Copper vapor laser and microsclerotherapy of facial telangiectases. A patient questionnaire.

BACKGROUND Facial telangiectasia due to photodamage is a common disfiguring condition in modern society. Over the past 10 years yellow light laser photocoagulation has become the treatment of choice. OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness of copper vapor laser alone with combined microsclerotherapy and copper vapor laser in the treatment of facial telangiectases. METHODS Two hundred thirty-nine consecutive patients were asked to complete a questionnaire evaluating the two different treatments; 180 (75%) patients responded. RESULTS Both treatments were found to be effective but patients who received the combined treatment gave significantly higher ratings in effectiveness and overall satisfaction. There was also non-significant reduction in the incidence of adverse effects reported by patients treated by the combined method. CONCLUSION Supplementary microsclerotherapy enhances the effectiveness of copper vapor laser photocoagulation of facial telangiectases.