Treatment of leg telangiectases with a 532 nm KTP laser in multipulse mode.
BACKGROUND
The multiple mode emission emphasizes the efficacy of the KTP laser.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of a 532 nm KTP laser emitting in multipulse mode for the treatment of superficial 0.5-1 mm leg telangiectases.


METHODS
A 532 nm KTP laser was used in a nonuniform pulse sequence or multipulse mode emission (three stacked pulses of 100 msec, 30 msec, 30 msec, and a delay between pulses of 250 msec), a fluence of 60 J/cm2, and a 0.75 mm collimated spot. No cooling was used. Fourteen female patients (average age 46 years, range 27-57 years), phototypes I-IV were examined with Doppler ultrasound to ensure their big veins were competent. A topography of the telangiectatic network was reported on a tracing plastic frame before each session and 6 weeks after the last one. These frames were digitized and the number of vessels (before and 6 weeks after each session) was determined using imaging software. Side effects, pain, and patient satisfaction were noted.


RESULTS
Moderate pain, immediate erythema and edema, sometimes light scabbing, temporary hypopigmentation rarely, and no matting were observed. After one treatment, vessel clearing was 53% (P <.001). It increased to 78% (P <.001) 6 weeks after two treatments, to 85% (P <.05) 6 weeks after three treatments, and to 93% (NS) 6 weeks after four treatments.


CONCLUSIONS
This nonuniform pulse sequence or multipulse mode emission emphasizes the efficacy of the KTP laser in this study. It provides a safe and effective treatment that achieved an important reduction of red leg veins telangiectases from 0.5 to 1 mm in diameter, with very few side effects.
Center Laser Dermatologie & Phlebologie, Clapiers, France, and French National Institute of Health, Lille, France.
N
N
Fournier
D
D
Brisot
S
S
Mordon
D000328:Adult; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017496:Hypopigmentation / Q000209:etiology; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010781:Photography / Q000379:methods; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome