Infmorbital Pigmented Skin

BACKGROUND The presence of infraorbital 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. OBJECTIVE Our study evaluated the clinical and histological appearance of infraorbital skin pigment in 17 patients with dermal melanin deposition treated with a Q-switched ruby laser. METHODS Seventeen patients with melanin deposition were treated with the Q-switched ruby laser (694 nm) with a pulse width of 28 nanoseconds and flucnces 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. RESULTS 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 postrcatment skin biopsies there was reduction of dermal melanin deposition. CONCLUSIONS. Patients with infraorbital pigmented skin due to dermal melanin deposition may be considered candidates for Q-switched Ruby laser treatment.