Long Pulse 532-nm Laser Treatment of Facial Telangiectasia

BACKGROUND: Facial telangiectasias are a frequently observed cosmetic concern: Current therapeutic modalities have certain side effects and limitations. We treated a group of patients with facial telangiectasias with a new variable pulse width frequency-doubled neodymium: YAG laser at 532 nm. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the clinical response and side effects during the treatment of facial telangiectasias in 40 patients. METHODS: Forty patients with facial telangiectasias were treated with the VersaPulse laser. Fluences of between 9.5 and 12.0 J/cm2 at 3 or 4-mm spot size were used. A sapphire water-cooled chill tip was used to cool the cutaneous surface during treatment. RESULTS: Ninety percent of patients experienced between 75% and 100% clearance of their facial telangiectasias after single treatment. No significant side effects or complications were noted. CONCLUSION: The VersaPulse variable pulse width neodymium: YAG laser appears to be an effective treatment modality for facial telangiectasia.