Real-World Broadband Light Treatment Strategies and Early Treatment Response in Facial Vascular Lesions: A Retrospective Observational Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Broadband light (BBL) therapy is increasingly used for the treatment of facial vascular lesions; however, real-world data regarding individualized treatment strategies and factors associated with treatment outcomes remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate real-world BBL treatment approaches for facial vascular lesions and to investigate the relationship between early treatment response and overall treatment outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective real-world study included 111 patients with facial vascular lesions treated with BBL therapy between March 2023 and September 2025 at a tertiary dermatology center. Diagnoses included rosacea (n = 59), facial telangiectasia (n = 37), hemangiomas (n = 11), and port-wine stains (n = 4). Treatment characteristics, clinical outcomes, and adverse events were analyzed. Clinical efficacy was assessed by two blinded dermatologists using standardized photographs. First-session and overall treatment responses were categorized according to the degree of clinical improvement. Associations between early and overall treatment responses were evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation analysis. RESULTS: Treatment outcomes differed significantly among diagnostic groups (p < 0.001). Rosacea and hemangiomas demonstrated the most favorable responses, whereas facial telangiectasia showed comparatively lower response rates. A moderate positive correlation was observed between first-session and overall treatment responses (ρ = 0.533, p < 0.001). All patients who were early responders (≥ 50% improvement after the first session) subsequently achieved overall treatment success, compared with 46.5% of patients who were non-early responders (p < 0.001). Patients who were early responders also required fewer treatment sessions (p < 0.001). Within major diagnostic groups, no significant associations were identified between specific treatment parameter combinations and overall treatment responses, whereas treatment session number correlated positively with treatment outcomes. Localized microcrusting occurred in 17.1% of patients and resolved without sequelae; no serious adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The observed treatment patterns and outcomes suggest that BBL therapy may be integrated into routine management of facial vascular lesions. Early treatment response was associated with subsequent treatment outcomes and treatment burden, and may provide clinically useful information for individualized treatment planning and patient counseling.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Dermatology and Therapy, 2026 · DOI ↗