The role of lasers in the treatment of leg veins

New developments in laser technology have enabled improved therapy of small and large leg telangiectasia. While sclerotherapy remains the gold standar d of treatment, laser therapy should be considered a first line approach fo r isolated, superficial, fine caliber, nonarborizing telangiectasia and pos tsclerotherapy telangiectatic matting. Laser therapy is an excellent option for patients who are fearful of needles or have demonstrated a poor respon se to sclerotherapy injections. Recent studies have demonstrated good clear ance of leg telangiectasia and reticular veins using a variety of laser sys tems with deeper penetrating, near-infrared wavelengths and higher fluences in conjunction with various epidermal cooling methods. As with sclerothera py, optimal results are achieved with lasers when larger feeding vessels ar e treated first using appropriate modalities. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Sa unders Company.