Successful treatment of congenital melanocytic nevus on tragus with CO₂ laser

Abstract

Background: Congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN) has an increasing risk of malignancy and may cause cosmetic and psychological problems. Surgery has been the main therapy for most cases. However, it is often not suitable for all lesions. Treatment of these lesions can be challenging to plastic surgeons. CO₂ laser, with the special function, is another effective treatment for some CMN. Methods: Both lesions were treated with a short-pulsed CO₂ laser in conjunction with a local anesthetic; the superfluous tissue was pruned and ablated to get a crude tragus and then carefully shaped to form an aesthetically tragus. Results: Showed good cosmetic results without pigment recurrence and scar formation 1 year after operation in both patients, the exception being a small area of cartilage that was covered with epithelial tissues on the surface in patient 1. Conclusions: CO₂ laser treatment is a useful modality in treating some CMN that are located on sites deemed inoperable. It can help to shape the lesions into their original form with the advantage of hemostasis and tissue manipulation proving to be effective, thus avoiding suturing and skin grafting. Taking the thermal damage into account can help to minimize the side effects and attain a desirable cosmetic outcome.

Key words::

• CO₂ Laser
• congenital melanocytic nevus
• treatment
• tragus