title: Treatment of spider leg veins with the KTP (532 nm) laser--a prospective study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Spider leg veins are telangiectasias located intracutaneously. This condition poses a cosmetic problem.
  
  
  METHODS
  The purpose of this study was to determine what influence the KTP (532 nm) laser has on spider leg veins dependent on the vascular diameter and to what extent the skin has been affected. Seventy female patients were treated in three laser sessions. Analysis was done 30 weeks after the last laser treatment session.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-six patients completed the study. In group 1 (vascular diameter < or = 0.6 mm), spider leg veins were no longer visible in 33%; in 40%, a decrease in vascular diameter could be observed; in 27%, no change in size occurred. In group 2 (vascular diameter 0.7-1.0 mm), laser-treated spider leg veins were visible in all patients. Hyperpigmentation occurred in 13 patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The KTP (532 nm) laser is an effective for treating spider leg veins having a vascular diameter under 0.7 mm.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, University Clinic of Surgery, Karl-Franzens-University, A8036 Graz, Austria. stephan.spendel@uni-graz.at
authors.forename: Stephan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Spendel
authors.forename: Eva-Christina
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Prandl
authors.forename: Michael V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Schintler
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Siegl
authors.forename: Gabriela
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wittgruber
authors.forename: Bengt
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hellbom
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rappl
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Berghold
authors.forename: Erwin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Scharnagl
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000209:etiology; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome