A patient's questionnaire evaluation of krypton laser treatment of facial telangiectases. A comparison with the copper vapor laser.
BACKGROUND
Facial telangiectasia is a common disfiguring condition in modern society. Recently the krypton laser has been advocated as an effective modality for treatment of facial telangiectasia.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness and incidence of adverse effects of the krypton laser with that of the copper vapor laser in the treatment of facial telangiectasia.


METHODS
Two hundred consecutive patients treated with the krypton laser were asked to complete a questionnaire evaluating the treatment; 149 (74.5%) patients responded.


RESULTS
The krypton laser was as effective as the copper vapor laser in treating facial telangiectasia. In addition, there was a significant reduction in pain experienced and the incidence of adverse effects was reduced in patients treated with the krypton laser.


CONCLUSIONS
Selection of pulse duration to approximate the thermal relaxation time of the target blood vessel is critical in minimizing adverse effects of laser photocoagulation to facial telangiectases.
Thibault
P K
PK
Central Vein and Cosmetic Medical Centre, Broadmeadow, New South Wales, Australia.
D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003300:Copper; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007726:Krypton; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008028:Light Coagulation; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000601:surgery*
D007726:Krypton; D003300:Copper