title: Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) irradiation for lower extremity telangiectases and small reticular veins: efficacy as measured by vessel color and size.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laser treatment of lower extremity telangiectases and small reticular veins has remained difficult because of vessel color, diameter, depth, and associated high-pressure flow. Traditionally, larger-caliber blue leg veins do not respond well to laser treatment. Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) irradiation is absorbed by oxyhemoglobin and reduced hemoglobin and is associated with greater depth of penetration than other previously studied vascular lasers.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate a millisecond contact-cooled 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of telangiectases and small reticular veins.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-one lower extremity sites, with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV, received two laser treatments separated by a 4 to 6-week period. Blue and red vessels, ranging in size from 0.25 to 4.0 mm were treated. Pulse durations of 10-50 msec were utilized at fluences of 90-187 J/cm2. Three months after the last treatment, patients were evaluated for vessel improvement and complications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seventy-one percent of lower extremity vessels had improvement graded as significant. All vessel colors and sizes were successfully treated. The only complication at 3 months was postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  1064 nm Nd:YAG laser irradiation with associated contact cooling is a safe and effective treatment for telangiectases and small reticular veins of the lower extremities.
authors.affiliation: Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 07601, USA.
authors.forename: Arlene S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Rogachefsky
authors.forename: Sirunya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Silapunt
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Goldberg
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003116:Color; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007868:Leg Dermatoses / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017445:Skin Diseases, Vascular / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D014680:Veins / Q000473:pathology