Treatment of facial venous malformations with combined radiofrequency current and 900 nm diode laser.

Background: Laser treatment of venous malformations is a major challenge because of the large variations in skin pigmentation, anatomic location, and vessel size and depth.

Objective: To determine the safety and effectiveness of electro-optical synergy, a new technology that combines the 900 nm diode laser with radiofrequency current for the treatment of facial venous malformation.

Methods: Fourteen patients with Fitzpatrick skin types II to IV were treated for facial venous malformations with simultaneous radiofrequency energy (60-80 J/cm3) and optical diode laser energy (fluence 80-100 J/cm2) in one to three sessions. All lesions measured less than 100 cm2. Lesion clearance was evaluated by three specialists on the basis of digital photographs taken before the first treatment and 1 and 2 months after the last treatment.

Results: Thirteen patients showed a complete response and one patient a partial response. The results were rated excellent in the 13 patients and good in one patient. Transient swelling, erythema, and pain were present in all patients, with permanent scarring in only one patient.

Conclusion: The combination of laser light and radiofrequency energy is effective and safe for the treatment of facial venous malformations. It provides additional heating of the vessels without increasing laser intensity. The side effects are minimal.