Yag Laser vs V Beam: which one is more effective for rosacea?

Vbeam laser is an excellent modality for patients who have rosacea, blushing of the skin, facial and body telangiectasia, spider veins, redness, post surgical redness, and skin flushing. It is a safe procedure that can be used at varying depths to help treat micro blood vessels in the skin. We also use it in our office for facial skin inflammation, keloids, and hypertrophic scarring. It is an important part of scar therapy. Vbeam can be combined with chemical peels and other lasers, but experience with the treatment is essential. The Vbeam laser does not affect deeper tissue. Schedule a consultation with an expert in Vbeam and you will find it to be an excellent modality for many skin types.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

I appreciate your question. Rosacea is a challenging condition to keep in check, but there are treatments that are quite effective in keeping symptoms at bay for a time. I like the Vbeam for this purpose because it is designed to target vascular concerns like visible capillaries and the flushing from very fine capillaries. The laser targets the blood inside the vessel, collapsing it so it fades from view. Surrounding skin and tissue is left undamaged. I advise you to find a board-certified dermatologist with expertise in managing rosacea. While the condition cannot be cured, the right treatments can help you ensure smoother, clearer skin.  Once we perform a series of approximately 3 treatments, a maintenance treatment is recommended to keep rosacea symptoms at bay. Typically, this is one treatment every 6 – 12 months.

Hello and thank you for your question. I often use the Vbeam to address symptoms of rosacea, as this device is specifically designed to address diffuse redness and visible vessels that are common with this condition. The laser is extremely safe when used by an experienced, board-certified dermatologist. Keep in mind that rosacea is a chronic condition that cannot be “cured.” However, there are treatments like the Vbeam that can keep symptoms at bay. Make sure the doctor you choose has expertise in working with patients with rosacea as this condition can be one of the most challenging to treat effectively. 

In my practice, we often say that the two battles are rosacea and melasma. We don't have anything curative since they can return and it often seems like we are just keeping it at bay. Having said that, we can make a really nice difference if the patient stays committed to the program. We have had good success with Rozatrol and daily power defense with the ZO line. Plus our patients do Deluxe hydrafacial treatments with Rozatrol boosters. This combination alone really helps but then we add some laser genesis (YAG laser) for the redness. This layered approach can really make our patients pleased. 

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), peels and botox to the cheeks. This makes dramatic changes in color and symptoms. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer