This is the third promising looking paper on KTP Laser in the last 2 years. KTP stands for Potassium Titanyl Phosphate – aren’t you glad you asked !
Treatment of erythematotelangiectactic rosacea with a KTP YAG laser., Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2005 Nov-Dec;4(6):760-2., Miller A., St Louis Skin Solutions, MO 63131, USA.
The flushing and telangiectasias associated with rosacea are notoriously difficult to treat with standard medications. Newer technologies, namely medical lasers and light sources, have made it possible to control and improve erythematotelangietatic signs of rosacea. The potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser in particular is an efficacious and safe tool for treatment of this disease.
Conclusion: The latest addition to the laser armamentarium is the KTP YAG laser. Its relatively short wavelength at 532 nm and high affinity for oxyhemoglobin makes it ideal for targeting vasculature that is superficial in the skin. Unlike the PDL, which causes explosive vessel rupture and leakage, the KTP YAG allows for a slower, more gentle heating, coagulation, and collapse of the vessel. This minimizes pain and purpura.
The KTP YAG laser has the advantage of being able to produce high fluences like the PDL, but is able to deposit that energy over a longer period of time due to longer pulse widths. This allows for adequate thermal damage to the target, while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. These characteristics make it ideal for treating the pathology involved in erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. As laser treatment becomes more common in the outpatient setting, the KTP YAG may prove to be the most useful modality for this stubborn form of rosacea.
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