Rosacea Treatment

Rosacea

Rosacea ( pronounced “roh-ZAY-sha ”) is a common and potentially life-disruptive disorder. It is characterized by facial flushing and with time the gradual development of persistent facial redness and spider-like blood vessels. It is often punctuated by episodes of inflammatory papules (bumps), pustules (pimples), and swelling.

Although the papulo-pustular elements usually respond to medium or long-term antibiotic therapy, the vascular elements are frequently persistent. Their severity can result in considerable cosmetic embarrassment. Management for many people often includes avoidance of popular foods and alcohol as well as cosmetic camouflage, which can be expensive and time-consuming.

Before Laser Treatment After Laser Treatment

Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology is now well established as an effective means to reduce both the redness and spider vessels and subsequently reduce the overall inflammation seen in Rosacea.

Medical Articles:

Objective and Quantitative Improvement of Rosacea-Associated Erythema After Intense Pulsed Light Treatment. Kenneth A. Mark, MD; Dermatol Surg 2003; 29:600-604.

Treatment of Rosacea with Intense Pulsed Light. Amy Forman Taub, MD; Journal of Drugs in Dermatology; 2002.

Laser Treatment of Erythema and Telangiectasia Associated with Rosacea. S.M. Clark; Lasers Med Sci 2002; 17:26-33.

Pulsed dye laser treatment of rosacea improves erythema, symptomatology, and quality of life. Stephen R. Tan, MD; J Am Acad Dermatol, 2004; 51:592-9.

1. Is Rosacea treatment covered by insurance?	Yes. Rosacea is a medical problem and you will be evaluated by a board-certified physician to establish your candidacy for a particular treatment including laser therapy.
*2. Is Rosacea common?*	Yes. Affects 14 million Americans and 45 million people worldwide.
*3. Is Rosacea contagious?*	No.
*4. Will the laser cure my Rosacea?*	No. Lasers are a treatment and will help diminish or eliminate signs and symptoms. This is a chronic condition that usually requires long-term preventive measures with avoidance of lifestyle and environmental factors that trigger flare-ups.
*5. How does laser therapy work?*	It removes visible blood vessels or reduces extensive redness. Vascular lasers emit wavelengths of light that target tiny blood vessels just under the skin. Heat from the laser’s energy builds in the vessels, causing them to disintegrate. Vascular lasers may also be used to help retard the buildup of excess tissue, and in severe cases a CO2 laser may be used to remove unwanted tissue and reshape the nose. New laser technology has been developed to minimize bruising, and recently developed devices called intense pulsed light sources mimic lasers but generate multiple wavelengths to treat a broader spectrum of tissue.
*6. How many treatments will be required?*	Generally about 6 treatments at 3 to 5 week intervals are required depending on the severity of the redness or visible blood vessels.
*7. When will I see results?*	Usually after 3 treatments.
*8. Is laser treatment painful?*	A topical anesthetic and cooling gel are utilized to keep you comfortable.
9. Are there any side effects from laser treatment?	There may be some slight redness, bruising, and/or swelling but this lasts only a day or so. Specific wavelengths of light are well absorbed by the hemoglobin or red blood cells. Short pulses target only the blood vessels, reducing the chance of damage to surrounding facial tissue.
*10. Are there other treatments for Rosacea?*	Yes. Oral and topical antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat the signs (bumps and pimples). On occasion these will be prescribed in conjunction with the laser therapy. Other medications may also help with the symptoms.