New developments in laser technology have enabled improved therapy of small and large leg telangiectasia. While sclerotherapy remains the gold standard of treatment. laser therapy should be considered a first line approach for isolated. superficial. fine-caliber, nonarborizing telangiectasia and postsclerotherapy telangiectatic matting. Laser therapy is an excellent option for patients who are fearful of needles or have demonstrated a poor response to sclerotherapy injections. Recent studies have demonstrated good clearance of leg telangiectasia and reticular veins using a variety of laser systems with deeper penetrating, near-infrared wavelengths and higher fluences in conjunction with various epidermal cooling methods. As with sclerotherapy, optimal results are achieved with lasers when larger feeding vessels are treated first using appropriate modalities.

Although sclerotherapy is a highly effective treatment modality, there has been great interest in developing laser techniques that would be simpler to perform and provide improved efficacy with limited side effects.