📖 What You’ll Learn from This Article
✅ Causes and symptoms of syringoma
✅ How to distinguish it from similar conditions
✅ Three treatment options (insurance coverage available)
✅ Treatment process and costs
💭 “I’ve noticed small bumps appearing around my eyes.“
💭 “I can’t identify what this skin condition is or how to deal with it.”
😰 Do any of these concerns sound familiar?
💡 To get straight to the point: small bumps around the eyes may be caused by a skin condition known as syringoma.
⚠️ Important: Syringoma cannot be treated with medication. Specialist treatment at a clinic is required.
👀 What Is Syringoma? Unexplained Bumps That Often Appear Under the Eyes
Syringoma is a condition in which small bumps of approximately 1–3 mm develop just below the eyes, on the upper eyelids, or on the forehead.
📍 Common locations
· Under the eyes (most common)
· Upper eyelids
· Forehead
· In rare cases, the arms, hands, or across the entire body
😌 Syringoma does not cause itching or pain, but because it tends to develop in visible areas, many people are concerned about its appearance.
🔬 What causes it?
At present, the exact cause of syringoma has not been established. However, the following factors are thought to be involved:
⏰ Aging: The number of patients increases with age
🧬 Genetics: Cases of familial occurrence have been reported
💡 How syringoma develops
The sweat ducts (the organs responsible for secreting sweat) proliferate within the skin → the skin surface rises → bumps form
🔍 Other Conditions That Resemble Syringoma and How to Distinguish Them
😵 “But is it really syringoma?” If you’re unsure, be aware that the following three conditions are commonly mistaken for syringoma!
| 🏥 Condition | ✨ How to Distinguish |
|---|---|
| Milia | Appears whitish and semi-transparent |
| Epidermoid Cyst (Atheroma) | Caused by accumulation of dead skin cells and sebum |
| Xanthelasma | Presents as yellowish raised patches |
⚠️ Self-diagnosis can be risky! Even if symptoms look similar, treatments differ entirely. Always visit a clinic for an accurate diagnosis.
⚪ Milia
📍 Location: Primarily around the eyes (similar to syringoma!)
🔎 How to distinguish
Milia contain accumulated keratin inside, which gives them a whitish, semi-transparent appearance from the outside.
💡 While syringoma tends to resemble normal skin in color, milia appear whitish — that’s the key difference!
🧓 Cause: Disruption of skin cell turnover due to aging → metabolism slows → multiple lesions tend to develop
⏰ Milia may resolve on their own, but this can take a considerable amount of time. Since improvement through skincare alone is unlikely, we recommend consulting a clinic if the appearance is a concern.
🔴 Epidermoid Cyst (Atheroma)
💡 An epidermoid cyst is a type of growth that forms when dead skin cells and sebum accumulate beneath the skin’s surface.
⚠️ Caution! Leaving an epidermoid cyst untreated can be harmful.
Early stages may go unnoticed → dead skin cells and sebum continue to build up inside → the affected area becomes raised → bacteria enter, causing inflammation → pain, redness, and discharge of pus develop
😱 Severely progressed cases may require surgery — early intervention is very important.
📖 For more information on epidermoid cysts: About Epidermoid Cysts (Atheroma)
🟡 Xanthelasma
Xanthelasma is a condition in which raised patches appear that are lighter in color than the surrounding skin.
🎨 Tell them apart by color
· Syringoma: tends to resemble normal skin in color
· Xanthelasma: has a distinctly light, yellowish hue
👆 Touching the affected area does not cause pain or itching. The texture feels only slightly softer than the surrounding skin.
📍 Common locations: Eyelids and above the eyes (most common); can also appear on the hands and feet
⚠️ Those with hyperlipidemia should take note! A high lipid level increases the risk of developing xanthelasma, and patients with hyperlipidemia frequently present with xanthelasma concurrently.
🏥 Treatment: Surgical excision of the affected area or CO2 laser treatment (in cases where xanthelasma develops on the eyelids, there is a possibility of recurrence even after surgical removal)
💉 Three Syringoma Treatments Available at a Dermatology Clinic
😊 Rest assured — syringoma can be addressed with appropriate treatment. Our clinic offers three treatment options.
| 💊 Treatment | ✨ Characteristics |
|---|---|
| 🔪 Surgery | Complete removal of the lesion is possible, reducing the risk of recurrence 💰 Insurance coverage available |
| ⚡ AGNES | Treatment can be performed without damaging the skin surface ✨ Minimal scarring |
| 🔦 CO2 Laser | Relatively low risk of pain and bleeding during treatment ⏱️ Short treatment time |
💰 Good to know!
At our clinic, insurance coverage is available for excision surgery only. A great option for those looking to manage costs!
🔪 Surgery
👨⚕️ Recommended for: Larger lesions or cases where multiple small lesions are clustered together
🛠️ Instruments used
· Punch tool (for removing circular sections of skin)
· Scalpel
※ Selected according to the condition of the affected area
📏 The skin removed by punch excision is typically no larger than 6 mm in diameter — keeping scarring to a minimum!
✅ Advantages
· Complete removal of the syringoma is generally achievable, which can help reduce the risk of recurrence
· 💰 Insurance coverage helps reduce out-of-pocket costs
⚠️ Important note
When a large number of lesions are present, this approach may not always be recommended due to the potential for scarring. Please consult with our physician during your examination.
⚡ AGNES
💡 A treatment using a radiofrequency-based skin device.
🔬 How it works
A needle is inserted deeply into each individual lesion → the thermal energy from radiofrequency waves is used to reduce the size of the syringoma
✨ 3 Key Advantages of AGNES
✅ The needles used are extremely fine, meaning treatment can be carried out without damaging the skin surface
✅ Since direct heat is not applied to the surface of the skin → scarring tends to be less noticeable compared to laser treatment
✅ Well suited for cases with numerous small syringomas
⏰ Treatment duration
It is generally difficult to fully eliminate syringoma in a single session. Achieving full clearance typically requires approximately 3 to 6 months of treatment. Multiple sessions are necessary.
📖 For more information on AGNES: AGNES for Acne Removal and Under-Eye Care
🔦 CO2 Laser Treatment
CO2 laser treatment works by vaporizing the moisture within syringoma tissue, effectively removing the lesion.
💡 Key points
· To minimize scarring, the laser is applied as superficially as possible
· 💉 The level of discomfort is often described as similar to the sensation of a needle prick (individual results may vary)
· ⏱️ Short treatment time
✅ 3 Key Advantages of CO2 Laser
✅ Low risk of bleeding (the coagulating effect of the laser causes damaged vessels to seal almost immediately)
✅ Short treatment time
✅ Discomfort reduced with local anesthesia
⚠️ Important note
Since the treated area may develop some scarring, other treatment options may be considered for larger lesions.
📖 For more information on CO2 laser treatment: Wart and Mole Removal with CO2 Laser
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Syringoma
💬 Here we answer questions we frequently receive from patients!
💰 Syringoma treatment is covered by insurance when excision surgery is performed.
⚠️ However, the following treatments are not covered by insurance:
· AGNES treatment
· CO2 laser treatment
👨⚕️ Following your diagnosis, we will recommend a treatment plan suited to your condition, so please feel free to consult us at our clinic.
😰 Unfortunately, syringoma can recur even after removal.
🔬 How recurrence occurs
Even a single syringoma contains numerous cells that can form lesions, and recurrence may occur in the following patterns:
· At the same site where the lesion was removed
· In an entirely different area
💡 How to manage recurrence
Taking the risk of recurrence into account, it is important to address any new lesions as they appear in order to maintain a satisfactory appearance over the long term. Our clinic has a continuous follow-up support system in place.
💊 Syringoma cannot be prevented or treated with medication.
🔬 The reason
Syringoma originates in the eccrine sweat glands located in the dermis (the deeper layer of the skin). Applying medication to the skin surface cannot deliver sufficient active ingredients to the dermal layer.
💡 Effective treatment options
Treating syringoma requires direct intervention at the affected site, such as surgical excision or laser treatment. Over-the-counter medications and skincare products cannot improve this condition, so please consider specialist treatment at a clinic.
🏥 For Syringoma Treatment, Visit IC Clinic
💡 A quick recap on syringoma
📍 Small bumps of approximately 1–3 mm that develop just below the eyes, on the upper eyelids, or on the forehead
😌 No itching or pain
😢 But because it tends to develop in highly visible areas, many people feel self-conscious about its appearance
💊 Medication cannot treat this condition — direct intervention such as surgery or laser treatment is necessary
🏆 Three Treatment Options at Our Clinic
✅ 🔪 Surgery: Insurance coverage available, lower out-of-pocket cost, reduced risk of recurrence
✅ ⚡ AGNES: Minimal scarring, treatment without damaging the skin surface
✅ 🔦 CO2 Laser: Short treatment time, low risk of bleeding
👨⚕️ Our specialist physicians provide thorough diagnosis and results-focused treatment.
🌟 Features of Syringoma Treatment at IC Clinic Ueno
😊 Here are 4 reasons patients choose our clinic!
✨ 1. Extensive Specialist Experience in Eye Area Treatment
👁️ We have extensive experience treating delicate areas such as under the eyes and on the upper eyelids
📊 Several hundred syringoma cases treated annually
🎨 Our meticulous technique, with careful attention to aesthetic outcomes, aims to achieve natural-looking results with minimal scarring
🎯 2. Choosing the Most Suitable Option from Three Treatment Approaches
💡 We offer three treatment options — surgery, AGNES, and CO2 laser
👨⚕️ We recommend the approach that best suits each patient’s condition, preferences, and lifestyle
🤝 We can help you find the treatment approach that is right for you
⚡ 3. Specialist Expertise in AGNES Treatment
🏆 One of a limited number of AGNES-certified facilities in Tokyo
👨⚕️ Skilled physicians performing each procedure
✨ We provide precise treatment that minimizes damage to the skin surface
🔄 4. Long-Term Support with Recurrence in Mind
😰 Syringoma carries a risk of recurrence
🤝 We provide ongoing follow-up care and retreatment support beyond the initial treatment
💪 Reassuring support should recurrence occur
📋 Treatment Process
😊 First-time patients need not worry — here is a detailed guide to the treatment process.
🏥 STEP 1: Initial Consultation & Detailed Diagnosis (approx. 10 min)
✅ Thorough symptom interview and counseling
✅ 🔬 Detailed examination of the affected area using a dedicated magnifying instrument
✅ Differential diagnosis from other conditions (milia, xanthelasma, etc.)
✅ Detailed explanation of treatment options and confirmation of patient preferences
✅ 💰 Clear presentation of the treatment plan and associated costs
📝 STEP 2: Pre-Treatment Preparation
✅ Signing of consent form
✅ 📸 Pre-treatment photographs (for outcome assessment)
✅ 💉 Administration of local anesthesia (as required)
💉 STEP 3: Treatment (approx. 15–60 min)
✅ Procedure using the selected treatment method
✅ 👨⚕️ Monitoring of the patient’s condition throughout the procedure
✅ Immediate assessment of the treatment area and outcomes
🩹 STEP 4: Aftercare Guidance
✅ Detailed instructions on post-treatment care
✅ 💊 Instructions on use of prescribed medications (antibiotics and ointments)
✅ 📅 Scheduling of the next follow-up appointment
⚖️ Detailed Comparison by Treatment Method
🤔 “Which treatment is right for me?” Let us help answer that question!
🔪 Surgical Treatment
📍 Indicated for
Larger syringomas or cases with a small number of lesions
😊 Advantages
✅ 💰 Covered by insurance, reducing out-of-pocket costs
✅ Lesion can be removed in a single session
✅ Lowest risk of recurrence among the available options
😢 Disadvantages
⚠️ Possibility of minor scarring
⚠️ Downtime of approximately one week post-procedure
⚡ AGNES Treatment
📍 Indicated for
Cases with numerous small syringomas
😊 Advantages
✅ Minimal scarring on the skin surface
✅ Short downtime
✅ Multiple lesions can be treated in the same session
😢 Disadvantages
⚠️ Multiple sessions required for complete removal
⚠️ Higher cost as it is not covered by insurance
🔦 CO2 Laser Treatment
📍 Indicated for
Syringomas of moderate size
😊 Advantages
✅ Low risk of bleeding
✅ Short treatment time
✅ Discomfort reduced with local anesthesia
😢 Disadvantages
⚠️ Possibility of recurrence due to shallow treatment depth
⚠️ Careful adjustment of treatment depth is important
🩹 Aftercare & Post-Treatment Management
💡 Proper aftercare is key to achieving a good outcome — we provide thorough support throughout.
📅 Immediately After Treatment (Day of Procedure)
✅ ❄️ Cooling of the treated area (15 minutes × 3 times)
✅ 💊 Application of prescribed ointment
✅ 🧼 Facial cleansing and makeup permitted from the following day
✅ ☀️ Avoid strong direct sunlight
📅 First Week After Treatment
✅ 💊 Daily ointment application and gauze protection
✅ 🚫 Avoid rubbing the treated area
✅ 💄 Use low-irritant skincare products
✅ 🛁 Follow precautions during bathing
📅 One Month After Treatment
✅ 🌞 Thorough UV protection (extremely important!)
✅ 💧 Importance of consistent moisturizing care
✅ 🏥 Follow-up clinic visits for progress monitoring
✅ 📞 What to do if any abnormalities arise
📊 Case Examples and Treatment Outcomes
😊 Here we introduce actual treatment examples!
👩 Case 1: Woman in her 30s (multiple syringomas under the eyes)
⚡ Treatment: AGNES — 3-session course
⏰ Treatment period: 6 months
✨ Outcome: 95% of syringomas removed, high patient satisfaction
👩 Case 2: Woman in her 50s (syringoma on the upper eyelids)
🔦 Treatment: CO2 laser
⏰ Treatment period: 1 session (20 minutes)
✨ Outcome: Complete removal with no visible scarring
👨 Case 3: Man in his 40s (syringoma on the forehead)
🔪 Treatment: Excision surgery
⏰ Treatment period: 1 session (15 minutes)
✨ Outcome: Treated under insurance coverage with no recurrence
🔄 Combined Treatment for Other Eye Area Conditions
💡 Conditions that frequently occur alongside syringoma can also be treated at the same time!
⚪ Milia
As the same treatment devices can be used, efficient simultaneous treatment is possible.
🟡 Xanthelasma
We provide comprehensive care from differential diagnosis of eyelid xanthelasma to selection of the most appropriate treatment.
🟤 Seborrheic Keratosis (Senile Warts)
We can propose a comprehensive treatment plan for cases where multiple lesions appear across the face.
👁️ Blepharoptosis (Drooping Eyelids)
Aesthetic improvement in conjunction with syringoma treatment can also be considered.
