Multiwavelength laser treatment of venous lakes.

BACKGROUND: Venous lakes (VLs) are common benign ectasias in the upper dermis, usually observed in older people. Different treatment strategies have been described as useful, such as cryosurgery, excision, and various types of laser.

OBJECTIVE: We report our experiences using a multiwavelength laser, which has not been previously described.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine VLs in 30 patients were treated. Treatment with 595-nm pulsed-dye laser was conducted at 20 ms and 10 J/cm(2), followed by 1,064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser at 20 ms and 70 J/cm(2).

RESULTS: Complete resolution was observed in 38 lesions (95%). No complications after treatment were noted. One case developed a small scar.

CONCLUSIONS: Multiwavelentgh laser (595 nm; 1,064 nm) provides a safe, fast, and effective option in the treatment of VLs.