title: Ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser ablation of xanthelasma palpebrarum: a case series.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Xanthelasma palpebrarum is the most common form of xanthomas. Albeit a benign entity, it is cosmetically disturbing and a frequently recurring dermatologic referral. Although the classical treatment option remains surgical excision, alternatively, chemical cauterization, cryosurgery and electrofulguration have all been tried in the past with mixed results. The use of laser systems such as carbon dioxide laser, Erb:YAG laser, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, diode laser, pulsed dye laser and KTP laser have become popular in the treatment of these lesions. Recent literature suggests minimal pigmentary changes and scarring with the use of ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser treatment of these lesions.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To study and evaluate the effectiveness of ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser ablation for treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum.
  
  
  METHODS
  10 patients presenting with bilateral xanthelasma palpebrarum, new and with recurrence were studied for results after a single treatment with ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser (10,600 nm; 100-200 Hz; 200-400 μsec). The follow-up time was 9 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All lesions were treatable with a single-laser treatment session. Two patients (20%) developed recurrence during the follow-up period. Side effects included post inflammatory hyperpigmentation in two patients (20%), but no visible scarring was observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser is an effective and safe therapeutic alternative in treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Military Hospital, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Vikas
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Pathania
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Command Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
authors.forename: Manas
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chatterjee
keywords: Ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser; xanthelasma palpebrarum; xanthomas