The use of the frequency-doubled Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of small cutaneous vascular lesions

BACKGROUND AND DESIGN. The frequency-doubled Q-switched, neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (FD QSNd:YAG) laser has proven to be safe and effective in treating cutaneous pigmented lesions and tattoos. The observance of purpura following FD QSNd: YAG laser treatment of epidermal pigmented lesions led us to evaluate the use of this laser in the treatment of vascular lesions. The treatment protocol was designed to assess the efficacy of the FD QSNd:YAG laser in the treatment of small cutaneous vascular lesions such as telangiectases and small angiomas. The FD QSNd: YAG laser (532 nm, 3-mm spot size, and 5-10-nanosecond pulse width) at 1-2 J/cm(2) and 3-4 J/cm(2) was used on two comparable cutaneous vascular lesions on the skin of each subject. Patients were treated once, with follow-up at 1-, 2-, and 6-month intervals, to examine both clinical improvement as well as potential adverse sequelae. RESULTS. Lesions treated with the FD QSNd:YAG laser at both 1-2 J/cm(2) and at 3-4 J/cm(2) were improved. Statistically greater improvement was achieved when the FD QSNd:YAG laser was used at 3-4 J/cm(2). CONCLUSIONS. Clinical improvement of small cutaneous vascular lesions is possible with the FD QSNd:YAG laser. (C) 1996 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.