Laser treatment can help diminish visible blood vessels, flushing and redness on the face. Furthermore, it may even assist with an enlarged or bulbous nose caused by certain forms of rosacea.
Pulsed dye laser (PDL) uses narrow beams of light that a dermatologist directs at blood vessels or lesions caused by rosacea to convert light energy into heat energy and destroy problematic blood vessels while leaving surrounding skin undamaged.
Laser Treatment for Rosacea
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a skin condition that affects the face, resulting in redness, visible blood vessels, and thickening skin. Laser treatment offers an effective solution to minimize these symptoms. It’s important to keep in mind the following key points:
Laser or light therapy alone is unlikely to suffice as the sole treatment for rosacea. Generally, it is employed alongside medication and a comprehensive skincare regimen designed specifically for managing rosacea symptoms.
Different types of lasers are utilized to target various aspects of rosacea. To illustrate, CO2 and erbium YAG lasers are capable of reshaping or correcting the nose’s structure affected by jagged or rough-looking tissue caused by rosacea.
Before undergoing laser treatment, individuals should consult their dermatologist regarding their medical history, current medications, and any tendencies towards easy bruising or sensitivity to light.
Laser treatment for rosacea is generally safe and effective. However, it may have some potential side effects. These include mild pain, temporary redness, as well as the possible occurrence of a rash with purple or red spots.
In general, laser treatment may be a favorable choice for individuals experiencing rosacea without witnessing improvement from previous treatments. Nevertheless, consulting with a dermatologist is essential to ascertain if it aligns with your specific needs and circumstances.
Symptoms
Rosacea may seem harmless enough, but it can still cause persistent redness that resembles flushing or sunburn that won’t subside, and lead to pimples, bumps and pustules on your face.
The American Academy of Dermatologists suggests laser treatments as one way to manage or reduce symptoms associated with acne. Laser treatment can target visible blood vessels on the skin to collapse and disintegrate them, often recommended once other forms of treatments have successfully reduced bumps, blemishes and redness.
Vbeam Perfecta laser treatments use heat energy to target veins and pigmentation in the skin. Over several sessions, your body gradually breaks down these damaged vessels to produce a more even complexion and help reduce redness-causing blood vessels, such as those associated with flushing. Pulsed dye lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments may also provide this service.
Preparation
At your cosmetic consultation, our board-certified dermatologist will assess whether laser or light treatment would be an appropriate solution for your rosacea. People suffering from papulopustular rosacea usually respond best to this approach – this type of rosacea often causes redness and pimples that resemble acne; treating early can prevent further worsening of symptoms.
Laser treatments are used to destroy blood vessels within the skin. This treatment can reduce redness on the face and enhance overall skin tone and texture, with treatments like those offered by VBeam Prima using dual wavelength pulsed dye laser devices that use separate frequencies in order to safely eliminate visible blood vessels and telangiectasia while remaining safe for surrounding tissue.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy can also be an effective means of managing redness and flushing caused by rosacea. This painless procedure uses multiple wavelengths of light to target redness while simultaneously improving skin texture and tone.
Procedure
Laser treatments are an efficient and rapid way to manage rosacea symptoms. The Vbeam Perfecta laser delivers pulses of heat energy directly into the skin, breaking down veins and red pigmentation responsible for creating symptoms. Over time, your skin will clear up and appear healthier than before!
The Vbeam laser utilizes both heat and cooling sprays to minimize discomfort during treatment, so you can immediately resume work or other activities afterward.
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes your face to appear as though it is flushing or blushing frequently, as well as pus-filled bumps and patches of thickened skin known as plaques. Rosacea affects 16 million Americans; there are various forms of it including erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular and phymatous rosacea.
Erythematotelangiectatic is an acute form of the condition characterized by redness, dilation of blood vessels (telangiectasias), and blotchy spots. If left untreated it may progress into thickening of skin around the nose known as rhinophyma which could become serious complications.
Recovery
Laser and light treatments may help to diminish broken blood vessels, flushing and skin eruptions associated with rosacea as well as help prevent future flare-ups.
Cynosure’s pulsed dye laser (PDL), for instance, utilizes an optimal wavelength light pulse that penetrates visible blood vessels and lesions that characterize erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. As its dye changes its hue over time, redness and inflammation decrease.
Syneron’s Erbium Laser provides another viable option, offering both ablative and non-ablative capabilities that encourage your body to replace damaged tissues with new. Furthermore, this laser can help reduce pigmentation while evening out skin tone.
A 2019 small study from MedLite demonstrated a 90 improvement rate for 40 participants suffering from erythematotelangiectatic and papules/pimples symptoms. They experienced more even, less blemished skin with lasting effects for three to five years.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Laser Treatment for Rosacea
The potential side effects of laser treatment for rosacea can vary. However, they are generally mild and temporary. It’s important to be aware of some possible side effects:
After laser treatment, it is common for the face or nose to exhibit increased redness. This redness typically diminishes within a few weeks.
Swelling is a common occurrence following laser treatment, leading to temporary inflammation in the treated area. However, this swelling should subside naturally without intervention.
Bruising is a common occurrence after the treatment, with temporary discoloration appearing at the site. Typically, this bruising subsides within one week.
In certain instances, the treated skin may form a crust or scab, which is a normal part of the healing process. Eventually, this crust will naturally slough off.
After undergoing laser treatment, individuals may observe a temporary side effect in the form of a rash characterized by purple or red spots on the treated area. Rest assured that this occurrence is normal and should autonomously dissipate over time.
Itchiness and dry skin can occur as potential side effects of laser treatment. To alleviate these symptoms, it is important to keep the skin moisturized and diligently follow any post-treatment care instructions provided by your dermatologist.
It is important to acknowledge that the side effects of laser treatment for rosacea are generally mild and short-lived. However, seeking advice and discussing any concerns or potential risks with a dermatologist before undergoing the procedure is always recommended. Dermatologists possess valuable expertise and can provide personalized guidance based on each individual’s unique circumstances.
How Many Sessions of Laser Treatment Are Typically Needed for Rosacea
The number of laser treatments for rosacea varies based on severity and laser type. Here are some guidelines:
- Treatments spaced 3-4 weeks apart, allowing ample time for your skin to heal.
- Just one intense pulsed laser (IPL) or Fractionated CO2 Laser treatment brings notable improvement for most patients.
- Pulsed dye lasers safely reduce redness but can leave slight bruises as a side effect.
- The number of sessions required, from 1 to 6, depends on rosacea severity and the laser used.
Remember, laser treatment accompanies medication and a rosacea-friendly skincare plan. For personalized advice, consult your dermatologist.
