Infraorbital pigmented skin. Preliminary observations of laser therapy

The presence of infraobital dark skin, often known as dark circles under the eyes, is a frequent cosmetic concern. There has been little reported on therapy of this condition. One group of patients was determined to have dermal melanin deposition, which we treated with a Q-switched ruby laser.

Our study evaluated the clinical and histological appearance of infraobital skin pigment in 17 patients with dermal melanin deposition treated with a Q-switched ruby laser.

Seventeen patients with melanin deposition were treated with the Q-switched ruby laser (694 nm) with a pulse width of 28 nanoseconds and fluences of 7.5 J/cm2. Response to treatment was assessed by an independent investigator with patient and photograph evaluation. Skin Biopsies were obtained in nine of the 17 patients.

Of those patients treated with one Q-switched ruby session, 23.5% achieved a greater than 50% response. Of those treated twice, 88.9% achieved greater than 50% response. In postreatment skin biopsies there was reduction of dermal melanin deposition.

Patients with infraobital pigmented skin due to dermal melanin deposition may be considered candidates for Q-switched Ruby laser treatment.