Neodymium:YAG laser treatment of lower leg telangiectasia: a new minimally invasive approach

The aim of this study was to validate the safety and effectiveness of a new therapeutic procedure for the treatment of lower leg telangiectasia without clinical vein insufficiency. A group of 20 healthy women aged between 24 and 47 years (mean +/- sem 37.05 +/- 1.47) with lower leg telangiectasia without clinical vein insufficiency, previously investigated by echo colour Doppler sonography, were recruited and were treated with neodymium:YAG laser (mean +/- sem 2.5 +/- 0.11 sessions). Good or excellent results were obtained in 16 patients and the improvements were statistically significant (p < 0.01). Out of the 20 patients, 16 were satisfied with the procedure. We strongly support laser treatment of lower leg telangiectasia since it allows injection of chemicals to be avoided, and changes the stromal microarchitecture rearranging the fibroblast network into a more resistant pattern reducing the likelihood of relapse.