Treatment of reticular leg veins with a 1064 nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser

Different laser wavelenghths are effective in the treatment of reticular leg veins

Starting with Argon, KTP and IPL technology, most lasers used in clinics are the pulsed dye and Nd:Yag 1064 nm lasers. We summarize literature and own experiences with variable parameters in the treatment of leg veins with the 1064 nm laser (Coolglide, Cutera).

Parameters used are:

<0,75mm	3mm	140–200	25–10 ms
	5mm	110–180	25–10 ms
>0,75mm	3mm	110–160	50–20 ms
	7mm	90–130	50–20 ms

Two-thirds of vessels measuring 0.5 to 2mm in diameter clear more than 75% with 1–2 treatments with a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser at fluences of 120–180J/cm² and 50 millisecond pulse duration. Larger vessels appeared to improve more than smaller vessels. Immediate treatment discomfort was tolerable, pretreatment with a topical anesthetic cream for 1 hour before is advisable. Side effects included superficial thrombosis, delayed bruising, hyperpigmentation, and matting. 1064nm laser is effective in the treatment of leg veins.