Pulse Dye Laser – PDL (Pulsed Dye Laser)
Varicose vein treatment with laser Pulsed Dye Laser – PDL, one of the most commonly used systems in varicose vein treatment, was first developed in 1989 for the treatment of port wine stains in children. It uses a high-energy flash lamp to energize organic rhodamine dye and create pulsed yellow light at the same frequency and phase.
Previously used PDL systems (577 nm) had short pulse durations (0.45-1.5 milliseconds) which caused coagulation of blood cells in the vessels and the development of scaling that lasted for about two weeks. Although this treatment was effective, it was difficult for patients to tolerate it. Intermittent pulses were required to prevent scaling. Today’s PDL systems (585, 590, 595 and 600 nm) emit radiation at longer wavelengths and penetrate deeper.
Mild scaling is observed with 585-600 nm lasers, while complete disappearance of the vessel is observed with 595 nm.
New generation PDLs are the standard treatment for congenital vascular anomalies such as hemangiomas and port wine stains. Apart from these, it is also used in acquired vascular lesions such as facial capillaries, telangiectasia, rosacea, telangiectatic and venous leg varicose veins, poikiloderma of Civatte and pyogenic granuloma, and other diseases with increased vascularity (acne, hypertrophic scars, psoriasis and early striae).
The 595 nm wavelength is also absorbed by the melanin pigment. This causes light-colored areas to form on the skin in the application area.
With the dynamic cooling systems in the new PDLs, the risk of skin damage, pain during application, and possible staining and flaking after treatment have been minimized.
After PDL varicose vein treatment, redness, flaking, edema and blisters may be seen for 7-10 days in a very small number of patients.
The most important factor that ensures successful results is that the laser device to be used is FDA-approved, high-quality and applied by an experienced physician in competent hands.
It is a device found in very few centers due to its high economic value.
Application areas:
Small varicose vein treatment
Telangiectasis (capillaries)
Rosacea (rose disease)
Telangiectatic mattings
Hemangioma
Angioma
Port Wine Stain (wine stains)