Is IPL only good for treating permanent facial redness from rosacea, or can it also be used to treat flushing? (Photo)

Question

I was diagnosed w/ rosacea 6 months ago, and was prescribed metro gel & doxy. Recently had a horrible flare, and nothing is controlling it. Mostly I am just having flushing. Has been going on for a month and is getting worse and worse and lasting longer each day. Considering getting IPL at this point, and I want to know if it will help get rid of this god awful flushing. It stings, burns, and just looks all around not great. Starting to get some very faint redness that just won't go away, too.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Anyone who has read my answers over the past few years will hardly be surprised to learn that I have time and again emphasized that, when it comes to rosacea-related facial flushing, that IPLs, fraxels and the other "next big thing" bells and whistles devices tend to be far more supported by device manufacturer marketing hype than hard science. On the other hand, fortunately, we have two FDA approved vasoconstrictor topicals, Mirvaso and Rhofade, that have proven helpful for temporarily suppressing the flush of rosacea. Moreover, oral and topical tranexamic acid, especially when the latter is used in conjunction with medical microneedling, may also prove helpful in this regard. Since your redness is not associated with active inflammatory lesions, the use of oral doxycycline would seem unnecessary. And while topical metronidazole is appropriate topical therapy for rosacea, it, too, is most effective for treating active inflammatory pimples and pustules, rather than flushing. Topical azelaic acid in my experience would be a more appropriate addition to the above proposed treatment regimen. Finally, microdroplets of Botox placed within the area of flushing have also proven to be effective for this purpose, with effects lasting up to four months. You would do well to consult with a board certified dermatologist. Best of luck.

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I suggest you follow up with your provider. Always see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist. Best of luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

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

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

IPL  is excellent for removing facial redness as well as broken blood vessels. When the redness is decreased, it should improve the Flushing. There are oral medications and topical medications that are available to decrease flushing reactions. Find a dermatologist who has experience with using all the modalities.

Patricia Yugueros, MD · Answer

Yes, IPL is a great treatment for Rosacea.  You might need to have it done every 6 weeks.  Make sure you are wearing a Physical SPF everyday.

Arvind Patel, MD · Answer

Have you tried Rhofade?  This is actually Allergan's newest acquisition.  Allergan is the company that makes Botox and they buy everything that works amazingly well.  I often start patients on Rhofade and do a series of  3 IPL's. The IPL's help more with the redness that you mentioned doesn't go away.  Also, intradermal Botox (sometimes called a Botox facial) works amazing well on facial flushing.

Is IPL only good for treating permanent facial redness from rosacea, or can it also be used to treat flushing? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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