Dark spots - perhaps melanotic macules

I have a few dark spots on my lips.  They are brown hyperpigmented regions that are distinct and seperate from one another.  Two of them are on my top lip and one less prominent one is on my lower lip.  To my understanding they are harmless, but I'm wondering options that would remove them for cosmetic purposes.  My dermatologist recommended cryosurgery (liquid nitrogen) to remove them, but said a blister may occur and I was headed to school the next day.  What are the chances of permanent scarring or serious hypopigmentation from cryosurgery on the lips?  I've also read lasers treatment such as IPL can be useful in breaking up the pigment without causing scarring.  I want to avoid excision as the resulting scars will likely be worse than the spot itself.

I also have some similar spots elsewhere on my body, would fading creams be useful there?

Thanks

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Oral melanotic macule is a non-cancerous (benign), dark spot found on the lips or inside the mouth. An oral melanotic macule found on the lip is sometimes called a labial melanotic macule .A biopsy has to be done and laser treatment is the main treatment option. Cryosurgery is also done but blister formation, edema, hypertrophic scarring or hyperpigmentation are the side effects. I would suggest a lser treatment for the same.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.