Comparison of a combination diode laser and radiofrequency device (Polaris) and a long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser (Lyra) on leg telangiectases. Histologic and immunohistochemical analysis. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • INTRODUCTION: Several devices have been proposed for the treatment of leg telangiectases. For most of these devices the histologic changes induced in the dermis are not well characterized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three volunteers with class I-II red and blue 0.1-2.0 mm leg telangiectases were treated with the Lyra (Laserscope, San Jose, CA, USA) and the Polaris (Syneron Medical Ltd, Yokneam, Israel) devices to the left and right legs, respectively. Two 3-mm punches were taken from either site 7 days after treatment. The specimens were routinely processed and also stained for elastic tissue and collagen tissue. RESULTS: After treatment, specimens treated with both the Polaris and the Lyra showed intermediate-sized vessels with complete thrombosis and extensive hemorrhage in both the dermis and subcutis. The overlying epidermis also evidenced damage characterized as focal full-thickness necrosis. Special stains confirmed the damage to the vessels. All other skin structures were morphologically unremarkable. An average of 50-75% clinical clearing occurred using both modalities of a single treatment session. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that both devices result in severe damage to small, intermediate-sized vessels, thus explaining the reported clinical improvement of leg telangiectases. The expression of hsp70 in the dermal vessels and overlying epidermis is consistent with a direct thermal effect delivered by either device.

publication date

  • December 1, 2006

Research

keywords

  • Laser Coagulation
  • Leg
  • Radiofrequency Therapy
  • Telangiectasis

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 34250174511

PubMed ID

  • 19839172

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 8

issue

  • 4