Evaluation of the Efficacy of Cryosurgery in Patients With Sebaceous Hyperplasia of the Face.

BACKGROUND

Cryosurgery is an effective treatment for sebaceous hyperplasia, but there have been few clinical studies.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cryosurgery in the treatment of sebaceous hyperplasia.

METHODS

Cryosurgery was performed 6 times, at 2-week intervals, with liquid nitrogen, and evaluated in 40 patients with 517 lesions ranging from 2 to 9 mm over the forehead, cheeks, and chin. All of the lesions were measured before and after the treatment.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 54.7 ± 8.9 years, and the male/female ratio was 21/19 (1.1). The mean time of the disease duration was 4.2 ± 3.0 years. After 6 cooling cycles, an excellent response (76%-100%) was seen in 341 patients (65.9%), a very good response (51%-75%) was seen in 102 (19.7%), a good response (26%-50%) was seen in 57 (11.1%), a poor response (1%-25%) was seen in 15 (2.9%), and no response (0%) was seen in 2 (0.4%). Age ( P = .004) and sex ( P < .0001) were independent predictors of an excellent response. The excellent response rates were 71.4% for males, 61.8% for females, 70.4% for ages older than 55 years, and 61.8% for ages younger than 55 years. Temporary hyperpigmentation was found in 5 lesions (0.96%), and recurrence was not seen at the 4-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The well-aimed and controlled used of cryosurgery is an effective method for treating significant cosmetic disfigurement in patients with sebaceous hyperplasia. It is a low-cost therapy without scarring, hypopigmentation, or recurrence.