Treatment of spider leg veins with the KTP (532 nm) laser--a prospective study.
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.
Spendel
Stephan
S
Division of Plastic Surgery, University Clinic of Surgery, Karl-Franzens-University, A8036 Graz, Austria. stephan.spendel@uni-graz.at
Prandl
Eva-Christina
EC
Schintler
Michael V
MV
Siegl
Alexander
A
Wittgruber
Gabriela
G
Hellbom
Bengt
B
Rappl
Thomas
T
Berghold
Andrea
A
Scharnagl
Erwin
E
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