title: Use of a variable long-pulse alexandrite laser in the treatment of facial telangiectasia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The alexandrite laser selectively targets melanin and hemoglobin. We used the alexandrite laser with variable pulse widths to treat facial telangiectasia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nineteen patients were enrolled in this study, which consisted of two parts: a series of test spots over a range of pulse durations (3-80 ms) and treatment over a larger area based on the pulse width-specific outcomes from the test spots. The final follow-up visit was 12 weeks after irradiation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 40-ms pulse width achieved the optimal balance of pain tolerance, epidermal tolerance, and vessel reduction. Mean fluence was 88 J/cm(2), with a 6-mm spot. Overall, a 48% reduction in vessels was noted after one treatment. Side effects were minimal.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In fair-skinned patients with large telangiectasia, the alexandrite laser is a good option for vessel reduction.
authors.affiliation: Naval Medical Center, San Diego, California, USA. vic_ross@msn.com
authors.forename: E Victor
authors.initials: EV
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: Ken J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Meehan
authors.forename: Yacov
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Domankevitz
authors.forename: John P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Trafeli
authors.forename: Joelle
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Annandono
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jacoby
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005145:Face / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*