According to Gram Research analysis, Er:YAG laser therapy successfully cleared all steatocystoma multiplex cysts in one 24-year-old patient with complete resolution at six months and zero scarring or recurrence. This minimally invasive laser treatment vaporizes cyst contents using precise energy settings, offering a potential advantage over traditional surgery for patients with numerous cysts.
Researchers discovered that a special laser called Er:YAG can effectively treat steatocystoma multiplex, a condition where multiple small cysts form under the skin. A 24-year-old man developed hundreds of these harmless cysts after losing weight quickly. Doctors used the laser to remove all the cysts in one treatment, and six months later, his skin was completely clear without any scarring or the cysts coming back. This approach works better than traditional surgery for patients with many cysts because it causes less damage to surrounding skin and heals faster.
Key Statistics
A 2026 case report published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy found that Er:YAG laser treatment achieved complete resolution of steatocystoma multiplex in one patient with no scarring or recurrence at six-month follow-up.
The Er:YAG laser treatment used 7 joules per square centimeter of energy in micro-short pulse mode and successfully cleared hundreds of small skin cysts in a single session without complications.
Post-treatment follow-up showed only minimal post-inflammatory erythema (redness) with good cosmetic outcomes and no cyst recurrence six months after Er:YAG laser therapy.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a special laser treatment could safely remove multiple small skin cysts without leaving scars or causing the cysts to return
- Who participated: One 24-year-old man who developed hundreds of small, harmless skin cysts on his lower back and buttocks after rapid weight loss
- Key finding: The Er:YAG laser treatment completely cleared all cysts in one session with no scarring or recurrence at six-month follow-up
- What it means for you: If you develop multiple small skin cysts, this laser treatment may offer a faster, less scarring alternative to traditional surgery, though results may vary by individual and more research with larger groups is needed
The Research Details
This is a case report, which means doctors documented the treatment of one patient in detail. The patient was a 24-year-old man who suddenly developed many small, dome-shaped bumps on his lower back and buttocks after losing weight quickly. Doctors confirmed through a skin biopsy that these were steatocystoma multiplex cysts, benign (non-cancerous) growths that form from hair follicles and oil glands in the skin.
The doctors chose to treat him with an Er:YAG laser, which is a special type of laser that vaporizes tissue very precisely. They used specific settings: a 2-millimeter spot size and 7 joules of energy per square centimeter, applied in short pulses until the cyst contents were expelled. After the procedure, the patient received antibiotic ointment and a short course of oral antibiotics to prevent infection.
The patient was followed up at six months to check for healing, scarring, and whether the cysts returned.
Case reports are important because they show doctors new treatment approaches that work in real patients. While this is just one patient, it demonstrates that Er:YAG laser therapy might be better than traditional surgical removal for people with many cysts, since surgery often leaves scars and requires multiple procedures. This finding could help guide treatment decisions for future patients.
This is a single case report, which is the lowest level of research evidence. It shows that the treatment worked for one person, but we cannot be certain it will work the same way for everyone. To truly know if this laser treatment is better than other options, researchers would need to study many more patients and compare different treatment methods. The good news is that the patient had no complications and excellent results, which suggests the approach is worth investigating further.
What the Results Show
The Er:YAG laser treatment successfully removed all of the patient’s cysts in a single treatment session. The patient tolerated the procedure well, meaning he experienced minimal pain or discomfort during treatment. At the six-month follow-up visit, the skin had completely healed with no visible scars and no cysts had returned. The cosmetic outcome was described as good, with only minor redness that faded over time.
This result is particularly impressive because the patient had numerous cysts (hundreds across a large area), which would have been extremely difficult and time-consuming to remove with traditional surgical methods. Traditional surgery typically requires multiple separate procedures and often leaves permanent scars, especially when treating so many lesions.
The patient experienced minimal post-inflammatory erythema (redness after treatment), which is a sign of good healing. The combination of topical antibiotic ointment and a short course of oral antibiotics appeared to prevent infection, which is important since the laser treatment creates small wounds. The patient’s skin returned to normal appearance without any permanent changes to skin texture or appearance.
Previous treatments for steatocystoma multiplex have included surgical excision (cutting out each cyst), steroid injections, and other laser types. However, these methods often result in scarring, require multiple procedures, and have higher recurrence rates. This Er:YAG laser approach appears to offer advantages over these traditional methods by treating many cysts in one session with minimal scarring and no recurrence in this case.
This study has significant limitations because it describes only one patient. We cannot know if the results will be the same for other people with different skin types, ages, or numbers of cysts. The follow-up period was only six months, so we don’t know if cysts might return after a longer time. Additionally, there was no comparison group (patients treated with other methods), so we cannot definitively say this laser is better than alternatives. More research with larger groups of patients is needed to confirm these findings.
The Bottom Line
Er:YAG laser therapy appears to be a promising treatment option for steatocystoma multiplex, particularly when patients have many cysts. The evidence from this case suggests it offers good cosmetic results with minimal scarring. However, because this is based on one patient, it should be considered an emerging treatment option rather than a proven standard. Patients interested in this treatment should discuss it with a dermatologist who has experience with laser therapy.
This treatment may be most relevant for people who develop multiple steatocystoma multiplex cysts and want to avoid scarring from traditional surgery. It may be particularly useful for people with cysts in visible areas or those with extensive cyst involvement. People with certain skin types or medical conditions should consult with a dermatologist to determine if this treatment is appropriate for them.
In this case, complete healing and cyst resolution occurred within six months. However, individual healing times may vary. Most patients would likely see significant improvement within weeks to months, though final cosmetic results may take several months to fully appear as any residual redness fades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is steatocystoma multiplex and what causes it?
Steatocystoma multiplex is a condition where multiple small, harmless cysts form under the skin from hair follicles and oil glands. In this case, the cysts appeared after the patient experienced rapid weight loss, though the exact trigger isn’t fully understood.
How does Er:YAG laser treatment work for removing skin cysts?
The Er:YAG laser uses precise bursts of energy to vaporize cyst contents and surrounding tissue. The laser is applied in short pulses at specific energy levels until the cyst material is expelled, creating minimal damage to surrounding healthy skin.
Will skin cysts come back after laser treatment?
In this case report, the patient had no cyst recurrence at six months. However, this is based on one patient, so recurrence rates in larger populations remain unknown. Long-term follow-up beyond six months would help determine if results are permanent.
Is Er:YAG laser better than surgery for removing multiple skin cysts?
This case suggests Er:YAG laser may offer advantages like treating many cysts in one session with minimal scarring, compared to traditional surgery which often requires multiple procedures and leaves scars. However, more research comparing both methods is needed.
What should I expect during recovery from this laser treatment?
Recovery involves applying antibiotic ointment, taking prescribed oral antibiotics, and avoiding picking at treated areas. Most patients experience minimal redness that fades over time, with complete healing typically occurring within six months based on this case.
Want to Apply This Research?
- If using this treatment, track weekly photos of the treated area from the same angle and lighting to monitor healing progress, cyst resolution, and any scarring development over the six-month recovery period
- After Er:YAG laser treatment, users should follow post-care instructions precisely: apply prescribed antibiotic ointment as directed, take oral antibiotics if prescribed, avoid picking at treated areas, and protect skin from sun exposure during healing
- Set monthly reminders to assess the treated area for signs of recurrence, changes in skin appearance, or any delayed complications. Document any new cyst formation and report to your dermatologist at scheduled follow-up appointments
This article describes a single case report and should not be considered definitive medical advice. Steatocystoma multiplex and its treatment options vary by individual. Before pursuing Er:YAG laser therapy or any dermatological treatment, consult with a board-certified dermatologist who can evaluate your specific condition, skin type, and medical history. Results may vary significantly between individuals. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.
