Comparison of the long-pulse dye (590-595 nm) and KTP (532 nm) lasers in the treatment of facial and leg telangiectasias

BACKGROUND. Telangiectasias develop on the face secondary to genetic predisposition, chronic actinic damage, collagen vascular disease, topical steroid application, and disorders of vascular regulation including acne rosacea. Linear and "spider" telangiectasias develop on the legs, especially in women beginning in the second to third decade, secondary to multiple factors including genetic predisposition, gravity, pregnancy, and trauma. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the 590- and 595-nm long-pulse (1.5 msec) dye laser and KTP (532 nm) laser in the treatment of facial and leg telangiectasias. RESULTS. For both facial and lower extremity telangiectasias, the difference in improvement ratings between the two lasers following both one and two treatment sessions was statistically significant. CONCLUSION. Both the flashlamp-pumped long-pulse dye laser and the KTP laser may play a role in the treatment of facial and leg telangiectasias. However, when used to treat vessels on the lower extremities, both of these laser systems are probably best used in conjunction with sclerotherapy of the larger "feeding" reticular veins. While long-pulse dye laser irradiation achieves superior vessel clearance, patients may prefer multiple treatments with the KTP laser due to its low side effect profile and decreased associated pain. (C) 1998 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.