A dark discoloration around the mouth or lips  is a result of increased pigmentation of the skin (hyperpigmentation) which may arise for a number of reasons. This common cosmetic problem is characterized by the darkening of the skin around the mouth area, particularly at the corner of the lips,  as a result of the over activity of the melanocytes, which are the skin cells that are responsible for the production of melanin. Melanin is a natural pigment responsible for the color of our skin and provides protection against the sun. Discoloration around the mouth is more common in females and occurs more commonly in persons with a darker skin.

Dark eye circles are round pigmented patches situated under the eye area or along the skin of the orbit of the eye. These circles usually occur as a result of tiny blood capillaries located under the surface of the skin, which may rupture, and leak red blood cells into the surrounding skin (hematoma). Red blood cells are then broken down by enzymes in the body resulting in the byproduct of a bluish pigment. The formation of dark circles under the eye circles is the result of this bluish pigment, hence the name ‘blue eye’ or ‘black eye’. Although dark eye circles are common amongst adults it can occur in children, affecting both males and females. While hematomas are responsible for the most severe darkening unde rthe eyes, any prolonged inflammation in this area will lead to darkening, either due to eye strain, lack of sleep, allergies or use of certain cosmetics.

Stretch marks are common condition affecting both men and women and commonly appear on the thigh, upper arms, stomach, breast, and buttock areas. It is usually seen in conditions such as pregnancy or obesity, although stretch marks may occur in certain medical conditions like Cushing’s Syndrome, which is an adrenal gland disorder, where high levels of cortisone are present in the blood. Cortisone ‘weakens’ the elastin fibers in the skin thereby contributing to stretch mark development, even when there is no obvious or significant stretching of the skin. Stretch marks can be treated to reduced the severity but cannot be removed completely or ‘cured’.

Picture of Severe Spider Veins & Varicose Veins

Telangiectasia is a condition commonly referred to as spider veins, where thin dilated blood vessels connected to larger blood vessels are visible at the skin’s surface. These veins appear in clusters of bluish-purple or red zones and are often shaped in a ’spider’s web’, hence the name spider veins. Although this condition can affect a small percentage of males it is mostly common in females. Unlike varicose veins, spider veins do not bulge or extend above the surface of the skin.

What is dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion is an effective procedure done under local anaesthetic for the treatment of skin imperfections. A high speed brush with a spinning disc is used to remove the outer surface layer of skin (epidermis) to allow for regrowth of new skin tissue. The uneven, old scar tissue is replaced to alter the contour of the scar. The deep exfoliating effects of dermabrasion treatments can often remove deep wrinkles around the chin and mouth area, some scars and surface pigmentation.