Use of a novel pulse dye laser for rapid single-pass purpura-free treatment of telangiectases.
BACKGROUND
Purpura-free elimination of telangiectases with a single pass of a pulsed dye laser with a large spot has proved difficult.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this report was to define parameters that achieve single-pass purpura-free telangiectasia reduction.


METHODS
Thirty patients between the ages of 23 and 78 years were treated with a pulsed dye laser with a 10-mm spot and fluences ranging from 9 to 10 J/cm2. The macropulse width was 20 ms. Each macropulse was composed of eight pulselets. Treatments were carried out over facial areas with discrete telangiectases.


RESULTS
Smaller telangiectases (<600 microm) showed transient bluing followed by stenosis. Larger vessels (600-10,000 microm) showed bluing but inconsistent closure. A second pass typically resulted in closure.


CONCLUSIONS
A modified pulsed dye laser was capable of single-pass purpura-free reduction with a 10-mm spot size.
Ross
Edward Victor
EV
Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California, USA. Ross.Edward@scrippshealth.org
Uebelhoer
Nathan S
NS
Domankevitz
Yacov
Y
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005145:Face; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D054025:Lasers, Dye / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D011693:Purpura / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000601:surgery*