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KTP Laser to Remove Brown Spots?

I have one large brown spot on my face about 1 cm in diameter. I went to see a dermatologist who told me that his office can use KTP Laser to remove this brown spot and smaller ones around the face.

But then I read online that KTP Laser is use to remove red vessels on the face? I'm confused.

Asked 31 months ago by ytsirk978 in Northern Ca
Sort 6 expert answers by:
+2

IPL good for brown spots

There is a variety of laser to treat brown spots. Ruby lasers have been used for years. I prefer IPL as it is gentle to the skin and has a rejuvenating effect  as well.
Robert Kasten, MD
Mainz Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Laser treatment of brown spots

A  KTP (532nm) laser can be used to treat pigmented lesions. The ideal treatment for "brown spots" varies depending on the details of the spot.  This can be determined by your physician when he/she examines you prior to treatment.  If there is any question as to whether a pigmented lesion is benign then it should be biopsied prior to starting treatment.
Paul Carniol, MD
Summit Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

KTP laser works well for blood vessels AND pigmented spots.

KTP lasers utilize laser energy at 532nm, which is coherent green light. (KTP stands for Postassium--chemical symbol K, T stands for titanyl, and P for phosphate: the potassium titanyl phosphate crystal is  used to double the frequency (halving the wavelength) of a Nd-YAG 1064nm near-infrared laser). At this green wavelength of 532nm, there is pretty good absorption of the laser energy by two things present in skin, hemoglobin and melanin, the skin suntan pigment. The rest of... more
Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS
Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon
+1

The most up to date modality for brown spots on face is the IPL or Photofacial

KTP is an older multi use laser that will remove brown spots. I use IPL Green because it is effective but also "gentler" than the laser and creates minimal down time. It is also much easier to use IPL to treat the whole face to machieve a uniform skin color free of brown spots and broken blood vessels.
Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Lasers for brown spots

 There are many different lasers and skin care programs that can treat brown spots. The KTP is one modality. I prefer IPL.  Some patients do fine with skin care regimens of hydroquinone and retin-A based products as well.
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
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