What can be causing redness on my cheeks and which procedure can help correct this?

Question

I had acne on my cheeks when I was in my teens (10 years ago). Although my acne cleared up, the skin on my cheeks is still red, and the skin is of poor quality. I have attached a picture for clarity. What is causing the redness? How can I reduce the redness and improve the quality of my skin? Thanks in advance!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Accutane is a go-to medication for patients with recalcitrant cystic acne. It can reduce pore size and also reduce sebum production in your skin, making it less oily; and in turn, dryer. Accutane can be used to control acne, but patients receiving the medication should be carefully monitored. In terms of skincare, always wear an appropriate sunscreen and reduce direct sun exposure. In my patients, I recommend a good ceramide moisturizer such as Elevase whenever they are on Accutane. This will keep the skin hydrated and reduce the oiliness of the skin that is associated with oil-based moisturizers.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The overall redness is somewhat subtle in the photos and the resolution not sufficient to easily determine whether so-called "broken blood vessels" (telangiectasias) are contributing to the problem. However, generally speakiong, if overall redness is the issue, then the use of mesotox ( tiny intradermal boluses of Botox) can be helpful in reducing the erythema. Alternatively, professionally performed microneedling (not RF microneedling) accompanied by redness reducing agents can also be used. If numerous small broken blood vessels are playing a significant role, the light radiowave treatment with the Ellman Surgitron epilating current has proven a quick, simple, and inexpensive means for treating this. You would be wise to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and be very wary of claims for this or that expensive, here-today-gone-tomorrow laser or other gizmo treatments whose support for use stems from marketing hype and social media influencer misinformation, rather than any hard science. Hope this helps and best of luck.

What can be causing redness on my cheeks and which procedure can help correct this?

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