Infraorbital pigmented skin. Preliminary observations of laser therapy.
BACKGROUND
The presence of infraobital dark skin, often known as dark circles under the eyes, is a frequent cosmetic concern. There has been little reported on therapy of this condition. One group of patients was determined to have dermal melanin deposition, which we treated with a Q-switched ruby laser.


OBJECTIVE
Our study evaluated the clinical and histological appearance of infraobital skin pigment in 17 patients with dermal melanin deposition treated with a Q-switched ruby laser.


METHODS
Seventeen patients with melanin deposition were treated with the Q-switched ruby laser (694 nm) with a pulse width of 28 nanoseconds and fluences of 7.5 J/cm2. Response to treatment was assessed by an independent investigator with patient and photograph evaluation. Skin Biopsies were obtained in nine of the 17 patients.


RESULTS
Of those patients treated with one Q-switched ruby session, 23.5% achieved a greater than 50% response. Of those treated twice, 88.9% achieved greater than 50% response. In postreatment skin biopsies there was reduction of dermal melanin deposition.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with infraobital pigmented skin due to dermal melanin deposition may be considered candidates for Q-switched Ruby laser treatment.
Lowe
N J
NJ
Skin Research Foundation of California, Santa Monica, USA.
Wieder
J M
JM
Shorr
N
N
Boxrud
C
C
Saucer
D
D
Chalet
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D004954:Esthetics; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008543:Melanins; D008875:Middle Aged; D009916:Orbital Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D010781:Photography; D012074:Remission Induction; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
D008543:Melanins