The use of carbon dioxide laser in lichen myxedematosus

Lichen myxedematosus is characterized by deposits of mucin in the dermis. Treatment can be systemic or local, depending on the clinical findings. We present a patient with pedunculated lesions on his nose, and a generalized thickening of his facial skin. The patient requested treatment of his nasal lesions. We elected to remove his nodules surgically using the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. The technique is described and treatment options are reviewed.