Comparative treatment of small diameter (< or =400 microm) vascular lesions using extended pulse dye lasers.
OBJECTIVE
Extended-pulse dye lasers (EPDL) are commonly used to treat a variety of vascular lesions. This study evaluated whether differences in pulse formats and cooling methods might affect outcome in the treatment of small facial telangictasia.


METHODS
Ten subjects presenting with symmetric, bilateral facial telangiectasia were studied. Each side of the face was treated with either the V-Startrade mark smart-cool air cooling (Cynosure, Inc.) (VS) or V-beam DCD cooling (Candela, Inc.) (VB) EPDL treatments with both systems were undertaken with a 10-milliseconds pulse duration, 1 J/cm(2) below the purpuric threshold, with up to three passes.


RESULTS
Treatment clearance with the VS EPDL occurred with a lower fluence, using fewer passes than with the VB EPDL (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Although both the currently popular EPDL systems are highly effective in the treatment of small facial telangiectasia, clinical differences can be seen between these two systems.
Goldberg
David J
DJ
Skin Laser and Surgery Specialists of NY/NJ, Hackensack, New Jersey, NY 10022, USA. drdavidgoldberg@kinandlasers.com
Marmur
Ellen S
ES
Amin
Snehal
S
Hussain
Mussarat
M
D017679:Cryotherapy / Q000379:methods; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology; D005145:Face / Q000098:blood supply; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011693:Purpura / Q000209:etiology; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome