Laser Treatment for Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition that is estimated to affect more than 14 million people in the United States, according to the National Rosacea Society. If you have a red-faced appearance with red acne-like lesions, you may be suffering from rosacea. Rosacea flare-ups can be triggered by many things, and your flare-ups are probably unique to you. The first thing you need to do is find a dermatologist to guide you with treatment. Many dermatologists are using lasers to treat this vascular condition. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types of Treatment
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The pulsed dye laser (PDL) was approved by the FDA in 2002 to treat rosacea. The redness associated with rosacea is the appearance of fine blood vessels close to the skin's surface. The laser light energy is attracted to the blood vessels in the skin or the blood in rosacea lesions and effectively breaks up these vascular conditions. The laser also stimulates the skin to produce new collagen. Laser light therapy for rosacea is done in a series of treatments over time.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) laser treatment for rosacea uses short pulses of visible light to treat your skin. IPL differs from PDL lasers in the amount and intensity of light delivered to the skin and absorbed by the blood. Your body will remove the injured skin and replace it with new smoother skin. IPL laser therapy may be combined with the PDL laser to treat more effectively. This is a nonablative treatment and is done in a series of treatments.
What to Expect From Treatment
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Your skin will be cleansed and a topical anesthetic may be applied. Most people tolerate this laser treatment very well, so a topical may not be needed. The laser is equipped with a cooling spray that precedes each pulse of the laser. You and your doctor will wear protective eyewear. The laser is passed over your skin to treat the affected areas. Treatment usually takes about 30 minutes depending on the size and severity of your skin condition.
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After Treatment
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You will need to protect your skin from sun exposure. Wear protective sunscreen or sunblock and don't tan. You might notice some redness or swelling in the treatment area, but this should go away in a few days. Alternating warm and cool compresses will help with swelling. Keep your skin moisturized and use the skin-care options your doctor recommends.
Considerations
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Laser treatment for Rosacea is always done in a series. Plan to have two to three treatments over a six- to eight-week period. Cost of treatment is about $300 to $600 per treatment. Laser treatments are typically not covered by insurance. Tell your doctor if you are diabetic or have a tendency to develop keloids.
Tips
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Rosacea is not curable. Rosacea can be controlled with laser therapy, but you still need to stay away from the things that trigger your rosacea, like hot spicy foods, warm baths, stress and alcohol. Follow-up treatment is recommended, and avoiding sun exposure and tanning is vital for controlling your skin condition.
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