Treatment of leg vein telangiectases: 1-year results with a new 940 nm diode laser.

BACKGROUND: Short-term results obtained with a 940 nm diode laser indicate that this laser is effective in the treatment of leg vein telangiectasia. Long-term studies are needed to evaluate the definitive clinical end results.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate long-term results in the treatment of leg vein telangiectasia with a 940 nm diode laser and to compare these with short-term results.

METHODS: Twenty patients were treated with 940 nm diode laser, 300-350 J/cm2, 40-70 msec, 1 mm spot, single pass. Photographs for evaluation of clearance were taken before treatment and 4 weeks and 12 months after the last treatment.

RESULTS: At 12 months follow-up, clearing rates were greater than 75% in 15 patients (75%) and 50-75% in 5 patients. In 7 patients (35%) the clearing rate had improved considerably during follow-up.

CONCLUSION: Definitive results with the 940 nm laser occur only after prolonged follow-up. They are considerably better than the short-term results.