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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Laser Skin Treatment
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Laser Skin Treatment
by gwt, Feb 24, 2004 12:00AM
Dr. Rockoff,
I have facial telangiectasia (it's been diagnosed as such) on my nose and some on my cheeks. The dermatologist I've seen suggests, as do you, laser treatment. Yet, the laser he'd use would leave my nose and cheeks bruised for two weeks (he showed me pictures, and the skin is plum-colored - a deep purple - after treatment). This, I've learned, is called "purpura".
Also, from the little that I've researched about laser treatments, I conclude that the doctor I'm seeing would use a Pulsed Dye Laser. And this is why, I take it, purpura would result.
Yet, I've also read that there are other kinds of lasers, such as the KTP laser, which wouldn't leave my nose and cheeks bruised for two weeks.
So, my question is this: Should I seek out another dermatologist, one who uses a different kind of laser (viz., a non-Dye Pulsed Laser), for the treatment of my telangiectasia?
What, in other words, is your recommendation, all things considered?
(FYI: taking off work wouldn't be a problem. I just want the best treatment possible.)
Respectfully,
Greg
I have facial telangiectasia (it's been diagnosed as such) on my nose and some on my cheeks. The dermatologist I've seen suggests, as do you, laser treatment. Yet, the laser he'd use would leave my nose and cheeks bruised for two weeks (he showed me pictures, and the skin is plum-colored - a deep purple - after treatment). This, I've learned, is called "purpura".
Also, from the little that I've researched about laser treatments, I conclude that the doctor I'm seeing would use a Pulsed Dye Laser. And this is why, I take it, purpura would result.
Yet, I've also read that there are other kinds of lasers, such as the KTP laser, which wouldn't leave my nose and cheeks bruised for two weeks.
So, my question is this: Should I seek out another dermatologist, one who uses a different kind of laser (viz., a non-Dye Pulsed Laser), for the treatment of my telangiectasia?
What, in other words, is your recommendation, all things considered?
(FYI: taking off work wouldn't be a problem. I just want the best treatment possible.)
Respectfully,
Greg
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Feb 25, 2004 12:00AM
, Feb 25, 2004 12:00AM
The KTP laser doesn't bruise, is perfectly safe, and works just as well. I don't see any reason to prefer the pulsed dye, unless the KTP or some other non-bruising laser has failed.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
I note, from your web-site, that you use the "Versapule Laser", which, as you say, results in no down-time and just leaves the skin a little flushed for a few hours.
I take it, then, that you'd recommend I go to another dermatologist, who's using more up-to-date, or at least different, technology? My previous question remains, though: What is your recommendation?
Thanks much,
Greg
Dr. Rockoff
Dr. Rockoff