Abstract

Background: The 940-nm diode laser has been shown to be an effective treatment for leg veins. Objective: We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the 940-nm diode laser on leg veins, depending on the size and morphologic aspect of the treated vessels. Methods: A total of 60 patients (mean age: 44.4 years, Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV) underwent up to 3 treatment sessions at 4-week intervals using the 940-nm diode laser. Treatment parameters were: vessels < 0.4 mm in diameter, 0.5-mm spot, pulse duration of 10 milliseconds, fluence 306 J/cm2; 0.4 to 0.8 mm in diameter, 1-mm spot, pulse duration of 30 milliseconds, fluence 306 J/cm2; and 0.8 to 1.4 mm in diameter, 1.5-mm spot, pulse duration of 70 milliseconds, fluence 317 J/cm2. Repetition rate was 2.5 Hz. Success rate was evaluated through double-blind observation. Results: Only 13.33% of patients with telangiectases less than 0.4 mm in diameter had a percentage of vessel clearance superior to 75%. However, 88.24% of patients with vessels between 0.8 and 1.44 mm in diameter obtained more than 75% vessel clearance. Conclusion: The treatment of leg veins by the 940-nm diode laser strongly depends on the size of the target vessel. Better results were obtained with 0.8- to 1.4-mm leg venulectases. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2003;48:768-74.)

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