin care products, the results of using these creams are backed by real medical science. I recommend the Obagi Nu-Derm System which uses both tretinoin cream and hydroquinone to visibly lighten hyperpigmented areas as well as the fine lines and wrinkles that are due to chronic sun exposure. More information about the Obagi Nu-Derm system can be found at my web site by following the link below.