Combination of CO2 laser therapy and curettage for sebaceous gland hyperplasia

Sebaceous hyperplasia (SH) is a common cutaneous disorder associated with cosmetic problems. Some optional treatments and various laser devices have been reported to be effective, but recurrence and cosmetic outcome have not been resolved.

This interventional study was performed on SH lesions. First, the lesions were treated with a CO₂ laser, and then the shrunken lesions were removed with a fine, sharp curette.

A total of 46 patients (32 females and 14 males, mean age 39.9 ± 5.7 years) with SH skin lesions varying in severity were included in this study. The mean time of repair was 11.5 ± 1.9 days; a shorter repair time was seen in females and for mild extension lesions (p < 0.001). A fair cosmetic outcome was seen in 76.1% of cases, with better results reported for females and for skin types II and III (p < 0.001).

The method reported herein is an easy, rapid, and effective procedure for the complete removal of SH lesions with few complications in the majority of patients with numerous lesions and Fitzpatrick skin types II-IV. Cosmetic outcomes are better in females and skin types II and III.