Nd:YAG Laser (1064 nm) Irradiation for Lower Extremity Telangiectases ...

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Dermatologic Surgery

Volume 28 Issue 3 Page 220 - March 2002

Nd:YAG Laser (1064 nm) Irradiation for Lower Extremity Telangiectases

and Small Reticular Veins: Efficacy as Measured by Vessel Color and

Size

Arlene S. Rogachefsky, MD, Sirunya Silapunt, MD, and J.

Goldberg, MD

background.Laser treatment of lower extremity telangiectases and

small reticular veins has remained difficult because of vessel color,

diameter, depth, and associated high-pressure flow. Traditionally,

larger-caliber blue leg veins do not respond well to laser treatment.

Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) irradiation is absorbed by oxyhemoglobin and

reduced hemoblogin and is associated with greater depth of

penetration than other previously studied vascular lasers.

objective.To evaluate a millisecond contact-cooled 1064 nm Nd:YAG

laser for the treatment of telangiectases and small reticular veins.

methods.Twenty-one lower extremity sites, with Fitzpatrick skin types

I-IV, received two laser treatments separated by a 4 to 6-week

period. Blue and red vessels, ranging in size from 0.25 to 4.0 mm

were treated. Pulse durations of 10-50 msec were utilized at fluences

of 90-187 J/cm2. Three months after the last treatment, patients were

evaluated for vessel improvement and complications.

results.Seventy-one percent of lower extremity vessels had

improvement graded as significant. All vessel colors and sizes were

successfully treated. The only complication at 3 months was

postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

conclusion.1064 nm Nd:YAG laser irradiation with associated contact

cooling is a safe and effective treatment for telangiectases and

small reticular veins of the lower extremities.