title: Q-switched ruby laser treatment for postsclerotherapy hyperpigmentation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  One of the most common adverse sequelae of sclerotherapy is cutaneous hyperpigmentation.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We used the Q-switched ruby laser to treat postsclerotherapy hyperpigmentation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight patients developed pigmentation lasting more than 1 year (1-2 years on average) after sclerotherapy treatment for reticular and telangiectatic veins in the legs ranging in size from 0.2 to 4 mm in diameter. All patients were treated with a Q-switched ruby laser at 694 nm, 4 mm beam size, and fluence range of 5.6-10.5 J/cm2.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ninety-two percent of lesions lightened after treatment. There was significant (75-100%) resolution of hyperpigmentation in 58% of treated areas, 25% improvement in 33% of treated areas, and no improvement in the remaining areas.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our impression is that given a choice of lasers, the Q-switched ruby laser provides the greatest efficacy for treating postsclerotherapy hyperpigmentation.
authors.affiliation: University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego, California, USA.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tafazzoli
authors.forename: E F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Rostan
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Goldman
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015911:Sclerotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013997:Time Factors