Syringomas on the Face? My Solution and Successful Experience

What’s my solution to get rid of syringomas?

The short answer is the laser.

The longer version started when I was in my twenties; the mysterious bumps near my eyes and temples started to get on my nerves. 

They seemed harmless at first, but over time, they multiplied and resisted any skincare products I tried to get rid of.

Concerned, I sought advice from my friend, who was a beautician, and I was told it might be a viral wart. 

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-common-warts-basics

The word “viral” sounded rather scary, so I promptly scheduled my first dermatologist appointment in my life.

To my relief, the doctor assured me that it wasn’t a wart, and more importantly, it was non-contagious. 

Instead, I was diagnosed with syringomas—benign tumors of the eccrine or sweat glands. 

https://dermnetnz.org/topics/syringoma

They were more common among young adults, especially in women compared to men, and in people with Asian and darker skin tones. 

So, I ticked all the checkboxes.

The news was somewhat reassuring, but the persistent bumps were still a cosmetic concern.

The dermatologist laid out a few treatment options, and we narrowed down the choices to two main contenders: Er: YAG laser and CO2 laser. 

Among all the options, I chose these two based on my budget and how quickly I could see results.

As I delved into research and consulted with the dermatologist, three main factors emerged in comparing Er: YAG and CO2 lasers—cost, time, and effectiveness.

Below is the Er: YAG laser machine.

Financial Cost:

CO2 laser claimed that it could make the ALREADY OCCURRED bumps go away forever, but since the genetic cause of syringomas makes it impossible to prevent, it doesn’t promise the NEW ones won’t surface later. 

For Er: YAG laser, the doctor honestly told me that I might need to come back after a few years; it won’t be a permanent solution. 

In my interpretation, both don’t guarantee to make it go away forever. So, cost was the most significant consideration for me. 

The CO2 laser tended to be more expensive. https://www.realself.com/nonsurgical/co2-laser/cost

So in terms of cost, Er: YAG laser won.https://entaesthetics.com/product/erbium-yag-laser-resurfacing/

Required Treatment Sessions:

Time was another factor that played into my decision-making process. 

For CO2 laser, although it won’t cause a wound, so no real recovery time is required, as my doctor said, it takes multiple sessions that might be required for optimal results. 

On the other hand, Er: YAG laser treatments are one go, about 1 week to recover, yet maybe need to be done every few years. 

Below is the cooling fan machine to cool down your face after the treatment.

Yes, it literally burnt your skin and you can feel the heat and smell the smoke.

CO2 laser takes several sessions for treatment, but no wound (I was told so, never tried it on myself, so if there’s a contradiction please leave a comment), but still maybe I need to go again after a couple of years. 

Time-wise, to me, these two options are equal, both are uncertain and depends.

Required Treatment Sessions:

Effectiveness, I can only represent myself, which is with Er: YAG laser. 

I am fairly happy with the results, so I did more than one time.

My first Er: YAG laser was in my twenties, my second time was thirties, and my third time, which is today, is in my forties. 

Syringomas around my left eye and temple are almost all gone, but I still need some fixes on the right. 

The before picture is recorded:

I am not showing the immediately after picture for the sake of reading pleasure.

If you are really interested, leave me a comment I can send you.

What I am saying is once in a decade isn’t too bad given I didn’t expect the treatment to be permanent; my dermatologist managed my expectations well. 

Also, it’s likely to be the final treatment in my life since squeezing one week without working out to avoid sweat is getting harsher for me. 

My week is usually packed up with different trainings:

40+ Choice of Anti-Aging Workout: Group Class V.S. Weight Training

So it’s probably safe to say I have had a total of three times Er: YAG laser, which in my view might be the same if I do CO2 laser, if not more.

My review:

Er: YAG laser offers lower cost and reported effectiveness aligned with my preferences and lifestyle. 

Compared with my first treatment, I’ve become familiar with the steps involved and more relaxed going to the clinic. 

As I anticipate the week ahead—no sweating and limited exposure to sunlight to allow the wounds to heal—I always choose winter to do this treatment and pick the window that I am less likely to need to go out to meet friends. 

It’s a small investment in time and money for the confidence and comfort that comes with smoother skin. While the journey isn’t without its moments of discomfort, the results make it all worthwhile for me.