Efficacy of a 2-mm spot size lens for the treatment of superficial vascular lesions with a flashlamp-pumped dye laser.
BACKGROUND
The flashlamp-pumped dye laser, using either a 3 or 5 mm spot size, is an excellent instrument for the treatment of port-wine stains and other superficial cutaneous vascular lesions. Problems exist with patient acceptance due to prominent and prolonged blue-black discoloration and the pain associated with the treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of a flashlamp-pumped dye laser equipped with a 2 mm spot size lens in the treatment of superficial vascular lesions.


METHODS
Twenty-one patients with telangiectasias, cherry angiomas, and angiokeratomas were treated at a variety of fluences.


RESULTS
Three of 21 patients had complete clearing of their superficial vascular lesions. An improvement of greater than 75% was noted by 11 patients, and six patients noted a 50%-75% improvement. One patient had less than 50% improvement. Less post-treatment discoloration and less pain were noted with the 2 mm spot size lens.


CONCLUSIONS
The 2 mm spot size lens, used with the flashlamp-pumped dye laser is an effective instrument for the treatment of superficial cutaneous vascular lesions.
Grekin
R C
RC
Department of Dermatology, University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco, USA.
Flynn
T C
TC
Cooper
D
D
Geisse
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000794:Angiokeratoma / Q000601:surgery; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D005145:Face / Q000098:blood supply; D005260:Female; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000601:surgery*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D012880:Skin Pigmentation; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome