Assessment of Efficacy of the 595-nm Pulsed Dye Laser in the Treatment of Facial Port-Wine Stains in Indian Patients.

BACKGROUND: Pulsed dye lasers have revolutionized treatment of port-wine stains (PWS). The authors' previous study with a 585-nm/0.45-millisecond pulsed dye laser (PDL) showed 25% to 75% improvement in 60% of facial PWS.

METHODS: The authors analyzed data on facial PWS treated with a 595-nm tunable PDL in Indian patients. Response was assessed subjectively on a scale of -1 to 5 (Investigator Global Assessment) by comparing pretreatment and posttreatment photographs. Patients' perception of change in PWS was also noted on a visual analog scale from 0 to 10 (Patient Global Assessment). Side effects were recorded.

RESULTS: A total of 74 flat and 24 hypertrophic PWS in skin Types IV and V with a median lesion size of 56 cm and 102 cm, respectively, and color ranging from pink to purple were treated. They underwent a mean of 7.3 and 8.5 sessions (range: 4-10 session), respectively. A mean lightening of 54% in flat and 40% in hypertrophic PWS was observed. After 10 treatments, 46.6% of flat PWS cases showed >75% lightening and an equal number had 25% to 75% improvement. A >75% improvement was observed in 12.5% of hypertrophic PWS with 75% of cases showing between 25% to 75% improvement. No significant side effects were noted.

CONCLUSION: The 595-nm tunable PDL produced moderate response with no significant side effects.