IPL Was Unsuccessful for Rosacea Redness. Pulsed Dye an Option?

asked 1 year ago by Firedan5415 in San Luis Obispo, CA
Latest answer by Brian Dubow, MD
Question viewed 930 times
Tags: cheeks, nose, redness, options, rosacea

I have persistent redness in my cheeks and nose. I've tried 3 IPL sessions at a local business, with no results other than a patchy beard. I'm frustrated and I need options! I work as a Reserve Firefighter, so downtime is a concern. Do I have any more options? I've tried Topicals, Orals, everything! The redness is still at large. Thanks for your help!

6 answers to IPL Was Unsuccessful for Rosacea Redness. Pulsed Dye an Option?

Yes, PDL works much better for rosacea

Pulsed dye laser is a much better option to treat rosacea, it is just that most offices do not own one so try and make their IPL machines work. If you are in the LA area feel free to come see me for a consultation, I am one of the 6 offices in Los Angeles to own a Vbeam pulsed dye laser, the top of the line for PDL.

Brian Dubow, MD
Los Angeles Dermatologic Surgeon

Pulsed dye laser (V Beam) works great for rosacea

In our office we have both a V Beam (pulsed dye laser) and a Lum 1 (IPL) and we use both for rosacea. Both work well and when one doesn't work well for an individual it is worth trying the other one. At higher levels the V Beam has more down time (purple marks) than the IPL (coffee grind appearance) but at lower levels the V Beam might only cause temporary redness as a side effect.

Lorrie Klein, MD
Laguna Niguel Dermatologic Surgeon

Pulsed Dye is Superior to IPL for Redness.

Hi FireDan. Not only is the pulsed dye laser an option for you but it is a far superior option to IPL. The problem with IPL is that it is a "jack-of-all-trades" but master of none. It is designed with multiple uses and types of light. The problem is that it cannot achieve high enough fluences (energy) to properly close the troublesome small blood vessels associated with advanced Rosacea. This is where the pulsed dye laser (and bruising doses come in)... more

Harold J. Kaplan, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

KTP or V-beam beat IPL for redness every time

I do like the V-beam for scars and it obviously works well for redness in general, but I prefer the KTP Laser (Gemini) for treating discrete blood vessels and background redness associated with rosacea. Either pulsed-dye (V-beam) or KTP are both far superior to IPL for targeting redness. IPL can improve redness, but this will take many treatments and is really just not the right tool for the job. KTP lasers are more likely to give you swelling after the procedure,... more

Michael Howard Swann, MD
Springfield Dermatologic Surgeon

Pulsed Dye Laser may be worth a try

Pulsed dye laser may certainly be successful in situations where IPL hasn't worked. Some people prefer the pulsed dye laser (PDL) as their first choice for redness in rosacea. My experience is that the flushing and background redness respond less predictably than the small red blood vessels which you can see on close inspection. Most people have minimal side effects with 1-2 days, if that, of mild swelling. In larger areas of treatment you may get some bruising... more

Daniel Berg, MD
Seattle Dermatologic Surgeon

Pulsed Dye Laser for Rosacea

I always prefer the pulsed dye laser to treat the redness and fluching associated with rosacea. I feel it is superior to most IPL devices. The laser is more specific at targeting the unwanted blood vessels that impart the red and ruddy look to the skin. Downtime should not be too signifcant with this laser and there should be no removal of any facial hair either. Post operative effects usually include mild to moderate redness and swelling - but these can usually... more

Jason R. Lupton, MD
San Diego Dermatologist

Ask a question

Get Free Email Updates