Syringomas on the lower eyelid are a common, benign growth. Although they tend to be seen more often in women, both men and women can begin noticing them around adolescence. Syringomas are derived from the eccrine sweat gland ducts and are small or large expansions of normal sweat glands in the eyelids.
Treating Syringomas
Syringomas are difficult to permanently remove because they originate from the deep dermis level of the skin. The most common forms of removal include shaving, chemical peel, electrocautery, and lasers. All of these methods are intended to superficially flatten the bumps caused by syringomas. These treatments often have to be repeated regularly. Smaller growths are easier to remove using these methods. Although this is not a long-term solution, it carries less risk of scarring, permanent tissue damage, and slow-healing.
Deep Dermis Treatment
In order to completely remove syringomas, the treatment needs to penetrate the deep dermis under and around your eyes. There are many different opinions among physicians about which method is the most effective. Some physicians use CO2 lasers, while others prefer the deeper laser resurfacing of a Fractional CO2 laser. Likewise, deep electrocautery may also effectively remove the lumps, however, all of these methods carry a risk of scarring. Even after the syringomas are removed from the deep dermis level they can still return. The overgrowth of eccrine sweat glands is not related to any external causes, but is a genetic trait that can’t be treated with skin creams.
Factors for Successful Removal
Smaller syringomas are easier to remove so the earlier you address the problem the better results your doctor can achieve. Although the bumps can always be removed using chemical peels or shaving, there is a substantial risk of scarring. Electrocautery and CO2 lasers can damage the delicate tissue around your eye and the deeper the penetration, the more damage can be done. Removing syringomas requires a skilled hand and experience with lower eyelids. Dr. Steinsapir utilizes his advanced understands the structure of the lower lid and skin healing to minimize skin damage that can be associated with the treatment of the syringoma. Generally he will recommend removing one or two syringomas to learn how your skin responds before performing a larger scale treatment.
About Dr. Steinsapir
Dr. Steinsapir is a board certified eye surgeon and fellowship-trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Los Angeles where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology. Dr. Steinsapir has a private practice and also serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert in cosmetic surgery, which can be a vital part of your evidence-based treatment plan.
Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment. No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success. Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.