Efficacy of a 2–mm spot size lens for the treatment of superficial vascular lesions with a flashlamp-pumped dye laser

Background The flashlamp-pumped dye laser, using either a 3 or 5 mm spot size, is an excellent instrument for the treatment of port-wine stains and other superficial cutaneous vascular lesions. Problems exist with patient acceptance due to prominent and prolonged blue-black discoloration and the pain associated with the treatment. Objective To assess the effectiveness of a flashlamp-pumped dye laser equipped with a 2 mm spot size lens in the treatment of superficial vascular lesions. Methods Twenty-one patients with telangiectasias, cherry angiomas, and angiokeratomas were treated at a variety of fluences. Results Three of 21 patients had complete clearing of their superficial vascular lesions. An improvement of greater than 75% was noted by 11 patients, and six patients noted a 50%–75% improvement. One patient had less than 50% improvement. Less post-treatment discoloration and less pain were noted with the 2 mm spot size lens. Conclusions The 2 mm spot size lens, used with the flashlamp-pumped dye laser is an effective instrument for the treatment of superficial cutaneous vascular lesions.