IPL for rosacea?

Question

Really interested in trying IPL for rosacea next year but very worried in things going wrong and the possibility of making it worse. Does IPL really help with the redness and burning/flushing ? there's very mixed reviews on this and that is after 3-4 IPL sessions. I've been on a low dose isotretinoin for just over 2 months now and theres no real improvement, it's worse now than when i started. does IPL help with the inflammatory ? I suffer from redness and flushing, rash type marks.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. For rosacea, I like a combination approach, using lasers (ProYellow, Pulsed Dye/Vbeam, Excel V, BBL, Pico), peels and botox to the cheeks. This makes dramatic changes in color and symptoms. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

A.J. Amadi, MD · Answer

Rosacea is a chronic condition of the skin that unfortunately will never completely disappear. We can only reduce the appearance of the redness and this is temporary depending on the severity of the condition as well as avoiding potential triggers and irritations. Most IPL treatment outcomes depend on a variety of factors, including the ability to follow post-care instructions and the technician performing the procedure.

It is NOT recommended to receive any type of light based treatment while taking isotretinoin until the medication has been completed and discontinued for at least 3 months.

This response is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider.

Donn R. Chatham, MD · Answer

Rosacea can be a very troublesome condition and it is rarely 'cured' bust often can be 'managed'. Apart from the 'triggers' that seem to bring it on what can we control? When the vessels dilate enough to create a visible unwanted redness, the the IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy applied directly to the cheeks, chin, nose and other skin affected can reduce the redness and even reduce some of the unwanted microorganisms associated with rosacea. ILP is very carefully performed so as not to create  heat related problems with the skin.

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