An evaluation of the copper-bromide laser for treating telangiectasia.

BACKGROUND

Copper bromide lasers, producing pulsed yellow and green light, have been developed for treating cutaneous lesions.

OBJECTIVE

A clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the role of this laser, using its yellow wavelength, to treat benign vascular ectasia and establish some clinical guidelines for therapy.

METHODS

Twenty-three informed consenting adults with facial telangiectasia, spider angiomas, or vascular nevi on the head, neck, or upper chest were treated with the laser. Assessment of results was performed by: blinded clinical evaluation, blinded comparison of "before" and "after" photographs, and patients' own reports of satisfaction levels.

RESULTS

Good to excellent results were obtained in most patients, except for a few suffering minor skin atrophy where very large vessels were treated.

CONCLUSIONS

The copper bromide laser was an effective tool in the treatment of certain cutaneous vascular lesions.