Treatment of Face Veins with a Cryogen Spray Variable Pulse Width 1064 nm Nd:YAG Laser: A Prospective Study of 17 Patients

Treatment of Face Veins with a Cryogen Spray Variable Pulse Width 1064 nm Nd:YAG Laser: A Prospective Study of 17 Patients
March 2002
To cite this article: Sorin Eremia MD, Cindy Y Li DO (2002)
Treatment of Face Veins with a Cryogen Spray Variable Pulse Width 1064 nm Nd:YAG Laser: A Prospective Study of 17 Patients
Dermatologic Surgery 28 (3), 244Ò247.
doi:10.1046/j.1524-4725.2002.01217.x
Blackwell Synergy

Sorin Eremia, MD**Division of Dermatology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, and and Cindy Y. Li, DOBrockton Cosmetic Surgery Center,
Riverside, California

Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Sorin Eremia, MD, 4440 Brockton Ave., Suite 200, Riverside, CA 92501.
S. Eremia, MD and C. Y. Li, DO have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.

Abstract
background.Through the 1990s laser treatment of leg veins has been a challenge. Newer, longer wavelength lasers with variable pulse width have shown promising results for both telangiectasia and reticular leg veins. Experience with these lasers for treatment of facial telangiectasia and periorbital reticular veins is scant.

objective.To our knowledge this is the first prospective study to evaluate a variable pulse width, cryogen spray-equipped 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of facial telangiectasia and larger periorbital reticular veins.

methods.Seventeen volunteers, ages 32Ò67 years, skin types IÒIV, with facial telangiectasia and reticular periorbital/temporal veins were treated once with the Nd:YAG laser at fluences of 125Ò150 J/cm2 with a 6 mm spot size and pulse widths of 25 msec for small vessels and 75Ò100 msec for reticular veins. Patients were examined 1 week and 1 month after the treatment. Pre- and posttreatment 35mm photographs were taken. Improvement was judged by two experienced physicians, both visually on patients and by comparison of pre- and posttreatment photographs. Results were graded as percent resolution, in five groups: 0%, 0Ò25%, 25Ò50%, 50Ò75%, and 75Ò100%.

results.All 17 patients completed the study. Thirty-two sites were treated (24 cheek, nose, and chin telangiectases, and 8 periorbital reticular veins). Greater than 75% improvement was observed in 97% of the treated sites. Greater than 50% improvement was observed in 100% of the treated sites. Notably, 100% of the facial reticular veins treated have essentially 100% resolution. Pain during treatment was variably perceived by patients, but occasionally sufficient for patients to express reservations about additional future treatment. Transient erythema and edema were common, but fine crusting was rare. Small areas of purpura were also quite rare.

conclusion.The cryogen spray-equipped 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser was remarkably effective and safe for skin type IÒIV patients. It is an excellent tool for treatment of facial telangiectasia with minimal risk of purpura. For the first time we appear to have a simple, safe, and effective treatment for 1Ò2 mm periorbital reticular veins. The use of topical anesthesia may be needed for some patients.

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