Granuloma faciale successfully treated with long-pulsed tunable dye laser.
BACKGROUND
Granuloma faciale has been treated in the past with different modalities but the majority have had the risk of scarring.


OBJECTIVE
Based on the principle of selective photothermolysis, we considered using the newer long-pulsed tunable dye laser for the treatment of granuloma faciale to target the vessels and minimize scarring.


METHODS
Confirmation of the diagnosis by a punch biopsy of the lesion was followed by three treatments on separate occasions 6 weeks apart with the long-pulsed tunable dye laser.


RESULTS
There was significant flattening of the lesions after two treatments, with complete clearing after the third. No scarring was detectable and there was no recurrence in the 9-month follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that granuloma faciale may be successfully treated with the long-pulsed tunable dye laser with minimal risk of scarring, especially in cosmetically sensitive areas.
Chatrath
Vandana
V
Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA.
Rohrer
Thomas E
TE
D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000601:surgery*