title: Long-pulsed Nd : YAG laser: does it give clinical benefit on the treatment of resistant telangiectasia?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Long-pulsed Nd : YAG laser has been used in treating larger and deep-seated leg veins.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of long-pulsed Nd : YAG laser to treat alae nasae and nasal tip telangiectasia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve patients were evaluated in a prospective IRB approved study. They had a history of previous unsatisfactory treatments with pulsed dye laser and/or intense pulsed light for their telangiectases on alae nasae and tip (4-12 times, average 5.8 times). All patients underwent a single treatment session using long-pulsed Nd : YAG laser. Photographic images were taken. At 12-week follow-up, two independent physicians evaluated the percentage of vessels cleared, and patients were asked to rate their satisfaction with the procedure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five men and seven women were enrolled (aged 43 ± 5.8 years). Total clearance of vessels was 78.3%. The number of vessels in diameter of 0.1 mm was reduced by 61.1% and that of vessels in diameter of 0.2-0.3 mm decreased by 92.2% on the average at 12-week follow-up. Eleven of 12 patients were very satisfied with the clinical results. One patient rated as 'satisfied' due to hyperpigmentation after the treatment, which improved at 12-week follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Long-pulsed Nd : YAG laser can be considered as another effective and safe treatment modality for stubborn telangeictasia even on face, if applied cautiously.
authors: Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University Boramae Hospital, Seoul, Korea. bell711@hanmail.net
authors: J H
authors: JH
authors: Lee
authors: S Y
authors: SY
authors: Na
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Choi
authors: H S
authors: HS
authors: Park
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Cho
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009354:Neodymium; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D009354:Neodymium