Fractional 532-nm KTP diode laser and 595-nm pulsed dye laser in treatment of facial telangiectatic erythema.

BACKGROUND

A 595-nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) and the fractional 532-nm potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser have also been demonstrated to be effective for facial telangiectasias.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the clinical therapeutic effects of a fractional 532-nm KTP laser with those of a 595-nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) for treating facial erythematous skin lesions.

METHODS

Twenty healthy adults with facial erythematous skin lesions were treated using a fractional 532-nm KTP laser on one side of the face and a 595-nm PDL on the other cheek. Three treatments were administered at 4-week intervals. The degree of improvement in facial telangiectasias was evaluated by colorimeter analysis, a physician's assessment using clinical photographs, and the subject's self-assessment.

RESULTS

In the physician's assessment with clinical photography, a significant improvement was observed from baseline to posttreatment in both groups. As measured by a colorimeter, the a* value decreased from 16.23 (±2.81) to 12.22 (±2.75) in the 595-nm PDL group and from 16.02 (±2.93) to 12.77 (±2.77) in the fractional 532-nm KTP laser group. The a* value showed a significant reduction in both groups (P < .0001). There was no significant difference in efficacy between the two groups. In the subjective self-assessment, scores improved by 1.68 (±0.95) in the fractional 532-nm KTP laser group and by 1.78 (±0.92) in the 595-nm PDL group.

CONCLUSION

A fractional 532-nm KTP laser is a valid option for the treatment of facial erythematous skin lesions with telangiectasia.