Can this lip freckle be removed? (Photo)

Question

I got this ugly lip freckle from sun exposure. I already went to a dermatologist a few years ago and she took a biopsy and it came back non cancerous. I asked her if I could have it lasered off and she didn't really know what to do, she said that she could do another biopsy and see if it comes off. I really hate seeing this on my lip and I have to wear lipstick to cover it up. It's very dark. Is there anything I can do to get this removed? The biopsy was rather painful and she stitched my lip.

Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your picture and questions! You could try a resurfacing laser such as an erbium laser first and see if it help. If the pigment is too deep however, you may need an excision to cut out the spot and sutures to close the incision. I recommend seeing a board certified plastic surgeon for a physical exam and to go over the options in person.

Sheetal Sapra, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph. You should get this assessed again to make sure it is still non cancerous. The recommended treatment for this type of lesion or Lentigo is Nd: Yag 532nm, the area will be bright pink after and may take anywhere 1-2 weeks to fully heal. There is a possibility of a touch up treatment required if a light shadow is still left. Please make sure the lesion is assessed again before proceeding with treatment.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Sheetal Sapra, MD, FRCPC

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  If it has been a few years since your dermatology visit, and if they only took a partial biopsy of the lesion, you can't be sure it is still "non-cancerous" or benign.  I would recommend consultation with a board certified dermatologist who also is skilled in laser treatments, and first have them do a very good exam with a dermatoscope and if there are any concerning features, he or she will probably do a shave removal of the entire lesion to send to pathology for review.  If the pigment is fairly shallow, the  area will probably heal very nicely without stitches or a big excision.  I have had great success removing what we call "melanotic macules" of the lip and also shave removal of suspicious brown spots on the lip.  As long as it is not a concerning lesion to the pathologist or a melanoma, a shave removal will probably leave you with the best cosmetic outcome and you will be reassured it has not changed into a more dangerous spot.  Best of luck.

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph.It's difficult to evaluate your skin through photographs because an in-person examination needs to be done. A dermatologist should examine your skin with a dermatoscope, which allows the provider to evaluate if there are any concerning features. If none are found, then a treatment option to remove pigmented lesions on the lip is laser therapy. I highly recommend you consult with a board certified dermatologist to have your lip evaluated and to discuss treatment options that best suit your needs. Take care and good luck.

Can this lip freckle be removed? (Photo)

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Can this lip freckle be removed? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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