P465 : External application of 1444-nm Nd:YAG laser for extensive xanthelasma

Xanthelasma is a subtype of plane xanthoma occurs on periorbital regions and causes substantial cosmetic and psychosocial burden for patients. Various methods including surgical excision, topical therapy and laser therapy have been used for the treatment of xanthelasma depending on the location and size of the lesion. All these methods have some advantages and disadvantages, gold-standard treatment has not been established. We present the case of a 46-year-old woman with a 1-year history of yellowish large plaques on both lower eyelids, clinically consistent with xanthelasma. Laser therapy was selected in order to prevent possible functional impairment such as ectropion or scar after surgical excision. Split-face trial was performed to allow comparison of therapeutic effect between 1444nm Nd:YAG laser for the right and fractional CO2 laser for the left lesion. 1444nm Nd:YAG laser treatment showed excellent lesion clearance and high patient’s satisfaction, although there was longer down-time and post-laser erythema as compared with fractional CO2 laser. After 6 months of 1444nm Nd:YAG laser therapy, more significant cosmetic improvement was achieved than fractional CO2 laser. To our knowledge, external application of 1444nm Nd:YAG laser for extensive xanthelasma has not been reported in Korean dermatologic literature, and it can be considered as one of effective therapeutic options for xanthelasma based on our experience.