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Sebaceous Hyperplasia Effectively Improved by the Pin-Hole Technique with Squeezing

DOI:10.5021/ad.2013.25.2.257
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Jae-Hong Kim at Dongshin University
Jae-Hong Kim
Hwa-Young Park
Hwa-Young Park
Hwa-Young Park
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Won-Soo Lee
Won-Soo Lee
Won-Soo Lee
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Jin-Soo Kang
Jin-Soo Kang
Jin-Soo Kang
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Letter to the Editor
Vol. 25, No. 2, 2013 257
Received May 4, 2012, Revised July 31, 2012, Accepted for publication August 28, 2012
Corresponding author: Jin-Soo Kang, Kangskin Clinic, Kanghanmi Bd, 304 Seocho-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 137-881, Korea. Tel: 82-2-584- 9007, Fax:
82-2-585-4920, E-mail: kangskin@hanmail.net
T
his is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http:/
/
creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original work is properly cited.
http://dx.doi.org/10.5021/ad.2013.25.2.257
Sebaceous Hyperplasia Effectively Improved by the
Pin-Hole Technique with Squeezing
Jae-Hong Kim, Hwa-Young Park, Won-Soo Lee, Jin-Soo Kang
1
Department of Dermatology and Institute of Hair and Cosmetic Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju,
1
Kangskin Clinic, Seoul, Korea
Dear Editor:
Sebaceous hyperplasia (SH) is a common benign skin
lesion composed of sebaceous glands. It is characterized
by a yellow or flesh-toned papule that is commonly found
on the face
1
. Treatment of SH is usually for the cosmetic
reasons only. Although many kinds of treatment modalities
have been applied to treat SH, a successful, long-standing
eradication of SH remains difficult
2
.
A 55-year-old man presented with a several-year history of
multiple papules on the face. Physical examination reveal-
ed multiple yellow or flesh-toned papules on both cheeks
and lateral canthus (Fig. 1A). Magnification with dermato-
scopy showed yellowish papules with overlying telangiec-
tasias. He did not present with subjective symptoms that
are frequently associated with skin lesions. On the basis of
clinical findings, the patient’s condition was diagnosed as
SH. After 1-hour application of topical anesthesia (EMLA
cream, AstraZeneca AB, Södertälje, Sweden), we made a
small, ∼1 mm diameter opening in each papule using the
carbon dioxide laser, then squeezed the papules using an
acne extractor to induce shrinkage of the sebaceous
lobules. Sebaceous contents were easily discharged
through the small papule openings, and the size of the
lesions decreased after squeezing. After squeezing, the
small papule openings were shot by the carbon dioxide
laser to remove the shrunken sebaceous lobules. The
treatment was tolerable to the patient, and there were no
bleeding or other signs of severe tissue damage. Most of
the lesions were flattened after the procedure, and small
crusts made by the carbon dioxide laser disappeared after
10 days of the treatment (Fig. 1B). After 3 months of the
treatment, there were neither signs of recurrence nor
specific side-effects related to the treatment.
Various treatment modalities for SH have been used such
as isotretinoin, cryosurgery, the pulsed-dye laser, and the
carbon dioxide laser
2-5
. However, a long duration of
down-time between treatments is necessary, as various
kinds of laser therapy and cryosurgery inevitably cause
epidermal damage. In addition, adverse effects such as
persistent erythema, edema, infection, and persistent
hyperpigmentation are not uncommon. Although the
non-ablative lasers and isotretinoin can be used to avoid
these limitations, the high cost may be a burden to
patients. In this case, we used a simple method that
required making an opening in the multiple SHs, using a
carbon dioxide laser, with the subsequent squeezing by
an acne extractor. Different from the conventional uses of
the carbon dioxide laser, we used the laser only to make
very small openings and to eradicate the shrunken
sebaceous lobules. Because we made minimal epidermal
changes, there were no side-effects related to the laser
treatment such as persistent erythema, edema, infection,
and persistent hyperpigmentation. In addition, the patient
did not feel discomfort during the procedure.
In summary, we report a case of SH that was effectively
improved by the pin-hole technique with the carbon
dioxide laser. We think that this method may be used as
an alternative therapy for the treatment of SH. Further
study is warranted to determine the longevity of the
clinical results observed.
Letter to the Editor
258 Ann Dermatol
Fig. 1. (A) Multiple yellow o
r
flesh-toned papules on both cheeks
and lateral canthus. (B) Most
lesions disappeared after 10 days
of treatment.
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Dermatol 1985;12:182-184.
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... The pinhole method involves creating multiple small holes that extend from the epidermis layer to the deeper dermis using an ultra-pulse carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) laser. The effectiveness of this method in treating various skin conditions, such as hypertrophic scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, anetoderma, and elastosis perforans serpiginosa, has been proven [14][15][16][17][18][19]. In contrast with the conventional CO 2 ablative laser, the pinhole method 2 of 9 can induce regeneration and realignment of collagen bundles at the desired depth [14][15][16][17][18][19]. ...
... The effectiveness of this method in treating various skin conditions, such as hypertrophic scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, anetoderma, and elastosis perforans serpiginosa, has been proven [14][15][16][17][18][19]. In contrast with the conventional CO 2 ablative laser, the pinhole method 2 of 9 can induce regeneration and realignment of collagen bundles at the desired depth [14][15][16][17][18][19]. We hypothesized that this method could be an excellent option to treat facial telangiectasias of varying shapes and depth by reducing the appearance of dilated vessels with minimal adverse effects. ...
... The residual areas of the lesion were treated in the second and third sessions in the same manner. scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, anetoderma, and elastosis perforans serpiginosa, has been proven [14][15][16][17][18][19]. In contrast with the conventional CO2 ablative laser, the pinhole method can induce regeneration and realignment of collagen bundles at the desired depth [14][15][16][17][18][19]. ...
Evaluation of the Pinhole Method Using Carbon Dioxide Laser on Facial Telangiectasia
Article
Full-text available
  • Apr 2023
Facial telangiectasias are small, dilated blood vessels frequently located on the face. They are cosmetically disfiguring and require an effective solution. We aimed to investigate the effect of the pinhole method using a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to treat facial telangiectasias. This study included 155 facial telangiectasia lesions in 72 patients who visited the Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University. Treatment efficacy and improvement were evaluated by quantitative measurements performed by two trained evaluators who assessed the percentage of residual lesion length using the same tape measure. Lesions were evaluated before laser therapy and 1, 3, and 6 months after the first treatment. Based on the initial lesion length (100%), the average percentages of the residual length at 1, 3, and 6 months were 48.26% (p < 0.01), 4.25% (p < 0.01), and 1.41% (p < 0.01), respectively. Complications were evaluated using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The average POSAS scores improved from 46.09 at the first visit to 23.42 (p < 0.01), and 15.24 (p < 0.01) at the 3- and 6-month follow-up. No recurrence was noted at the 6-month follow-up. CO2 laser treatment using the pinhole method to treat facial telangiectasias is a safe, inexpensive, and effective treatment that provides patients with excellent aesthetic satisfaction.
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... Many treatment modalities with varying cosmetic and treatment results have been suggested for the removal of SH lesions, including systemic isotretinoin (2), topical trichloroacetic acid (3), cryotherapy (4), intralesional electrodessication (5), shave excision and curettage (6), photodynamic therapy (7), and laser therapy (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16). ...
... Kim et al. (13) introduced a simple procedure in a 55-year-old man with multiple SH lesions using the pinhole method with a CO2 laser and acne extractor. This method appears to be somewhat similar to the method discussed in this article, but it requires skilled hands and reports lack a sufficient sample size. ...
Combination of CO2 laser therapy and curettage for sebaceous gland hyperplasia
Article
  • Mar 2019
Introduction: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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). Conclusions: 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.
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... Although various treatment options are available for self-inflicted scars, such as elliptical excision of the lesion in a single session, dermabrasion, tattooing over the scarred area, and various types of lasers including pulsed dye laser (PDL) and the non-ablative fractional laser, these conventional scar correction techniques and treatment modalities may not effectively change the unique scar pattern [3]. The pinhole method is a CO 2 laser treatment technique that has proved effective in various dermatologic diseases such as sebaceous hyperplasia, anetoderma, and elastosis perforans serpiginosa [4][5][6]. The pinhole method could be an option to treat linear scars, and we previously reported mild to moderate improvement of scar appearance with the pinhole method [7]. ...
Treatment of hesitation marks on the forearm by the pinhole method
Article
Full-text available
Scars from self-inflicted wounds, referred to as "hesitation marks," are usually linear, flat, poorly oriented, white in color, and often located on the forearm. Many patients do not undergo treatment for these due to limited available modalities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the pinhole method using a 10,600 nm carbon dioxide (CO2) laser for treating hesitation marks on the forearm. We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with hesitation marks treated by the pinhole method from March 2010 to April 2014. Eleven patients with hesitation marks (mean age 37.8 years; range, 23-67 years) were treated with the pinhole method over the 4-year study period. Subjects were treated via the pinhole method in one to six treatment sessions at 4- to 8-week intervals. Two blinded observers evaluated photographs taken at baseline and 3 months after the final treatment and assessed improvement using a quartile grading scale. Compared with baseline, there was mild to moderate improvement in all patients (mean score 3.0). The patient satisfaction survey revealed a mean improvement score of 2.82. The pinhole method using a CO2 laser may be an effective treatment option in patients with hesitation marks on the forearm.
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... The pinhole method is a CO 2 laser treatment technique that has proven its effectiveness on various dermatologic diseases, such as sebaceous hyperplasia, anetoderma, and elastosis perforans serpiginosa [17][18][19]. It makes multiple small holes like sweat pores that penetrate from the epidermis to the papillary dermis at intervals of 0.2-0.5 cm [14]. ...
Treatment of Hypertrophic Burn Scars by Combination Laser-Cision and Pinhole Method Using a Carbon Dioxide laser
Article
Background Hypertrophic burn scars induce cosmetic and functional complications. Although there are various treatment modalities, an ideal method has not yet been found. Recently, numerous laser treatment modalities have been introduced with encouraging results.Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with laser-cision and pinhole method using a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser.Methods We conducted retrospective chart review of patients with hypertrophic burn scars treated by combination laser-cision and pinhole method from January 2007 to December 2012.ResultsNine patients with hypertrophic burn scars (mean age 31.2 years; range, 13–52 years) were treated with combination therapy over the past 6 years. Subjects were treated with one to three treatment sessions at 1-year intervals by laser-cision and five to eight treatment sessions at 2- to 3-month intervals by pinhole method. Two blinded observers evaluated photographs taken at baseline and 6 months after the final treatment. Compared with baseline, there was a mild to moderate improvement in all the patients (Grades 1–4; mean score: 2.89). The patient satisfaction survey revealed a mean improvement score of 3.11.Conclusion Combination laser-cision and pinhole method using a CO2 laser may be a new effective treatment option for patients with hypertrophic burn scars. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Sebaceous lesions and their associated syndromes: Part I
Article
  • Oct 2009
Sebaceous neoplasms have long been a source of confusion to dermatologists and pathologists alike. Disagreements regarding nomenclature, classification, and management have been longstanding. Sebaceous lesions represent a broad spectrum of interesting entities that range from hamartomas, hyperplasias, and benign tumors to highly malignant neoplasms. This article discusses the clinical and pathologic features of sebaceous hyperplasia, nevus sebaceous of Jadassohn, sebaceous adenoma, seboacanthoma, sebaceous epithelioma, sebaceoma, mantleoma, basal cell carcinoma with sebaceous differentiation, sebomatricoma (sebomatrixoma), and sebaceous carcinoma. Controversies regarding these lesions will be explored, and any relationship with Muir-Torre syndrome will be discussed.
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Premature sebaceous gland hyperplasia: Successful treatment with isotretinoin
Article
Hyperplasia of sebaceous glands is a common cause of papulonodular facial lesions that occur in middle-aged and older patients. Recently, several cases of premature sebaceous gland hyperplasia have been reported. In these patients the lesions had persisted despite vigorous attempts at therapy. We present a case of premature sebaceous gland hyperplasia that was successfully treated with isotretinoin.
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Treatment of sebaceous gland hyperplasia with the pulsed dye laser
Article
  • Feb 1997
Sebaceous gland hyperplasia may be treated by cryotherapy, cauterization, topical chemicals, or excision. The major disadvantage of these therapeutic strategies is a considerable risk of postoperative scarring or dyspigmentation. The pulsed dye laser may be an effective and safe alternative treatment option. Our report presents two patients with sebaceous gland hyperplasia who were treated with the pulsed dye-laser (585 nm, 6.5-8 J/cm2, 300-450/microsecond). After 2-3 treatment sessions, the lesions were completely gone. To data, no side effects have been observed. Based upon our experiences, we recommend the pulsed dye laser as a safe, fast, and minimal straining treatment alternative for hyperplasia of sebaceous glands.
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