Xanthelasma palpebrarum: treatment with the erbium:YAG laser.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Xanthelasma palpebrarum presents a therapeutic and aesthetic challenge because of its high visibility and frequent rate of recurrence with a wide variety of treatments. Many patients are disappointed by an initial unsuccessful treatment and fail to return for further therapy until the skin problem has become quite conspicuous. A simple treatment with few side effects and good acceptance remains an important goal.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with a total of 33 xanthelasma lesions, were treated by an erbium:YAG laser. The follow-up period of observation was between seven and twelve months.

RESULTS: All lesions were removed without hyperpigmentation or scarring.

CONCLUSIONS: The erbium:YAG laser represents an effective means for treating xanthelasmas with few side effects.