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Postsclerotherapy hyperpigmentation. Treatment with a flashlamp-excited pulsed dye laser
1Dermatology Associates of San Diego County, Inc., Encinitas, CA 92024.
The Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology
|May 1, 1992
Summary
A pulsed dye laser effectively lightened some post-sclerotherapy hyperpigmentation, a common side effect. While 45% of lesions showed improvement, 27% had significant lightening, with some developing new pigmentation.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Laser Medicine
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Post-sclerotherapy hyperpigmentation is a persistent complication following treatment for varicose veins.
- Hemosiderin deposition is the primary cause of this cosmetic concern.
- Limited treatment options exist for resolving long-standing hyperpigmentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a flashlamp-excited pulsed dye laser (PDL) in treating postsclerotherapy hyperpigmentation.
- To assess the safety and effectiveness of PDL for hemosiderin-induced skin discoloration.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen patients with 22 hyperpigmented lesions were treated with a 510 nm PDL.
- Laser parameters included a pulse duration of 300 nanoseconds and energy densities of 2 to 3 J/cm2.
- Lesion depth ranged from 0.2 to 2.8 mm.
Main Results:
- Forty-five percent of treated lesions demonstrated lightening.
- Significant lightening was observed in 27% of lesions.
- Four lesions developed postinflammatory hyperpigmentation; no significant difference in response based on pigment location or laser energy was noted.
Conclusions:
- Pulsed dye laser treatment offers a potential therapeutic option for postsclerotherapy hyperpigmentation.
- While effective for some lesions, careful patient selection and monitoring are necessary due to the risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Further research may optimize PDL parameters for improved outcomes in hemosiderin hyperpigmentation.