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Efficacy of a 2–mm spot size lens for the treatment of superficial vascular lesions with a flashlamp‐pumped dye laser
Author(s) -
Grekin Roy C.,
Flynn Timothy C.,
Cooper David,
Geisse John
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
international journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-4632
pISSN - 0011-9059
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-4362.1997.00315.x
Subject(s) - medicine , dye laser , laser , optics , lens (geology) , nuclear medicine , physics
Background The flashlamp‐pumped dye laser, using either a 3 or 5 mm spot size, is an excellent instrument for the treatment of port‐wine stains and other superficial cutaneous vascular lesions. Problems exist with patient acceptance due to prominent and prolonged blue‐black discoloration and the pain associated with the treatment. Objective To assess the effectiveness of a flashlamp‐pumped dye laser equipped with a 2 mm spot size lens in the treatment of superficial vascular lesions. Methods Twenty‐one patients with telangiectasias, cherry angiomas, and angiokeratomas were treated at a variety of fluences. Results Three of 21 patients had complete clearing of their superficial vascular lesions. An improvement of greater than 75% was noted by 11 patients, and six patients noted a 50%–75% improvement. One patient had less than 50% improvement. Less post‐treatment discoloration and less pain were noted with the 2 mm spot size lens. Conclusions The 2 mm spot size lens, used with the flashlamp‐pumped dye laser is an effective instrument for the treatment of superficial cutaneous vascular lesions.