Erbium: YAG laser ablation versus 70% trichloroacetıc acid application in the treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum.

[BACKGROUND] Xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) is characterized by soft, yellow plaques on the upper or lower eyelids that create aesthetic problems for patients. There are several methods in the treatment of XP, such as surgical excision, blepharoplasty, cryotherapy, electrocauterization, chemical cauterization using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or bichloroacetic acid and laser ablation.

[OBJECTIVE] To evaluate the efficiency and complications of 70% TCA application versus erbium: YAG laser ablation in different XP lesions on the same patient.

[METHODS] A total of 21 patients were taken into the study-1 male and 20 females, from ages 22 to 70 years. Erbium: YAG laser ablation and 70% TCA application were performed in different XP lesions of the same patient. All patients were photographed before initiating treatment and after 4 weeks using the same digital camera. Evaluation was performed 4 weeks after the first treatment session by comparing pre-treatment and post-treatment photographs by two independent dermatologists.

[RESULTS] No significant difference of the improvement scores between the erbium laser and TCA was found (p = 0.248). No significant difference between the complication scores using erbium laser and TCA was found (p = 0.739).

[CONCLUSIONS] Both 70% TCA application and erbium: YAG laser ablation methods have similar effectiveness and complication rates.