KTP-Laser-Koagulation bei Xanthelasma palpebrarum. KTP laser coagulation for xanthelasma palpebrarum

Interventional and device treatment of the periocular area

Growth in the research, innovation, and development of laser and energy-based technologies over the past few decades has led to dramatic increases in treatment options for dermatologic and cosmetic concerns of the periorbital area. We highlight recent treatment options using laser and energy-based devices for the clearance of periocular pigmented lesions, including solar lentigines and nevus of Ota; vascular lesions, including port-wine birthmarks, infantile hemangiomas, superficial telangiectasias, and reticular veins; laser ablation of benign tumors, such as xanthelasma; cosmetic rejuvenation; treatment of infraorbital dark circles and festoons; laser removal of eyebrow and eyeliner tattoos; and device-based treatment of chronic dry eyes.

Xanthelasma Palpebrarum: More than Meets the Eye

Xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) is the most common form of cutaneous xanthomata, and is important aesthetically, because of its close relation to the eyes, as well as medically for its association with cardiovascular disease (CVD). To provide avant-garde review discussing the various aspects of XP, including its aetio-pathogenesis and various treatment modalities. A structured Pubmed and Medline were searched for relevant articles. The finding of recent research has strongly espoused the link between XP and CVD, and mechanisms have been suggested for its formation. The new technologies have led to a multitude of treatment options for XP. XP is a multi-faceted entity; other than simple treatment of the cosmetic aspect of the disease, one must be cognizant of its cardiovascular implications.

Xanthelasma: An Update on Treatment Modalities

Xanthelasmas are localized accumulation of lipid deposits on the eyelids. Lesions are typically asymptomatic and treatment is often sought for cosmetic purposes. Unfortunately, there is paucity of strong evidence in the literature for the effective treatment of normolipidemic xanthelasmas. A literature search using the term “xanthelasma” was carried out in PubMed and Medline databases. Only articles related to treatment were considered and analyzed for their data. Commonly cited treatments include topical trichloroacetic acid, liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, and various lasers including carbon dioxide, Er:YAG, Q-switched Nd:YAG, and pulse dye laser. However, traditional surgical excision has also been used. This article reviews these currently accepted modalities of treatment.

Treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum with a 1064-nm, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser

BACKGROUND

Xanthelasma palpebrarum is the most common cutaneous xanthoma characterized by soft, yellow papules or plaques that arise on the periorbital skin. As these lesions can be cosmetically disfiguring, many patients seek medical help to remove these lesions.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness and minimum number of treatment sessions with a 1064-nm, Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser for the treatment of xanthelasma.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients with xanthelasma consecutively treated with Q-switched Nd:YAG laser was conducted. Forty-six patients with 103 lesions were identified from January 2012 through August 2015. Photographs taken of patients immediately before treatment and 4-8 weeks after treatment were independently evaluated by 2 dermatologists.

RESULTS

After a single treatment session, 93.2% of lesions had some degree of clearance. All lesions had excellent-to-complete clearance after at least 4 treatment sessions. Patients usually required 4 treatment sessions for optimal results.

LIMITATIONS

This was a retrospective study. Treatment parameters varied, follow-up periods were not uniform, and response was not assessed with a validated scale.

CONCLUSION

The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of xanthelasma in our study population.

Continuous Wave Potassium Titanyl Phosphate Laser Treatment is Safe and Effective for Xanthelasma Palpebrarum

BACKGROUND

Although not an accepted standard treatment, the 532-nm continuous wave potassium titanyl phosphate (CW-KTP) laser might be a powerful device to treat xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the safety and efficacy of CW-KTP laser treatment for XP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2013 and January 2015, 30 consecutive patients with XP were treated with a 532-nm CW-KTP laser (spot size: 0.9 mm, power: 5.0 W, fluence: 36-38 J/cm, pulse width: 46 milliseconds, frequency: 2.0 Hz, passes per session: 3). In a retrospective study design, safety and efficacy data were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall, 29/30 (97%) of patients had an excellent cosmetical result. Downtime was 1 week with crusted lesions. Although slight hypopigmentation was common, only 1/30 (3%) patients had hypopigmentation that was more than expected. Recurrences (13/30; 43%) were frequent, so that yearly maintenance therapy was warranted. No major side effects were noticed.

CONCLUSION

Continuous wave KTP laser therapy is safe and highly effective for XP, although regular follow-up treatments are often necessary to maintain the achieved cosmetic results.

Ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser ablation of xanthelasma palpebrarum: a case series

Context:

Xanthelasma palpebrarum is the most common form of xanthomas. Albeit a benign entity, it is cosmetically disturbing and a frequently recurring dermatologic referral. Although the classical treatment option remains surgical excision, alternatively, chemical cauterization, cryosurgery and electrofulguration have all been tried in the past with mixed results. The use of laser systems such as carbon dioxide laser, Erb:YAG laser, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, diode laser, pulsed dye laser and KTP laser have become popular in the treatment of these lesions. Recent literature suggests minimal pigmentary changes and scarring with the use of ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser treatment of these lesions.

Aim:

To study and evaluate the effectiveness of ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser ablation for treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum.

Materials and Methods:

10 patients presenting with bilateral xanthelasma palpebrarum, new and with recurrence were studied for results after a single treatment with ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser (10,600 nm; 100-200 Hz; 200-400 μsec). The follow-up time was 9 months.

Results:

All lesions were treatable with a single-laser treatment session. Two patients (20%) developed recurrence during the follow-up period. Side effects included post inflammatory hyperpigmentation in two patients (20%), but no visible scarring was observed.

Conclusions:

The ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser is an effective and safe therapeutic alternative in treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum.

Argon laser versus erbium:YAG laser in the treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum

Background

Xanthelasma palpebrarum is the most common of the xanthomas with asymptomatic, symmetrical, bilateral, soft, yellow, polygonal papules around the eyelids. Though it is a benign lesion causing no functional disturbance, it is esthetically annoying. The surgical laser offers an extremely elegant and powerful solution to this problem.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of erbium:YAG and argon lasers in the treatment of xanthelasma lesions.

Patients and methods

Forty patients were included in the study. Twenty patients (15 patients were bilateral with 30 eyes either in the upper or lower lid and 5 patients were unilateral) were treated with erbium:YAG laser. Another 20 patients (10 patients were bilateral with 20 eyes and 10 patients were unilateral) were treated with argon laser.

Results

In the majority of treated patients (either treated with erbium:YAG or argon laser), xanthelasma lesions were completely disappeared or significantly decreased in size. Two patients showed pigmentary changes in the form of hypopigmentation with erbium:YAG laser (one case), another case showed hyperpigmentation. No intraoperative complication was observed. No significant scar or recurrence was observed.

Conclusion

Argon laser in xanthelasma is an easy, effective, and safe method of treatment for small lesions and YAG laser is more better for large lesions than argon laser.

[Skin tumours of the facial area]

Almost the complete spectrum of skin tumours can occur within the facial area, ranging from benign tumours of infancy to typical malignancies of old age. This spectrum is quiet heterogeneous and comprises every cell type within the skin as a possible origin for tumour growth. Among these are cells derived from the epidermis; adnexal structures; connective, fatty, and vascular tissue; muscle; nerves; melanocytes; and skin-infiltrating inflammatory cells. Due to this diversity, a correct assessment of the clinical findings compared with a histopathologic appraisal in cases of uncertainty is mandatory in order to recommend appropriate therapy. The present overview aims to summarise the basics of the most frequent and most important skin tumours occurring on the face.