Advances in Laser Treatments for Seborrheic Keratosis: A Scoping Review of Efficacy, Safety, and Patient Outcomes

BACKGROUND Seborrheic keratoses (SKs) are ubiquitous benign epidermal tumors that prompt cosmetic and symptomatic concerns. OBJECTIVE To map existing evidence on laser-based management of SKs and identify knowledge gaps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A PRISMA-guided search (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science, CENTRAL) retrieved 22 studies (1,492 patients) that met prespecified inclusion criteria. RESULTS Ablative CO 2 and Er:YAG devices achieved single-session clearance in up to 90% of lesions, whereas pigment-selective nonablative modalities (755-nm alexandrite, 1,064-nm Nd:YAG, 532-nm KTP, 585-nm pulsed-dye, 730-nm and 755-nm picosecond) required a mean of 1 to 3 sessions. Recurrence ranged from 0% to 6% at ≤12-month follow-up. Patient-reported satisfaction varied from moderate to high (64%–95%). Adverse events were generally mild and transient (erythema, edema, postinflammatory dyschromia). CONCLUSION Current evidence supports laser therapy as a safe, effective alternative to cryotherapy, curettage, and electrosurgery, especially when cosmesis is paramount. Standardized parameters and trials that enroll diverse skin types are overdue.