Abstract
Background and Objectives
The treatment of larger leg veins with laser or intense pulsed light often shows varying degrees of success and inconsistent clinical response rates. Aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the 755 nm long pulsed high fluence alexandrite laser in the treatment of larger leg veins.
Study Design/Materials and Methods
Twenty female volunteers aged 25β51 years (mean 39) with 0.3β1.3 mm leg telangiectasias received laser treatment, 10 of them with an additional pass done right after the first pass. Their skin type ranged from 1 to 3 (five type 1, seven type 2, eight type 3). After test spots with increasing fluences (40β90 J/cm^2^) to determine the individual safe fluence, the maximum fluence of 90 J/cm^2^ could be used in all 20 subjects. The spot size was 3βΓβ10 mm, a spray cooling system was used with 80 milliseconds spray and delay time, respectively. The number of pulses administered ranged from 30 to 467 per subject (mean 139). The treated area was controlled 1 day, 1 month, and 3 months postβtreatment and the side effects were quantified. At each visit, the treatment area was photographed. The percent clearance in the treated areas was scored by two observers. Subject satisfaction was evaluated at the 3 months postβtreatment visit.
Results
After 3 months, in all 20 test subjects some clearance was visible. It ranged from lowβgrade to complete clearance. Most subjects (15 of 20) had a clearance between 26 and 75%. Hyperpigmentation was observed in 15 subjects. Hypopigmentation was seen in two subjects. No edema, no purpura, no erythema, no scarring, no blistering, and no crusts were observed. Mean subject satisfaction score was assessed and all volunteers reported to be βsatisfied.β
Conclusions
The long pulsed high fluence alexandrite laser is effective and safe in the treatment of leg veins 0.3β1.3 mm in diameter. Lasers Surg. Med. 31:359β362, 2002. Β© 2002 WileyβLiss, Inc.