Pulsed alexandrite laser for the treatment of leg telangiectasia and reticular veins.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the safety and efficacy of a pulsed alexandrite laser for treatment of leg telangiectasia and reticular veins.

DESIGN:

Observational study.

SETTING:

Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York, New York, NY.

SUBJECTS:

Twenty women with skin phototypes I to III and with 54 patches of leg veins measuring 0.3 to 2.0 mm in diameter.

INTERVENTIONS:

Each patch was treated once using 1 to 3 passes of a 755-mm, 3-millisecond alexandrite laser. An 8-mm spot and fluences of 60 to 80 J/cm(2) were used, with dynamic epidermal cooling.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Subjects underwent evaluation at 4 and 12 weeks for degree of clearance, based on a quartile grading system, and incidence of adverse effects.

RESULTS:

At the 4-week follow-up, 17 (35%) of 48 treatment sites showed greater than 75% clearance and an additional 16 (33%) showed greater than 50% clearance. By 12 weeks, 33 (65%) of 51 treatment sites showed greater than 75% clearance, and there was greater than 50% clearance in an additional 11 (22%). Hyperpigmentation was observed in 18 (35%) of 51 treatment sites.

CONCLUSION:

A single treatment with a 755-nm, 3-millisecond alexandrite laser at high fluence in conjunction with cryogen skin cooling produced excellent clearance of telangiectasia and reticular veins of the leg with minimal adverse effects.

• Authors: A N Kauvar, W W Lou
• Journal: Archives of dermatology (Arch Dermatol) Vol. 136 Issue 11 Pg. 1371-5 (Nov 2000) ISSN: 0003-987X [Print] United States
• PMID: 11074700 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• alexandrite
• Beryllium

Topics

• Beryllium
• Female
• Humans
• Laser Therapy
• Telangiectasis (pathology, surgery)
• Treatment Outcome
• Varicose Veins (pathology, surgery)