Erbium YAG laser treatment of periorbital syringomas by using the multiple ovoid-shape ablation method

Abstract

Introduction: Syringomas are benign tumours that develop predominantly in the periorbital areas of women. As periorbital syringoma is adjacent to the appendages, Erbium YAG (Er:YAG) laser treatment should be an ideal tool for its precise ablation, although its use has not previously been reported. We retrospectively analysed our new ovoid-shape Er:YAG laser ablation method for the treatment of syringoma. Materials and methods: We developed an extirpation method in which multiple, 2- to 4-mm, egg-shaped ablation fields were created. This method was used to treat 49 patients, 35 of whom had predominantly accumulated syringomas, and 14 had disseminated syringomas. Treatment was repeated every 2 months. Results: Our approach was successful in both disseminated- and accumulated-type syringoma as well as plaque-type syringoma, which is considered to be the most difficult to treat. After an average of 3.77 treatments, more than 75% of the syringoma in the treated area had disappeared in 43 of 49 patients. Conclusion: Our ovoid-shape ablation method gives good cosmetic results even in the most difficult type of syringoma.