The treatment of syringomas by CO₂ laser using a multiple-drilling method

BACKGROUND: Syringomas are relatively common benign adnexal tumors, predominantly developing in middle-aged women. They frequently involve the periorbital areas and cause cosmetic problems. Up to now, various treatment modalities such as electrodesiccation, laser ablation, cryosurgery, and some chemical peelings have been tried. All of them, however, have the possibilities of frequent recurrences and postoperative complications such as scarring or pigmentary changes. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a multiple-drilling method in the treatment of syringomas. METHODS: We tried a new multiple-drilling method using CO₂ laser for 11 patients having syringomas. Clinical improvement and complications were evaluated by medical records and pre- and postlaser photograph review. RESULTS: All patients had good or excellent cosmetic results. No complications, such as scarring, erythema, and pigmentary changes, were observed. CONCLUSION: The multiple-drilling method by CO₂ laser might be an alternative to gain good cosmetic results without complications if applied repeatedly.