Q-switched ruby laser treatment for postsclerotherapy hyperpigmentation

BACKGROUND. One of the most common adverse sequelae of sclerotherapy is cut aneous hyperpigmentation. OBJECTIVE. We used the Q-switched ruby laser to treat postsclerotherapy hyp erpigmentation. METHODS. Eight patients developed pigmentation lasting more than 1 year (1- 2 years on average) after sclerotherapy treatment for reticular and telangi ectatic veins in the legs ranging in size from 0.2 to 4 mm in diameter. All patients were treated with a Q-switched ruby laser at 694 nm, 4 mm beam si ze, and fluence range of 5.6-10.5 J/cm(2). RESULTS. Ninety-two percent of lesions lightened after treatment. There was significant (75-100%) resolution of hyperpigmentation in 58% of treated ar eas, 25% improvement in 33% of treated areas, and no improvement in the rem aining areas. CONCLUSION. Our impression is that given a choice of lasers, the Q-switched ruby laser provides the greatest efficacy for treating postsclerotherapy h yperpigmentation.