nd:YAG facial telangiectasia study

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This is an interesting new study for treating larger facial veins

with the Nd:YAG and a " cryogen spray " . It seems that very good

results were seen with this laser, although anaesthetic may be

required for some because of the pain.

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Dermatol Surg 2002 Mar;28(3):244-7 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut

Treatment of Face Veins with a Cryogen Spray Variable Pulse Width

1064 nm Nd:YAG Laser: A Prospective Study of 17 Patients.

Eremia S, Li CY.

Division of Dermatology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, and Brockton

Cosmetic Surgery Center,Riverside, California.

BACKGROUND: Through the 1990s laser treatment of leg veins has been

a challenge. Newer, longer wavelength lasers with variable pulse

width have shown promising results for both telangiectasia and

reticular leg veins. Experience with these lasers for treatment of

facial telangiectasia and periorbital reticular veins is

scant.OBJECTIVE: To our knowledge this is the first prospective

study to evaluate a variable pulse width, cryogen spray-equipped

1064 nm Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of facial telangiectasia and

larger periorbital reticular veins.METHODS: Seventeen volunteers,

ages 32-67 years, skin types I-IV, with facial telangiectasia and

reticular periorbital/temporal veins were treated once with the

Nd:YAG laser at fluences of 125-150 J/cm2 with a 6 mm spot size and

pulse widths of 25 msec for small vessels and 75-100 msec for

reticular veins. Patients were examined 1 week and 1 month after the

treatment. Pre- and posttreatment 35mm photographs were taken.

Improvement was judged by two experienced physicians, both visually

on patients and by comparison of pre- and posttreatment photographs.

Results were graded as percent resolution, in five groups: 0%, 0-

25%, 25-50%, 50-75%, and 75-100%.RESULTS: All 17 patients completed

the study. Thirty-two sites were treated (24 cheek, nose, and chin

telangiectases, and 8 periorbital reticular veins). Greater than 75%

improvement was observed in 97% of the treated sites. Greater than

50% improvement was observed in 100% of the treated sites. Notably,

100% of the facial reticular veins treated have essentially 100%

resolution. Pain during treatment was variably perceived by

patients, but occasionally sufficient for patients to express

reservations about additional future treatment. Transient erythema

and edema were common, but fine crusting was rare. Small areas of

purpura were also quite rare.CONCLUSION: The cryogen spray-equipped

1064 nm Nd:YAG laser was remarkably effective and safe for skin type

I-IV patients. It is an excellent tool for treatment of facial

telangiectasia with minimal risk of purpura. For the first time we

appear to have a simple, safe, and effective treatment for 1-2 mm

periorbital reticular veins. The use of topical anesthesia may be

needed for some patients.