Treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum with the pulsed dye laser

Background of Objective: Treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum may prove difficult due to its delicate location at the periorbita and its sometimes extensive dimension. During recent years, carbon dioxide and argon lasers have been used with good results. However, local anesthesia is always required, and there is a concrete risk of scarring and pigmentation changes after the treatment. Study Design/Patients and Methods: In this case report, we describe for the first time the treatment of xanthelasmas with the pulsed dye laser. Results: This technique can be carried out without anesthesia and shows excellent cosmetic results. Conclusion: We see the pulsed dye laser as a good alternative to the hitherto used other two laser types in the treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum. (C) 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.