COMPARATIVE HISTOLOGICAL STUDIES OF THE TUNABLE DYE (AT 577 NM) LASER AND ARGON-LASER - THE SPECIFIC VASCULAR EFFECTS OF THE DYE-LASER

[摘要] The histological changes occurring after argon laser and dye laser (operating at 577 nm) treatment of normal human skin are compared. The initial effect of the argon laser is a diffuse nonspecific epidermal and upper dermal necrosis with subsequent cell death and a neutrophilic response at 48 h. These changes occur at 15 J/cm2 and their extent closely correlates with the energy applied. The immediate effect of the dye laser is erythrocyte aggregation, vessel rupture and hemorrhage. At 48 h, there is a pattern of acute vasculitis in the upper dermis and a prominent perivascular neutrophilic response in the mid-dermis. Focal epidermal necrosis does occur but is relatively minimal, while skin appendages and collagen are preserved. The energy to produce these alterations is relatively small, approximately 3 J/cm2. The dye laser at 577 nm can selectively damage the cutaneous vascular plexus and may provide a basis for treatment of cutaneous vascular lesions.