The evaluation of long‐pulsed Nd:YAG laser efficacy and side effects in the treatment of cutaneous vessels on the face and legs

• Published in: Journal of cosmetic dermatology Vol. 19; no. 7; pp. 1656 - 1661
• Main Authors: Asiran Serdar, Zehra, Fisek Izci, Neslihan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01-07-2020
• Subjects: cutaneous vessels; Erythema; Face; Humans; Laser Therapy; Lasers, Solid-State - adverse effects; Leg; legs; long‐pulsed Nd :YAG laser; Treatment Outcome; vascular lesions; cutaneous vessels; face; vascular lesions; long-pulsed Nd :YAG laser; legs
• ISSN: 1473-2130; 1473-2165
• DOI: 10.1111/jocd.13208

Background
Long‐pulsed Nd:YAG lasers have been used for the treatment of cutaneous vascular lesions on face and leg veins.
Objective
To report our experience with long‐pulsed Nd:YAG lasers for the treatment cutaneous vessels on the face and legs.
Materials and Methods
A total of 145 patients with cutaneous vessels on the face and the legs were included in this study. All patients received two treatment sessions, first at the beginning and second after four weeks. Patients were evaluated three times: first at the beginning of the therapy, and second and third after the four weekly follow‐ups. The laser settings of each treatment session were recorded. The physician's assessment of treatment efficiency was taken by comparing gross photograph and clinical evaluation. The grade of improvement, as the percent of reduction in the severity of veins after laser treatment, was determined as follows: <25% improvement (mild); 25%–50% improvement (moderate); 51%–75% improvement (good); and >75% improvement (excellent). The side effects were also recorded.
Results
Of the 145 patients who completed the study, 63.6% of patients had vessels on the face, and 36.4% had them on the legs. After the first session, 82.8% of patients have good improvement (51%–75%). After the second session, 78.6% of patients have excellent improvement (>75%). The clinical improvement after the second treatment session was significantly higher than the first treatment session (P ˂ .05). There were no statistical differences between the treatment areas (P ˃ .05). The most common side effect was erythema in 12.4% (P ˃ .05).
Conclusion
The Nd:YAG laser is an effective and safe treatment option for the treatment of cutaneous vessels on the face and the legs.