Safe management of dermolipomas

Abstract

Most reports on dermolipomas describe the serious complications arising from their removal. The aim of this article was to describe a safe and effective method of removing dermolipomas. Forty-five consecutive eligible patients underwent surgical removal of their dermolipomas over a 20-year period. Of the two complications, only one, a restrictive symblepharon, required further surgery. The techniques for excising simple dermolipomas and dermolipomas associated with a deformity of the lateral canthal angle are described. Safe removal of dermolipomas may be accomplished with minimal resection of the conjunctiva, including the pilosebaceous area, identification of contiguous structures, and removal of only that portion of the dermolipoma anterior to the lateral orbital rim.