Use of a Variable Long‐Pulse Alexandrite Laser in the Treatment of Facial Telangiectasia

• Published in: Dermatologic surgery Vol. 36; no. 4; pp. 470 - 474
• Main Authors: ROSS, E. VICTOR, MEEHAN, KEN. J., DOMANKEVITZ, YACOV, TRAFELI, JOHN P., ANNANDONO, JOELLE, JACOBY, MARK
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malden, USA Blackwell Publishing Inc 01-04-2010; Wiley
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biological and medical sciences; Dermatology; Face - blood supply; Face - surgery; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Lasers, Solid-State - therapeutic use; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Skin plastic surgery; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Telangiectasis - surgery; Treatment Outcome; Vascular disorders of the skin; Vascular Surgical Procedures - instrumentation; Vascular Surgical Procedures - methods; Vascular disease; Dermatology; Surgery; Pulse; Cardiovascular disease; Face; Telangiectasia
• ISSN: 1076-0512; 1524-4725
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2010.01475.x

BACKGROUND
The alexandrite laser selectively targets melanin and hemoglobin. We used the alexandrite laser with variable pulse widths to treat facial telangiectasia.
METHODS
Nineteen patients were enrolled in this study, which consisted of two parts: a series of test spots over a range of pulse durations (3–80 ms) and treatment over a larger area based on the pulse width–specific outcomes from the test spots. The final follow‐up visit was 12 weeks after irradiation.
RESULTS
The 40‐ms pulse width achieved the optimal balance of pain tolerance, epidermal tolerance, and vessel reduction. Mean fluence was 88 J/cm2, with a 6‐mm spot. Overall, a 48% reduction in vessels was noted after one treatment. Side effects were minimal.
CONCLUSIONS
In fair‐skinned patients with large telangiectasia, the alexandrite laser is a good option for vessel reduction.
The equipment used in this study was loaned by Candela. Dr. Ross is on the medical advisory board for Candela and is a consultant to Palomar, Cutera, Sciton, and Lumenis. Y. Domankevitz is an employee of the Candela Corp.