Laser removal of papillomas on the eyelids
Updated: Oct 20
In our clinic, we help patients with various benign growths on the eyelids and the area around the eyes.
People may use the word 'papilloma' for different raised skin growths. This does not establish a diagnosis: similar-looking lesions can have different causes and require different removal methods.
Eyelid growths can have different causes. A diagnosed papilloma is usually benign, but a similar-looking lesion should not be assumed harmless without assessment.
At Dr USKOV Kliinik, treatment follows individual protocols developed by Dr Alexander Uskov. Laser medicine is central to our practice, supported by a wide range of laser systems and other medical technologies. The removal method is nevertheless chosen according to the diagnosis, location and patient's interests, rather than an obligation to use a laser.
Why remove it
Eyelid papillomas can occur at any age. They may:
interfere with the natural blinking reflex,
cause irritation when in contact with eyelashes or lenses,
be a source of psychological discomfort,
become injured or inflamed.
In some cases, papillomas are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which carries a risk of spreading to surrounding areas of the skin.
When can laser removal be appropriate?
For a confirmed benign growth, laser treatment may be one removal option. On the eyelid, precision, risk assessment and any need to obtain tissue for examination are particularly important.
Localised treatment with settings chosen for the size and location of the growth.
Control of treatment depth; the surrounding skin can nevertheless react to the procedure.
The possibility of limiting bleeding, depending on the technology used.
A procedure without stitches does not mean a procedure without a risk of scarring.
Healing, possible recurrence and alternative methods are discussed before removal.
The course of treatment
In-person consultation and diagnosis
The initial visit includes examination of the growth and assessment of symptoms. Further investigations are selected when indicated:
visual and palpative examination of the growth
digital dermatoscopy to clarify its structure
A Wood's lamp or infrared examination alone cannot exclude malignancy.
Growth, ulceration, bleeding, lash loss or other suspicious features may require biopsy or specialist referral before destructive treatment.
Based on the examination, a personalized removal protocol is created, taking into account the number, location, and depth of the lesions.
Laser removal
The method depends on diagnosis, location and any need to preserve tissue for examination. A laser may suit selected confirmed benign growths; available technology is discussed at consultation.
Duration depends on the number, location and size of the growths and the chosen removal method.
The clinician selects whether and how to use anaesthesia for the area and procedure; one regimen does not suit everyone.
Laser work near the eye requires protection appropriate to the device and treatment area. The protection and any need for ophthalmology input are planned in advance; discuss the risk of eye injury before treatment.
Whether one procedure is enough or further treatment is appropriate is decided individually. Complete removal in a single visit cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Real before-and-after results of eyelid papilloma removal are presented in our gallery — you can see them for yourself.
Raised upper-eyelid skin growth before removal (left) and after removal (right). Two marked skin lesions near the inner eye corner before removal (left) and after removal (right). Raised skin growths on the upper eyelid before removal (left) and after removal (right). Skin growth attached to the upper eyelid by a narrow stalk before removal (left) and after removal (right). Rounded skin growth on the outer upper eyelid before removal (left) and after removal (right). Pigmented skin growth below the lower eyelid before removal (left) and after removal (right). Marked skin growths at the inner eye corner and below the lower eyelid before removal (left) and after removal (right). Small pale skin lesions below the lower eyelid before removal (left) and after removal (right). Three marked skin lesions below the lower eyelid before removal (left) and after removal (right). Skin growth at the outer upper-eyelid margin before removal (left) and after removal (right). Small upper-eyelid skin growths marked with arrows before removal (left) and after removal (right). Small skin growth in the upper-eyelid crease before removal (left) and after removal (right). A small cluster of skin growths at the inner eye corner before removal (left) and after removal (right). Skin growth near the inner upper-eyelid margin before removal (left) and after removal (right). Multiple marked skin lesions at the inner eye corner and below the lower eyelid before removal (left) and after removal (right). Marked upper-eyelid skin lesions before removal (left) and after removal (right).
Upper-eyelid growth removal: overview and close-up
Clinical photographs show individual outcomes. The images alone do not establish a diagnosis; the removal method is chosen after a medical assessment.
Multiple upper-eyelid skin growths before removal (left) and after removal (right): overview of the treated area.
Close-up of the same case: upper-eyelid skin growths before removal (top) and after removal (bottom).
What affects the result?
size and depth of the papilloma
number of papillomas
patient’s age
location (mobile or fixed part of the eyelid)
individual skin characteristics and tendency to hyperpigmentation
presence of concomitant ophthalmological conditions
Post procedure recovery and aftercare
Redness, swelling and discomfort may follow removal; their severity and duration vary.
Some methods cause a crust to form. Do not remove it yourself; healing time is assessed individually.
Agree with the clinician when to resume makeup and contact lenses, taking healing and eye condition into account.
Follow individual aftercare and sun protection advice; skin products should not enter the eye.
Do not pick the crust and follow the doctor's individual aftercare instructions. Appropriate care helps reduce complications, but cannot guarantee that there will be no scar or pigment change.
Risks and protective measures
Working on the eyelid area requires:
expert skill of the physician
precise knowledge of orbital anatomy
use of medical equipment with depth control
adherence to all eye protection standards
At Dr. Uskov’s clinic:
The technology is selected after assessing the growth and the patient's skin.
Treatment and follow-up are planned individually.
Expected benefits, limitations and possible complications are discussed before the procedure.
What affects the result
The outcome depends on your skin type, the tissue's response to laser treatment and aftercare, including hygiene, skin care and sun protection.
