The use of the frequency-doubled Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of small cutaneous vascular lesions.
METHODS
The frequency-doubled Q-switched, neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (FD QSNd:YAG) laser has proven to be safe and effective in treating cutaneous pigmented lesions and tattoos. The observance of purpura following FD QSNd:YAG laser treatment of epidermal pigmented lesions led us to evaluate the use of this laser in the treatment of vascular lesions. The treatment protocol was designed to assess the efficacy of the FD QSNd:YAG laser in the treatment of small cutaneous vascular lesions such as telangiectases and small angiomas. The FD QSNd:YAG laser (532 nm, 3-mm spot size, and 5-10-nanosecond pulse width) at 1-2 J/cm2 and 3-4 J/cm2 was used on two comparable cutaneous vascular lesions on the skin of each subject. Patients were treated once, with follow-up at 1-, 2-, and 6-month intervals, to examine both clinical improvement as well as potential adverse sequelae.


RESULTS
Lesions treated with the FD QSNd:YAG laser at both 1-2 J/cm2 and at 3-4 J/cm2 were improved. Statistically greater improvement was achieved when the FD QSNd:YAG laser was used at 3-4 J/cm2.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical improvement of small cutaneous vascular lesions is possible with the FD QSNd:YAG laser.
Goldberg
D J
DJ
Department of Dermatologic Surgery, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, USA.
Marcus
J
J
D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck; D012449:Safety; D017445:Skin Diseases, Vascular / Q000601:surgery*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000601:surgery