Laser therapy for leg veins - Cosmetic Dermatology Houston 腿部静脉-皮肤美容激光治疗的休斯敦.pdf

Clinics in Dermatology (2007) 25, 454–461 Laser therapy for leg veins Joy H. Kunishige, MD a, Leonard H. Goldberg, MDb, Paul M. Friedman, MDa,b,⁎ a University of Texas Health Science Center, Department of Dermatology, 6655 Travis St. Suite 980, Houston, TX 77030 bDermSurgery Associates, 7515 Main, Suite 240, Houston, TX 77030 Abstract Visible veins on the leg are a common cosmetic concern affecting approximately 80% of women in the United States (Engel A, Johnson MI, Haynes SG. Health effects of sunlight exposure in the United States: results from the first national health and nutrition examination survey, 1971-1974. Arch Dermatol 1988;124:72-9). Without a quick and noninvasive treatment available, leg veins present a therapeutic challenge. This challenge has been tackled by the design of lasers with longer pulse durations, and the use of lasers with longer wavelengths and cooling devices. Recent studies show the efficacy of laser treatment beginning to approach that of sclerotherapy, the gold standard. This review outlines the principles guiding laser treatment, the current available options, and a clinically oriented approach to treating leg veins. Published by Elsevier Inc. Introduction A second generation of PDLs with a longer wavelength (595 nm) and longer pulse duration (1.5 milliseconds) was In the 1980s, argon lasers were used, but the 488-nm released in 1996. These PDLs penetrated deeper but were wavelength was strongly absorbed by melanin. 1 Also, argon still only effective for vessels up to 1 mm in depth and 1 mm lasers were continuous lasers that did not allow for selective in width.5 Over the past 5 years, near-infrared laser