Determining the beneficial and side effects of the Nd: YAG 1064 nm laser in order to achieve an effective pulse width with minimal side effects in the treatment of face and lower limb telangiectasia

Abstract

In dermatology and cosmetic surgery, lasers have become a prevalent and less invasive treatment method. However, the effects of different lasers on telangiectasias of the face and lower limbs have yielded conflicting results. This study takes a unique approach by investigating the beneficial effects and side effects of Nd YAG 1064-nm laser, aiming to achieve an effective pulse width with minimal side effects in the treatment of facial and limb telangiectasia, particularly in patients who are not suitable for sclerotherapy. Materials and Methods: In this study, which is a clinical trial, patients with telangiectasias of the face and lower limbs were studied. Patients treated with Alexandrite laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm (Alexandrite ND: YAG, CA, USA) with parameters Spot Size = 3-7 mm, Fluence = 150-180 J/cm2 and Pulse Duration = 10-25 ms (based on physician's diagnosis and the vascular status of each patient) were included. Before the treatment, anesthesia was performed by a thin layer of topical gel on the skin surface. Also, after laser treatment, sunscreen and repair cream were used in all patients for at least ten days. Patients were evaluated in four stages, including baseline (T0), four weeks after the first treatment (T1), four weeks after the second treatment (T2), and four weeks after the third treatment (T3) in terms of the severity of telangiectasia using dermoscopy imaging. Results: This clinical trial was conducted on 70 patients with facial and lower limb vascular lesions using Nd YAG 1064-nm laser. The average age of the patients was 42.45 years, and 91.4% were female. The frequency of telangiectasia in the lower limb, nose, and cheek was 57.1%, 28.6%, and 14.3%, respectively. The results showed that in 90% of cases of nasal telangiectasia and 100% of cases of cheek telangiectasia, good recovery (over 60%) was obtained after one laser therapy session. The recovery rate of lower limb telangiectasia in the first session was 87.5% of cases. In terms of complications, 78.6% of patients had no complications, and the most common complications observed were related to atrophic scars, erythema, and burning at the laser treatment site.