Rosacea Reduction

Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder characterized by facial flushing, persistent erythema, telangiectasia (small spider veins), and inflammatory papules and pustules affecting the central part of the face. 

Unfortunately no. However, laser treatments can dramatically change the appearance of the skin and ultimately reduce facial redness. The laser is able to selectively treat the tiny veins known as telangiectasia (a precursor to rosacea). By treating the tiny veins and cauterizing the blood vessels, it decreases the redness, pore size, and overall inflammation.

Yes and no. There are prescription medications to help with the early to late stages in the progression of the condition. However, the medications are unable to change or reverse any of the progression that has already taken place. The benefit of the laser is that it is capable of changing the actual appearance of the skin’s texture and to some extent reverse the damage that has been done.

While skin redness may be reduced in a single treatment, most individuals require between 2-4 treatments to achieve the desired results. People with more telangiectasia may require additional treatments in order to treat all the small veins. By doing so, you will be able to achieve more long term results. 

It is important to remember that there is no cure for rosacea, but laser treatments can produce impressive results in the reduction of overall facial redness and irritation. It should be noted that while laser treatments are very significant in making visual changes quickly, laser treatments will be needed to maintain the appearance of the skin.

Surprisingly, the laser treatment is very tolerable! Usually, if the skin is more inflamed before the treatment or if there is a larger number of tiny broken capillaries present, the treatment may be a bit more intense. A beneficial quality of lasers is that treatments are very quick, usually only 20 minutes or less. 

For someone who is treating the skin for the first time or is more sensitive to pain, we offer the option of a topical anesthetic that can be applied to the area to make the treatment more comfortable. 

In multiple case studies and in our experience, there have been no observed side effects. Immediately after treatment, there may be mild redness in the area, which fades within one day. 

The amount of treatments needed as well as how often they should be performed varies based on each individual’s specific needs.

Typically, it is most common to complete a series of 4 treatments every 3-4 weeks apart when first beginning. After 4 treatments, it is for you to determine the best maintenance schedule. Mainly, it is about recognizing what triggers cause the flare ups so they can be avoided and treatments can be minimized. 

Don’t worry! We are here to give you our professional advice and make recommendations for your treatments and treatment schedule.