Evaluation of a new diode laser for the treatment of lower extremity leg veins.

Introduction: Visible leg veins are a common cosmetic concern treated mostly by 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser that has become the chosen laser therapy for treating all leg veins up to 3 mm in size. The objective of the current prospective study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new 1064 nm diode laser for leg veins and spider veins on the lower extremities.

Methods: A total of 15 female subjects seeking leg veins and spider veins treatment were recruited to this study. The treatment protocol included two treatment sessions 6 weeks apart and two follow-up visits at three and 6 months after the last diode laser treatment. Results were evaluated by photographs and an investigator classification of the treated vascular lesions appearance on five scores scale from 0 (normal) to 4 (severe).

Results: Treatment area photos demonstrated improvement in vascular lesions appearance. Average vascular lesions classification was reduced by approximately one score from baseline score of 2.9 (score 3 is moderate) to an average score 2 (mild) at the 3-month follow-up visit. This improved classification sustained also at 6-month follow-up visit, indicating the long-term effect of the treatment impact. No significant or unexpected adverse events were detected in any of the patients as a result of the treatments.

Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that the new 1064 nm diode laser is safe and effective for the treatment of leg vascular lesions on the lower extremities.