SKIN TREATMENTS

Laser Treatments for Rosacea
Review the newest laser & light based treatments to reduce the appearance of rosacea including facial redness, flushing & spider veins.

While there is no cure for rosacea, and the cause is unknown, therapy is available to control or reverse its signs and symptoms.

The Vbeam Pulsed Dye Laser is one type of laser treatment that is being used to combat rosacea. The Vbeam Laser can reduce the facial redness, flushing and spider veins commonly seen with rosacea patients. The Vbeam laser delivers an intense burst of light to the skin, and this light is absorbed by undesirable blood vessels. The result is reduced redness of the face & a more even complexion. The Vbeam laser also treats Telengectasias (spider veins), another symptom seen in later stages of rosacea.

Dr. Jeffrey Dover, a dermatologist near Boston, MA, recently stated in an interview about the V-Beam laser "Surface vascularity in rosacea is not improved by medications, while pulsed dye laser treatment remains the gold standard for treatment of telangiectasia, redness and flushing due to rosacea.

Another light based treatment used to treat rosacea is Photodynamic Therapy. This treatment uses a topical application of ALA (Levulan) which is exposed to UV light. The light penetrates through the skin and is absorbed by the abnormally dilated vessels or pigmentation. The heat from the light impairs the vessel or lesion causing the body’s natural healing process to begin. Like the Vbeam laser, the redness & flushing associated with Rosacea can be see significant reduction with Photodynamic Therapy. An estimated 80-90% reduction can be obtained.

IPL Fotofacial treatments have also been known to help reduce rosacea conditions. Recent studies conclude that IPL can safely and effectively reduce the following signs of rosacea in some patients: Dilated blood vessels, Persistent redness & flushing & acne like breakouts. A 2003 study pulished in the “Journal of Drugs in Dermatology” looked at the effects of IPL treatment on the persistent redness, flushing, and breakouts associated with rosacea. The study concluded that 83% of patients given IPL treatments for Rosacea experienced reduced redness. 75% had less flushing and improved skin texture, while 64% reported fewer acne-like breakouts.

Typical IPL systems used for the treatment of flushing & redness commonly associated with Rosacea include the Lumenis Quantum & the Palomar Rejuvelux. A similar light based therapy called the Cutera Limelight system which has been used to treat both redness & facial flushing.

Top Laser & IPL Photofacial Treatments for Rosacea