Is Rosacea Laser Treatment Right for You?

Anyone who has rosacea knows it’s hard to get rid of the red – topical therapies are only effective to a point. However, there is an option to erase the damage done and give you an even complexion: laser treatment for rosacea. Rosacea laser treatment uses heat from wavelengths of light to disintegrate the visible, tiny red blood vessels just underneath the skin.

Laser treatment for rosacea is effective for people who have small red lines on their face and for people who tend to have a red face all the time.
People who flush bright red at certain times but tend not to have a constant red face can also be treated with laser treatments, but this is the most difficult form of rosacea to treat.

Laser Treatment Procedures for Rosacea

There are a few types of laser treatments or light therapies – which are sometimes lumped in with laser treatments, but are technically non-laser therapies – your dermatologist may use to clear up your rosacea.

• Pulsed dye laser (PDL). This laser works specifically on the broken blood vessels under the skin because it pinpoints the color red in the skin.
• Intense pulsed light (IPL). IPL isn’t actually a laser. It’s light of multiple wavelengths, but it works well at getting rid of broken blood vessels and brown pigmentation in the skin. It’s also less expensive than laser treatment.

PDL and IPL treatments will cause some pinkness and puffiness afterward. Your doctor may give you an ice pack to use after the procedure, and these side effects should subside in 10 or 15 minutes. Some people may need an antihistamine to help with the swelling.

The Pros of Laser Treatment for Rosacea:

There are good reasons to choose a rosacea laser treatment:

• The results are long-lasting. You’ll get a better outcome when you get laser or light treatment compared to using a topical medicated cream alone. Once your treatments are completed, you’ll see benefits for quite a while; some people have reported having clearer skin for up to eight years. You can also help to maintain your clear skin after the treatment with topical therapies.
• Risks and side effects are low. When done in a dermatologist’s office and by trained professionals, the risks and side effects of laser treatments are very low.

The Cons of Laser Treatment for Rosacea:

Laser and light treatments are effective options, but come with these caveats:

• The cost is high. Most of the time, insurance companies don’t cover laser treatments, so you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket for the procedure. It could get costly.
• If the lasers are used improperly, there are serious risks. Laser and light therapies can cause burns, blisters, scars, and skin discoloration if they’re not used the right way. That’s why having these treatments at a dermatologist’s office where the staff is trained to use the devices correctly and the risks are very low, are recommended rather than at a salon or spa where the staff may not be properly trained.

The Kopelson Clinic offers a myriad of advanced dermatological treatments and procedures, Dr. Kopelson and his staff provide personalized clinical suggestions and cosmetic dermatology services to customize each patient’s specific medical and cosmetic concerns.

Click here or contact The Kopelson Clinic to schedule an appointment today.