Dye Laser Light Research Articles

Efficacy and safety comparison between pulsed dye laser and intense pulsed light configured with different wavelength bands in treating erythematotelangiectatic rosacea.

Previous clinical studies have shown that pulsed dye laser (PDL) and intense pulsed light (IPL) are effective for treating erythematotelangiectatic rosacea(ETR). This article aims to compare the efficacy and safety of PDL and IPL at three different wavelength bands (broad-band, single-narrow-band, and dual-narrow-band) in treating ETR. Sixty subjects with ETR were randomly categorized into four groups and received one of the following laser treatments: PDL (595nm), IPL with Delicate Pulse Light (DPL, 500-600nm), IPL with M22 590 (590-1200nm), or IPL with M22 vascular filter (530-650nm and 900-1200nm). Four treatment sessions were administered at 4-week intervals, with one follow-up session 4 weeks after the final treatment. The efficacy of the four lasers was evaluated by comparing the clinical symptom score, total effective rate, VISIA red area absolute score, and RosaQoL score before and after treatment. The safety was evaluated by comparing adverse reactions such as pain, purpura, erythematous edema, and blister. All 60 subjects completed the study. Within-group effects showed that the clinical symptom score, VISIA red area absolute score, and RosaQoL score of all four groups were significantly reduced compared to before treatment (p < 0.001). Between-group effects showed no statistically significant difference among the four laser groups. Safety analysis showed that all four lasers were safe, but the incidence of blister was higher in the M22 vascular group. Nonpurpurogenic PDL, DPL, M22 590, and M22 vascular were equally effective in treating ETR and were well-tolerated. ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier: NCT05360251.

Evaluating the safety and efficacy of aminolevulinic acid 20% topical solution activated by pulsed dye laser and blue light in the treatment of facial cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in situ.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common cutaneous malignancy, after basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves converting a photosensitizer to reactive oxygen intermediates, which preferentially bind to hyperproliferative tissue. The most commonly used photosensitizers are methyl aminolevulinate and aminolevulinic acid (ALA). Presently, ALA-PDT is approved in the US and Canada for the treatment of actinic keratoses on the face, scalp, and upper extremities. This cohort study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of aminolevulinic acid, pulsed dye laser, and photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDL-PDT) for treatment of facial cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in situ (isSCC). Twenty adult patients with biopsy-confirmed isSCC on the face were recruited. Only lesions 0.4-1.3 cm in diameter were included. Patients underwent two treatments with ALA-PDL-PDT spaced 30 days apart. The isSCC lesion was then excised 4-6 weeks following the second treatment for histopathological assessment. No residual isSCC was detected in 17/20 (85%) patients. Two of the patients with residual isSCC had skip lesions present that explained the treatment failure. Excluding the patients with skip lesions, the posttreatment histological clearance rate was 17/18 (94%). Minimal side effects were reported. Our study was limited by small sample size and lack of long-term recurrence data. The ALA-PDL-PDT protocol is a safe and well-tolerated treatment option for isSCC on the face, providing excellent cosmetic and functional results.

The efficacy and safety of aminolevulinic acid 20% topical solution activated by pulsed dye laser and blue light for the treatment of facial cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in situ

The efficacy and safety of aminolevulinic acid 20% topical solution activated by pulsed dye laser and blue light for the treatment of facial cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in situ

Light-Based Devices for the Treatment of Facial Erythema and Telangiectasia.

Facial erythema is one of the most common outpatient complaints in dermatology. There are various causes of facial erythema and several devices are available for its treatment. Pulsed dye laser (PDL) and intense pulsed light (IPL) are the two common light devices used for these conditions. In this review, we evaluated the literature to assess efficacy of IPL versus PDL in facial erythema and telangiectasia. We searched published articles including clinical trials or reviews articles, case series, and case reports. Electronic databases (MEDLINE and PubMed) were searched to retrieve the articles. Reference lists of selected articles were also considered for the review. Articles published in English language until June 2021 were considered for this review.

Light-based treatment of pediatric port-wine birthmarks.

Port-wine birthmarks (PWBs) are progressive vascular malformations with significant disfigurement and psychosocial morbidity; early light-based treatment has shown improved outcomes in the pediatric population. Somatic mosaic mutations underly the progressive nature of PWBs and explain the significant differences in response and heterogeneity of vessel architecture in the pediatric population when compared to the adult cohort. Here, we summarize a review of pediatric specific literature on the various light-based treatment modalities, including pulsed dye laser, near-infrared lasers, and intense pulsed light, providing the various indications, tips, advantages, and disadvantages for the pediatric dermatologist.

Treatment of injection-induced ecchymoses with light/laser-assisted technology.

An increasing number of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, such as filler or botulinum toxin injections, are performed annually. These procedures are associated with a high risk of post-procedure bruising or ecchymosis. Ecchymoses arise following hemorrhage and extravasation of red blood cells into the subcutaneous tissue, leading to local skin discoloration. Although ecchymoses generally resolve within 14 days, their appearance is cosmetically bothersome, and they may be painful and cause major distress to patients. Recent clinical evidence suggests that light/laser technology with pulsed dye laser (PDL) or intense pulsed light (IPL) can dramatically alleviate and minimize bruising when delivered within 24-72 hr of the injection. This article, will review reports of treatment of ecchymosis by lasers and IPL.

Challenges and Advances in Rosacea Management

Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by symptoms of facial flushing and spectrums of clinical signs, including erythema, dry skin, and an inflammatory papulopustular eruption with periods of exacerbation. The current classification system developed by the National Rosacea Society Expert Committee consists of erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular, phymatous, and ocular subtypes. Individual subtypes are likely a result of different pathogenic factors and respond best to different therapeutic regimens. Before initiation of therapy, the triggering factors should be identified and avoided. Daily applied sunscreen is a must. The main treatment modalities for rosacea include topical, systemic, laser, and light therapies. Traditional therapies include topical metronidazole or azelaic acid also oral therapy as tetracyclines or isotretinoin. Emerging therapies perhaps are more promising as topical ivermectin 1% cream which is proved to be safe and effective for the treatment of inflammatory lesions from papulopustular rosacea, Brimonidine tartrate and oxymetazoline are novel therapies to treat the erythema associated with rosacea. Other treatments as pimecrolimus 1% cream, clindamycin phosphate 1.2% + tretinoin 0.025% gel, pulsed dye laser and intense pulsed light can also be used. With the advent of novel therapeutic options for the treatment of rosacea such as subantimicrobial anti-inflammatory dose doxycycline, ivermectin and Brimonidine tartrate, there is renewed interest in the study of this disease which was once regarded as a debilitating disorder and now has become a well-known and manageable entity in the setting of these emerging therapeutic options. Herein, we describe the treatments currently available as well as the emerging and combination therapies.

Pulsed dye laser versus intense pulsed light in melasma: a split-face comparative study

Background: Recent reports suggest that melasma may have a vascular component. Vascular targeting lasers and light treatment can be a therapeutic option that will provide benefits to the patients.Objectives: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of pulsed dye laser (PDL) and intense pulsed light in treatment of melasma.Patients and methods: Twenty-eight Egyptian female patients with melasma were treated with PDL on the right hemiface (Group A) and with the intense pulsed light on the left hemiface (Group B). Clinical assessment was performed according to the hemifacial modified Melasma Area and Severity Index score (mMASI). Tissue biopsies were taken from patients for immunohistochemical staining with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody.Results: The hemifacial mMASI score was significantly reduced after treatment in studied groups with no statistically significant difference. Intense pulsed light (IPL) group showed higher efficacy of treatment than PDL group in the epidermal melasma and in melasma lesions which had a vascular component. The expression level and intensity score of VEGF were significantly reduced after treatment in both groups.Conclusions: Both PDL and IPL were effective and safe treatment modalities for lightening of melasma. VEGF can be proved as a possible mechanism underlying the action of both PDL and IPL on melasma.

Evidence-based review of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of acne.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used for acne, however, the efficacy and safety need to be determined. To assess the effects and safety of PDT for acne using an evidence-based approach. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the treatment of acne with PDT were identified by searching PubMed, CNKI and the Cochrane Library. A total of 14 RCTs involving 492 patients were included. Photosensitizers included aminolevulinic acid (ALA), methylaminolevulinate (MAL), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Light sources included red light, pulsed dye laser (PDL), intense pulsed light (IPL), long-pulsed dye laser (LPDL) and green light. The PDT protocols, including ALA + red light, ALA + PDL, ALA + IPL, MAL + red light, and MAL + LPDL, all showed great efficacy on inflammatory lesions. ALA + red light also had effects on non-inflammatory lesions and sebum secretion. ALA + IPL and IAA + green light significantly decreased sebum secretion. Triple treatment protocols showed great improvement on inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions. Increasing ALA concentration, ALA incubation time, PDT sessions, dose of light source or using occlusion for photosensitizers, or a combination of other treatments with PDT may achieve greater efficacy. The common side effects of PDT were tolerable and transient. Limited evidence indicates that PDT shows good efficacy in the treatment of acne with acceptable side effects. ALA + red light was shown to be the optimal choice. However, more RCTs are needed to determine the types and concentrations of photosensitizers and light sources, and the duration of light activation and incubation.

A comparison of intense pulsed light and laser treatment of telangiectases in patients with systemic sclerosis: a within-subject randomized trial

Cutaneous telangiectases are a characteristic and psychologically distressing feature of SSc. Our aim was to assess the efficacy of two light-based treatments: pulsed dye laser (PDL) and intense pulsed light (IPL). Nineteen patients with facial or upper limb telangiectases underwent three treatments with PDL and IPL (randomly assigned to left- and right-sided lesions). Outcome measures were clinical photography (assessed by two clinicians), dermoscopy (assessed by two observers), laser Doppler imaging (LDI) and observer and patient opinion, including patient self-assessment psychological questionnaires [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Adapted Satisfaction with Appearance Scale (ASWAP)]. Comparison between 16-week follow-up and baseline photography scores (from -2 to +2 on a Likert scale, with >0 being improvement) were a mean score for PDL of 1.7 (95% CI 1.4, 2.0) and for IPL 1.4 (0.9, 1.8), with a mean difference between PDL and IPL of -0.3 (-0.5, -0.1) (P = 0.01). Dermoscopy scores also improved with both therapies: PDL 1.3 (1.1, 1.5) and IPL 0.8 (0.5, 1.1), again greater with PDL (P = 0.01). LDI showed decreases in blood flow at 16 weeks, indicating a response to both therapies. All patients reported benefit from treatment (more preferred PDL at 16 weeks). Psychological questionnaires also indicated improvement after therapy with mean change in ASWAP of -13.9 (95% CI -20.5, -7.4). No side effects were reported for IPL; PDL caused transient bruising in most cases. Both PDL and IPL are effective treatments for SSc-related telangiectases. Outcome measures indicate that PDL has better outcomes in terms of appearance, although IPL had fewer side effects.

TRASER - Total Reflection Amplification of Spontaneous Emission of Radiation

Background and ObjectiveLight and lasers in medical therapy have made dramatic strides since their invention five decades ago. However, the manufacture of lasers can be complex and expensive which often makes treatments limited and costly. Further, no single laser will provide the correct parameters to treat all things. Hence, laser specialists often need multiple devices to practice their specialty. A new concept is described herein that has the potential to replace many lasers and light sources with a single ‘tunable’ device.Study Design/Material and MethodsThis device amplifies spontaneous emission of radiation by capturing and retaining photons through total internal reflection, hence the acronym Total Reflection Amplification of Spontaneous Emission of Radiation, or TRASER.ResultsSpecific peaks of light can be produced in a reproducible manner with high peak powers of variable pulse durations, a large spot size, and high repetition rate.ConclusionConsidering the characteristics and parameters of Traser technology, it is possible that this one device would likely be able to replace the pulsed dye laser and many other light based systems.

Long‐pulsed Nd : YAG laser: does it give clinical benefit on the treatment of resistant telangiectasia?

Long-pulsed Nd : YAG laser has been used in treating larger and deep-seated leg veins. This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of long-pulsed Nd : YAG laser to treat alae nasae and nasal tip telangiectasia. Twelve patients were evaluated in a prospective IRB approved study. They had a history of previous unsatisfactory treatments with pulsed dye laser and/or intense pulsed light for their telangiectases on alae nasae and tip (4-12 times, average 5.8 times). All patients underwent a single treatment session using long-pulsed Nd : YAG laser. Photographic images were taken. At 12-week follow-up, two independent physicians evaluated the percentage of vessels cleared, and patients were asked to rate their satisfaction with the procedure. Five men and seven women were enrolled (aged 43 ± 5.8 years). Total clearance of vessels was 78.3%. The number of vessels in diameter of 0.1 mm was reduced by 61.1% and that of vessels in diameter of 0.2-0.3 mm decreased by 92.2% on the average at 12-week follow-up. Eleven of 12 patients were very satisfied with the clinical results. One patient rated as 'satisfied' due to hyperpigmentation after the treatment, which improved at 12-week follow-up. Long-pulsed Nd : YAG laser can be considered as another effective and safe treatment modality for stubborn telangeictasia even on face, if applied cautiously.

Narrow structure in the coherent population trapping resonance in sodium

We present a detailed study of coherent population trapping (CPT) in the Hanle configuration in sodium atoms confined inside a glass cell and irradiated with a broadband multimode dye laser light resonant with the ${D}_{1}$ line. The presence of several modes spaced by tens of MHz is effective in inhibiting hyperfine optical pumping, thus reducing losses and allowing for efficient trapping. A narrow resonance, whose width is of the order of 1 mG, is observed superimposed on the electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) resonance. Such a structure is more than two orders of magnitude narrower than the broader one, with significantly reduced power broadening. In order to describe this phenomenon, we developed a theoretical model, based on numerical solutions of density matrix equations, which takes into account the peculiarity of CPT induced by broadband multimode laser light. Results are shown to be in very good agreement with the experimental data. In this framework, the small width and the small amount of power broadening exhibited by this narrow spectral structure are related to the time spent by the atoms to re-enter the laser beam volume after collisions that preserve the orientation. This study offers insight into the mechanisms of atoms depolarization caused by collisions with the cell walls and represents a starting point for the development of techniques for the diagnostics of cell-coating parameters and new applications in metrology and magnetometry.

Long‐pulsed dye laser vs. intense pulsed light for the treatment of facial telangiectasias: a randomized controlled trial

This study aims to compare the efficacy and adverse effects of long-pulsed dye laser (LPDL) and intense pulsed light (IPL) in the treatment of facial telangiectasias. We used intra-individual, randomized, controlled trial with split-face treatments and single-blind outcome evaluations in this study. Forty patients with symmetrically located facial telangiectasias received a series of three LPDL (V-beam, 595 nm, Candela Laser Corp.) and three IPL treatments (Ellipse Flex, PR and VL2 applicators, Danish Dermatologic Development) at 6-week intervals. Patients were evaluated 3 months after the final treatment. Outcome measures were clinical efficacy (five-point ordinal scale), pain (10-point numerical scale), adverse effects, patient satisfaction (10-point numerical scale) and preferred treatment. Thirty-nine of 40 patients completed the study. All but 2 patients obtained a reduction in facial telangiectasias from both IPL and LPDL treatments. Both treatments were effective with good or excellent response in 30 of 39 patients. The LPDL was superior in the overall reduction of telangiectasias by blinded photographic evaluations: Excellent clearance (75% to 100% vessel clearance) was found in 18 patients treated with LPDL (46%) and in 11 patients treated with IPL (28%) (P = 0.01). Patients experienced less pain from LPDL [4 (2-6)] than IPL treatments [7 (3-9)] (P < 0.001). No adverse effects (hypo-/hyperpigmentation or scarring) were seen from any of the treatments. Patients were satisfied with both LPDL [8 (2-10)] and IPL treatments [7 (2-10)] (P = 0.05). Twenty-five patients preferred the LPDL (64%), 8 patients preferred IPL (21%) and 6 patients had no preference (15%) (P < 0.001). This study was based on two specific types of laser and IPL equipment, which effectively clear telangiectasias; however, the most beneficial outcome was from the LPDL.

Pulsed dye laser vs. intense pulsed light for port-wine stains: a randomized side-by-side trial with blinded response evaluation

Pulsed dye laser vs. intense pulsed light for port-wine stains: a randomized side-by-side trial with blinded response evaluation

Intense pulsed light vs. long-pulsed dye laser treatment of telangiectasia after radiotherapy for breast cancer: a randomized split-lesion trial of two different treatments

Chronic radiodermatitis is a common sequela of treatment for breast cancer and potentially a psychologically distressing factor for the affected women. To evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of treatments with a long-pulsed dye laser (LPDL) vs. intense pulsed light (IPL) in a randomized split-lesion trial. Thirteen female volunteers with radiodermatitis and Fitzpatrick skin types II-III were included in the study. Subjects received a series of three treatments at 6-week intervals with half-lesion LPDL (V-beam Perfecta, 595 nm) and half-lesion IPL (Ellipse Flex); the interventions were randomly assigned to left/right or upper/lower halves. Primary end-points were reduction in telangiectasia, patient satisfaction and preferred treatment. Secondary end-points were pain and adverse effects. Efficacy was registered by blinded photographic evaluations 3 months after the final treatment. Eleven patients completed the study. Telangiectasia cleared with both treatments but the efficacy of LPDL was superior. Blinded photographic evaluations showed median vessel clearances of 90% (LPDL) and 50% (IPL) (P = 0.01). LPDL treatments were associated with lower pain scores than IPL treatments [median visual analogue scale (VAS) score 4.3 and 6.0, respectively, P < 0.01]. Patients were slightly more satisfied with LPDL (median VAS score 8) than IPL treatments (median VAS score 7; P < 0.05) and more preferred LPDL (n = 9) to IPL (n = 2) (P < 0.01). Two patients withdrew from the study because of hypopigmentation of the IPL treated areas, which slowly repigmented within 1 year. This study was based on two specific laser and IPL devices, and found the LPDL treatment to be advantageous compared with IPL due to superior vessel clearance and less pain.

Pulsed dye laser vs. intense pulsed light for port-wine stains: a randomized side-by-side trial with blinded response evaluation

Pulsed dye lasers (PDLs) are considered the treatment of choice for port-wine stains (PWS). Studies have suggested broadband intense pulsed light (IPL) to be efficient as well. So far, no studies have directly compared the PDL with IPL in a randomized clinical trial. To compare efficacy and adverse events of PDL and IPL in an intraindividual randomized clinical trial. Twenty patients with PWS (face, trunk, extremities; pink, red and purple colours; skin types I-III) received one side-by-side treatment with PDL (V-beam Perfecta, 595 nm, 0.45-1.5 ms; Candela Laser Corporation, Wayland, MA, U.S.A.) and IPL (StarLux, Lux G prototype handpiece, 500-670 and 870-1400 nm, 5-10 ms; Palomar Medical Technologies, Burlington, MA, U.S.A.). Settings depended on the preoperative lesional colour. Treatment outcome was evaluated by blinded, clinical evaluations and by skin reflectance measurements. Both PDL and IPL lightened PWS. Median clinical improvements were significantly better for PDL (65%) than IPL (30%) (P = 0.0004). A higher proportion of patients obtained good or excellent clearance rates with the PDL (75%) compared with IPL (30%) (P = 0.0104). Skin reflectance also documented better results after PDL (33% lightening) than IPL (12% lightening) (P = 0.002). Eighteen of 20 patients preferred to receive continued treatments with PDL (P = 0.0004). No adverse events were observed with PDL or IPL. Both the specific PDL and IPL types of equipment used in this study lightened PWS and both were safe with no adverse events. However, the PDL conveyed the advantages of better efficacy and higher patient preference.

Evidence for Laser- and Light-Based Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

Acne is a very prevalent skin disorder, affecting more than 85% of adolescents and often continuing into adulthood. Active acne and its sequelae, especially permanent scarring, may cause longstanding psychological or emotional harm in patients. Novel and promising treatments with laser/light devices (such as blue light, red light, pulsed dye laser, infrared lasers, light-emitting diodes, and pulsed light) have been reported to have varying degrees of efficacy for treatment. The authors compiled a summary of evidence-based literature on laser/light treatment for acne to assist clinicians to more appropriately identify treatment options, should they choose to supplement current medical antiacne therapies.

Combination light therapies for the treatment of acne: An overview and introduction to photopneumatic therapy

Abstract Acne is a very prevalent skin disorder and several devices (such as blue light, pulsed dye laser, diode laser, LEDs, RF, and pulsed light) have been reported to have varying degrees of efficacy for treatment. Pulsed light treatments have been used both alone and in combination with other modalities to rapidly reduce active acne. Photopneumatic therapy is a novel technology that combines pneumatic energy with a pulsed light source to manipulate the optical characteristics of the skin. A vacuum suction raises target structures in the dermis closer to the surface of the skin prior to exposure of light, allowing for extrusion of sebaceous material from the pilosebaceous apparatus. Recent studies have shown promise regarding the use of photopneumatic therapy for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Long‐pulsed dye laser versus intense pulsed light for photodamaged skin: A randomized split‐face trial with blinded response evaluation

In a randomized controlled split-face trial to evaluate efficacy and adverse effects from rejuvenation with long-pulsed dye laser (LPDL) versus intense pulsed light (IPL). Twenty female volunteers with Fitzpatrick skin types I-III, classes I-II rhytids, and symmetrical split-face photodamage were included in the study. Subjects received a series of three treatments at 3-week intervals with half-face LPDL (V-beam Perfecta, 595 nm, Candela Laser Corporation) and half-face IPL (Ellipse Flex, Danish Dermatologic Development); the interventions being randomly assigned to left and right sides. Primary end-points were telangiectasias, irregular pigmentation and preferred treatment. Secondary end-points were skin texture, rhytids, pain, and adverse effects. Efficacy was evaluated by patient self-assessments and by blinded clinical on-site and photographic evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Adverse effects were evaluated by blinded clinical on-site evaluations. Telangiectasia improved from LPDL and IPL treatments with superior vessel clearance from LPDL treatments (postoperative side-to-side evaluations, patient self-assessments, P<or=0.031, 3, 6 months). Irregular pigmentation and skin texture improved from both treatments with no significant side-to-side differences. No reduction was seen of rhytides on LPDL- or IPL-treated sides. Treatment-related pain scores were significantly higher after IPL (medians 7-8) than LPDL (4.75-5.5) treatments (P<0.001). Adverse effects included erythema, oedema, and transient hyperpigmentation. Patients preferred LPDL- to IPL treatments (P<or=0.031). This study was based on two specific laser and IPL equipments, which found LPDL rejuvenation advantageous to IPL rejuvenation due to superior vessel clearance and less pain.