Hyperpigmented Upper Lip due to Threading/Tweezing

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
#1

I have had a hyperpigmented upper lip for the last 2 years due to excessive threading & tweezing. I originally thought I had melasma since I developed the pigmentation shortly after starting birth control pills so thought there was nothing I could do about it aside from ending the pill. I took the pill to control PCOS symptoms that I have, excess hair growth as one of them. After another year of waiting the pigmentation was just getting worse so I decided to grow out the hair on my upper lip and realized that the pigmentation is only in the areas where there is hair. I am so mad at myself for not realizing this earlier and doing something about it earlier. I am terrified of this being permanent.

My dermatologist said that if I remove the hair permanently the pigmentation will then eventually clear in about 2 years. He recommended laser hair removal and not electrolysis. However, I have decided that electrolysis would be the best method for me since I have PCOS and have brown skin (I am East Indian). I would greatly appreciate answers to some questions I have. This has put me into a state of depression and I am beginning to become anti-social. I used to be very outgoing and now I miss living a normal life. I have stopped threading 4 months ago, wear sunscreen every day and have stayed out of the sun this year as the sun makes pigmentation worse. I currently trim the hair every morning. I am 26 years old. The hair on the upper lip is very coarse. I am awaiting a specialist appointment to see if something can be done about the high level of testosterone I have due to PCOS. I am skinny so weight loss will not help.

Pigmentation Questions:

Can this pigmentation be permanent or does it resolve? I have permanent pigmented scars on my legs and arms from scrapes and burns, but all of the pigmentation I get from pimples or mosquito bites eventually fade. It seems like when skin is actually replaced from scrapes, the pigmentation is permanent, but if it is from inflammation (like pimples) the pigmentation eventually fades. Are these different types of pigmentation? My dermatologist said the PIH was in the dermis, and I have read PIH in the dermis can be permanent. Has anyone had this problem before and not have it fade? If it does fade, how long can it take? So far I have not noticed a difference.

Electrolysis Questions:

  1. Since the pigmentation is caused from inflammation from the trauma of plucking, will electrolysis continue the pigmentation, or could it resolve while having electrolysis performed?
  2. How long after the treatment can I wear makeup? I do have mineral makeup, can I wear it on the same day that electrolysis was performed? My upper lip is so dark that I have to cover it up, but I heard that makeup clogs the pores causing break outs.
  3. Is the blend method the best method for my condition?
  4. Would it be possible to only have electrolysis done so the hair is thin to the point where I can shave it once in a while? I would like to do this so the pigmentation has a chance to clear sooner. I don’t think I can go on hiding from the sun for another 4 years or so (I’m assuming electrolysis will take 2 years for me plus at least another 2 years to clear the pigmentation). Or will ending the electrolysis treatments early cause the hair to grow as thick as before?

I am so lost and confused about what to do. I can’t decide if I should continue to trim the hair and wait for the pigmentation to fade before trying electrolysis. My gut is telling me to start electrolysis now, because even if the pigmentation does eventually clear, it may return once I begin electrolysis treatments. My major concern is that the pigmentation will become permanent after so many years of damage to the skin. The hair is so thick that trimming causes tiny bumps that are visible, so I will need permanent results.

PLEASE help. I have never been so depressed in my life. I have found someone certified that performs electrolysis and will book a consultation soon, but still don’t know if I should wait in case there is hope of the pigmentation clearing, or go into electrolysis now and just stay out of the sun for the next 4 years or so…

Thanks in advance.

#2

This type of pigmentation always clears up, once interference ceases. The best method will be, the one your best local practitioner uses. Shaving between treatments will not interfere with a successful outcome. However, your skin type is very delicate and treatment that is less than perfect, could cause some initial irritation. If you post your location someone may be able to provide a referral for you. Don’t worry, this is a very common problem,particularly on upper lips and one we see regularly. Most of this induced pigmentation resolves in 6 moths to one year.

#3

Hi
I also had hyper pigmentation on upper lip due to threading (read my previous posts months back). It got better after about 5 months of weekly electrolysis.
You DO NOT need to shave between treatments; you will see a crazy decrease in hair and the pigmentation will slowly get better.
I’ve been doing electrolysis now for about 9 months (weekly) and I no longer have hyper pigmentation issues (other then perhaps one little spot that I believe has an ingrown and I can simply not tackle) nor do I have hair (maybe 2-3 visible hairs; although my electrologyst gets at least 20-30 on my upper lip that she says she sees through her lens). I nw go once a month! I no longer need to color correct with makeup ; thank god! And am so much more confident!!
I wish you tons of luck and just wanted to reassure you that you are not alone and that this is such an easy fix!!!

#4

Sorry for the delay, I’ve been working/studying nonstop.

Thank you VERY much for replying. You have no idea how relieved you have made me. I honestly thought that this was going to be permanent and would just get worse along the years. I feel like I can finally breathe again. THANK YOU.

I’m so happy for you, and wish I was in your shoes! My upper lip is extremely dark, I mean you can see it from a mile away. It just got worse over the years since I had no idea threading was making it worse (kicking myself).

Do you remember how long you had the pigmentation for? I’m going on over 2 years. My derm said it will take about 2 years to go away. I’m just surprised yours went away while you were still undergoing electrolysis! I really hope that happens for me. I have read both that either it goes away once electrolysis is complete, or it goes away while undergoing electrolysis.

I wish I could wear a hat in the sun. I look super young so I don’t look so good in one. I’ve been hiding from the sun and that is more depressing than the pigmentation. I know I won’t be able to hide forever with stags and weddings coming up next summer.

Did you have clearances done every appt? I read that ppl with sensitive skin should spread out the treatments with half the hairs being targeted, but I want to get this over with asap!! Also, did you get any scabs, and were you able to use cover up after the appointment? I’m so afraid of how my upper lip will look at work. Do you go certain days of the week?

I definitely know that my skin won’t revert back in 9 months. I wouldn’t be surprised if it didn’t heal at all during electrolysis, it’s so sensitive. My hair is very thick, so I know it will take longer to see results ugh.

Sorry for the 100 questions. Again, thank you so much for taking the time to help me out. I would hug you if I could lol. :slight_smile:

#5

Hi C O’Connell,

Thank you so much for the quick reply, I wasn’t expecting that. It’s such a relief to hear that this can go away.

Do you recommend to get clearances done each session, or to have segmented portions treated at a time? I want to get rid of the hair asap, but don’t want to damage the skin even more.

Just to clarify, could the pigmentation clear up during electrolysis, or only after electrolysis has been completed? Also, have you ever seen this pigmentation clear in East Indians? We tend to hyperpigment very easily, and at times our skin just stays pigmented permanently.

I live in Vancouver, Canada. I will make a separate post for some recommendations.

Thank you for all of your advice!! I feel like a hundred pounds has been lifted off my chest!

#6

Clients should experience the pigmentation beginning to fade within weeks of commencing their treatments. With good treatment that is the typical reaction, regardless of their skin color.

#7

After looking into this further, I feel that my hyperpigmentation is different from the usual type you see. I believe that my hyperpigmentation is not caused by ingrowns or the piercing of the tweezer to the skin, but it is from the inflammation caused by the hair being pulled out of the skin. My upper lip would be quite swollen after threading/tweezing. My skin is so sensitive that it has darkened from this action. This is why the pigmentation is so deep (in the dermis).

Unfortunately I feel that since electrolysis also causes swelling/imflammation, it will not improve during treatment but only once the treatments are completed. I pray that it will improve during treatments, but because of the PCOS and the frequent treatments I will need, I have my doubts. :frowning:

I just hope this goes away one day. I’m at the point of my life where i want to meet someone and settle down, and can’t even imagine this until (if) my upper lip clears.

I’m unsure if I should have clearances done to quicken the process. I will make another post for some opinions.

Thanks so much for your advice and reassurance, I really appreciate it.