Survey study demonstrates krypton laser matches copper vapor laser efficacy with fewer adverse effects in facial telangiectasia patients, indicating pulse duration tuning improves safety.
BACKGROUND: Facial telangiectasia is a common disfiguring condition in modern society. Recently the krypton laser has been advocated as an effective modality for treatment of facial telangiectasia. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness and incidence of adverse effects of the krypton laser with that of the copper vapor laser in the treatment of facial telangiectasia. METHODS: Two hundred consecutive patients treated with the krypton laser were asked to complete a questionnaire evaluating the treatment; 149 (74.5%) patients responded. RESULTS: The krypton laser was as effective as the copper vapor laser in treating facial telangiectasia. In addition, there was a significant reduction in pain experienced and the incidence of adverse effects was reduced in patients treated with the krypton laser. CONCLUSION: Selection of pulse duration to approximate the thermal relaxation time of the target blood vessel is critical in minimizing adverse effects of laser photocoagulation to facial telangiectases.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
P Thibault (1997) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 3 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: