What is this brown line on my bottom lip? (Photo)

I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Hyperpigmentation can be improved with a combination of Cosmelan, lasers, Aerolase, microneedling/prp, skin lightening, peels, and skin care. Sun protection is essential. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Melasma and age spots can be due to hormones, aging, sun exposure, thyroid dysfunction, and genetics. Treatments range from IPL to laser therapy; but pigmentation may recur if not complemented with topical creams to stabilize the pigment cells.

I would suggest starting with Melarase Brightening Kit with Melaclenz, Melapads, Melarase AM, and Melarase PM to help stabilize pigmentation and reduce recurrence. Once started, an active protocol that includes Covalent peels, IPL, fractional laser, and microneedling can further remove pigmentation.
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Thank you for your question.   I would recommend to start using hydroquinone 4% morning and night six weeks prior to laser treatment. Fractional treatment is very effective for suppressing discoloration and evening out skintone.  Skinpen which is a microneedling device that would also be beneficial for getting rid of melasma.  The microneedling treatment helps to wake up your natural growth factors, shrink your pores, fade discoloration and acne scars, and help increase collagen and elastin production. You would do a treatment every 4 weeks and stay out of the sun as much as possible and always wear spf 50 broad sprectrum.  Always consult with your physician first before starting a treatment. 

It is best that you get it checked out--worse case scenario is that it is a skin cancer.  HOWEVER, it is more likely a labial lentigo--in other words a sun spot on the lower lip.  The lower lip is prone to this since it get more direct sunlight than the top lip and it is hard to keep spf on our lips.  I have one in the exact same place--it can be lightened with laser treatment but probably will not go away.  I have faded mine so its hard to see--but still there darn it!
Make sure you have it looked at to be safe.
Best,
Amy

Hello,

I would recommend seeing a Dermatologist to be able to determine what exactly is on your lip.

Best wishes to you,

Without an in person exam it is difficult to say exactly but it appears to be some kind of pigmented lesion. It could simply be a small nevus (mole) that has developed. However, it could be something different and therefore you should definitely have this examined. Anytime a new mole with pigmentation develops one should always have it examined. Sometimes these need a biopsy or completely removed depending on the exam findings. It appears small enough that surgical excision would be straight forward. Good luck.

Thank you for your question. It is difficult to determine the nature of this brown line without examining you in person.  It could be some skin discoloration - I advise you to have it checked with your dermatologist. Best of luck!

Probable labial melanocytic naves, however a formal evaluation is needed by a dermatologist. Melasma has a different pattern of pigmentation . Melasma is a very common cause of skin pigmentation. It 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. This forms the foundation of all treatments. 


I prefer to use a combination of creams and laser for melasma. Hydroquinone can be used (5-8%), along with vitamin A creams or Meladerm. I start my patients on laser (low dose Q switch or Picosure) as this has shown to decrease pigment production by decreasing the activity of the cells that produce pigment. Laser itself is not aimed at ‘blasting’ pigment, but to slow down the rate of melanin production. Another laser I use is the Clear and Brilliant in the 1927 Permea setting combined with creams. IPL should never be used to treat mixed melasma as it often worsens the condition (this is termed ‘Rebound Melasma’) 



In some cases I combine glycolic AHA peels, and in other cases I use a tablet called Tranexamic acid to help. Melasma treatments should be tailored to each patient according the type of melasma. Majority of patients will have mixed dermal and epidermal melasma. Approach melasma as a medical condition and not a cosmetic concern, and the success rate will be much higher. 

Consult a Board Certified Laser dermatologist with a special interest in disorders in pigmentation as well as one who has experience in treating all skin types, including darker Ethnic skin. 



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