A Prospective Interventional Study of Xanthelasma Palpebrarum Treated with Ultrapulse Carbon Dioxide Laser

Abstract

Introduction: Xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) is the most common of all the xanthomas which presents as asymptomatic, often bilateral, soft, yellow, papules and plaques around the eyelids. Although, the lesions are benign, it is aesthetically upsetting. The surgical laser is the most effective treatment modality to this problem. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrapulse Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser in XP in Indian patients. Materials and Methods: It is a prospective, interventional study carried out for two years in which 29 patients with 61 XP lesions were part of the study. Ultrapulse CO2 (Fraxis Duo laser; 10,600 nm) laser treatment was done in every patient for a single sitting. Statistical significance was calculated using Chi-square test using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19.0. The p-value of 0.001 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total number of 29 patients with 61 xanthelasma lesions were included in the study, of which 11 were males and 18 were females with an age range of 27-54 years. In the present study XP lesions were completely resolved in majority (54 lesions in 25 patients) of treated patients. No intraoperative complications were observed. Two patients showed hypopigmentation. There was neither scarring nor recurrence seen after six months follow-up. Conclusion: Ultrapulse CO2 laser is a safe and effective option of treatment for xanthelasma. It is considered as less painful procedure with fewer side effects and recurrences in the present study.