Treatment of telangiectasia on the cheeks with a compact yellow (585nm) semiconductor laser and a green (532nm) KTP laser: a randomized double-blinded split-face trial

ObjectivesThe primary objective of this study was to compare a traditional green KTP laser to a new investigational yellow laser (PhotoLase) in the treatment of facial telangiectasia in terms of the treatment outcomes. The secondary objective was to assess the functionality and reliability of the PhotoLase system from the perspective of the user. Study Design/MethodsThe study was a randomized split-face double-blinded study that compared the treatment efficacy of the 532-nm KTP laser and the investigational 585-nm PhotoLase laser. One or two treatments were given based on the response of the first treatment. The improvement of telangiectasia was graded according to a 7-point Telangiectasia Grading Scale (TGS) by the subjects and blinded physicians. The subjects assessed the amount of pain during the treatments using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and evaluated adverse effects 2-3 days after the treatment(s) using a self-assessment form. ResultsAt least 50% improvement was seen in 15/18 subjects after the first PhotoLase treatment, and a similar result was observed for KTP, as assessed by the blinded physicians (P=0.29). In the subjects' assessment, 7/18 subjects had at least 50% improvement after the first PhotoLase treatment, whereas at least 50% improvement was observed for 10/18 subjects in the KTP side, the difference being significant (P=0.008). The amount of pain was higher with PhotoLase compared to KTP (67.7 vs. 34.6, P<0.001). There was no difference in the frequency of erythema, crusting or purpura between the devices, but more blistering and less edema were seen after PhotoLase treatment (P<0.05). Treatment with PhotoLase was evaluated to be 4.7-fold faster than with KTP and the PhotoLase system was more compact, narrower, lighter, and easier to carry than KTP. ConclusionsThe investigational PhotoLase laser enables significantly faster treatments, but the process is somewhat more painful than with KTP, otherwise providing a similar clinical outcome in the treatment of facial telangiectasia. Treatment Protocol Lasers Surg. Med. 51:223-229, 2019. (c) Wiley Periodicals, Inc.