Laser treatment of telangiectasias

Abstract

Laser medicine has been revolutionized with selective photothermolysis. This occurs when the laser or energy source targets specific chromophores such as melanin, hemoglobin, and water, thus minimizing damage to the surrounding tissues. In the treatment of facial telangiectasias, the chromophore is intravascular hemoglobin and its derivatives methemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin. The Intense Pulse Light and Broad Band Light Therapy, Potassium Titanyl Phosphate (532 nm, green) Laser, Pulse Dye Lasers, Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG Laser), Diode (800 nm, 810 nm, 940 nm, 980 nm, near infrared) Lasers, and Copper Vapor and Copper Bromide Lasers (CVL) are described. IPL devices and KTP lasers have become the gold standard for the treatment of facial telangiectasias due to their ease of use, minimal side effects, and greater lesion clearance than other laser systems.