A split-face comparison study of pulsed 532-nm KTP laser and 595-nm pulsed dye laser in the treatment of facial telangiectasias and diffuse telangiectatic facial erythema.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Pulsed 595 nm and 532 nm lasers can effectively diminish or eliminate facial telangiectasia. We performed a split-face, single-blind, controlled, comparison study in an effort to determine their individual and comparative efficacy.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Fifteen patients were treated using a 595-nm PDL on one side of the face and a pulsed 532-nm potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser on the other. Each subject was evaluated at 3 weeks after three treatments.

RESULTS:

Both devices improved telangiectasia. The 532-nm device, however, was at least as effective or more effective than the 595-nm laser in all subjects. On average, the KTP laser achieved 62% clearing after the first treatment and 85% clearing 3 weeks after the third treatment, compared to 49% and 75% for the PDL, respectively. Seventy-nine percent of KTP laser-treated patients continued to have swelling for greater than 1 day versus 71% of PDL-treated patients. Of those patients who noted persistent erythema for at least 1 day after treatment, 58% noted more erythema on the KTP laser-treated side compared to 8% on the PDL-treated side.

CONCLUSIONS:

Both the 595-nm and the 532-nm pulsed lasers are highly effective in the treatment of facial telangiectasia and redness. The 532-nm KTP laser appears to be more effective but causes more swelling and erythema.

• Authors: Nathan S Uebelhoer, Melissa A Bogle, Brigitte Stewart, Kenneth A Arndt, Jeffrey S Dover
• Journal: Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (Dermatol Surg) Vol. 33 Issue 4 Pg. 441-8 (Apr 2007) ISSN: 1076-0512 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17430378 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Erythema (radiotherapy)
• Facial Dermatoses (radiotherapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Low-Level Light Therapy (adverse effects)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Single-Blind Method
• Telangiectasis (radiotherapy)