Laser Resurfacing not advisable for Rosacea

Bryan K. Chen, MD answers: Fraxel Re:pair vs TCA Chemical Peel

I am going to schedule some sort of resurfacing procedure in the next couple of weeks. Fraxel Re:pair looks like a great option. How does it compare to a TCA chemical peel? Also, I am 31 years old with pale but very oily skin and large pores. I have sun damage, some acne scars, fine lines and the beginning of jowl lines. I also have rosacea and a few broken capillaries. Will the Re:pair laser cover these issues better than other options?


Bryan K. Chen, MD
9 months ago

People with rosacea tend to have more sensitive skin. If this is true of you, I would caution you about getting laser resurfacing procedures or deeper chemical peels since they can make your skin more sensitive and worsen rosacea signs and symptoms. I will acknowledge that some people with rosacea can tolerate a skin resurfacing procedure.

In general, sensitive rosacea-prone skin responds best to other laser/light devices such as the V-beam pulsed-dye laser and intense pulsed light (IPL/photofacial) that address dilated blood vessels and redness. You probably could tolerate light chemical peels e.g. Jessners to decrease oil production in the skin.

Good luck.

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