Age 18, south Asian, female, how can I permanently remove hyperpigmentation around mouth? (Photos)

Question

I am an 18 year old south asian female and I have had hyperpigmentation around my mouth for as long as I can remember. They’re my biggest insecurities. What can I do to remove them permanently. I have tried hydroquinone, saw no results.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.  
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

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.​

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

It has been my experience that topical medications for hyperpigmentation alone are not sufficient to achieve sufficient fading. However, when combined with a series of in-office superficial peels with high concentrations of glycolic or salicylic acid, Jessner's Solution, or low concentrations of TCA, the results are typically far more gratifying. You would be wise to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Hope this helps.

Age 18, south Asian, female, how can I permanently remove hyperpigmentation around mouth? (Photos)

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Age 18, south Asian, female, how can I permanently remove hyperpigmentation around mouth? (Photos)

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