Which treatment for redness, capillaries and mild roseacea?

Question

So far I have been advised by different practitioners that the following is best for me! Laserscope LYRA ND: YAG, Excel, Fractora, V Beam, Gemini and Limelight. Prices range from $280 to $820 for a full face. I want to weep! I am in my 60s with reasonable skin but have an ongoing and fluctuating issue with redness one way or another. I have a limited budget but realize the 'cheapest' may be false economy. HELP!

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

IPL uses a group of wavelengths to treat the skin.  It will help to even out skin tones by getting rid of pigment, and eliminating many of the small blood vessels which occur with rosacea.  There is no downtime, and the treatment can be repeated in about 2-3 weeks if there are any residual vessels.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Brian M. Harmych, MD, FACS · Answer

Intense pulsed light (IPL) or Pulse dye laser (such as the V Beam) would be good options. Be advised that in many cases a series of treatments may be recommended- regardless of the treatment modality. You may need anywhere from 1-5 or 6 treatments. "Cheap" may not be an option as lasers are very expensive to purchase and maintain.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

treatment of broken capillares , roseacea,rednesI agree that IPL or Sciton laser version BBL fotofacial is the treatment of choice..  no down time.   easy treatments predictable.   Our fees are right in the middle

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Many of the lasers you mentioned would improve redness for mild rosacea though the least expensive would be IPL or BBL. For broken capillaries the Diolite Laser, tuneable dye laser work well.

Anthony Corrado, DO · Answer

IPL is the best treament for rosacea and broken capillaries.  Treatment typically consists of 2-3 treatments spaced 2-3 weeks apart.  There is virtually no downtime associated with this procedure making it an excellent option.  Good Luck

Alim R. Devani, MD, FRCPC · Answer

There are many things like avoiding trigers, skin care
products, topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics and lasers (PDL, KTP, IPL) to
treat your rosacea. Skin care products that I have found great results with:

VivierSkin® HEXAM Cleanser -  Rosemary extract,
grape seed extract, and vitamin C aid in thoroughly removing environmental
pollutants, excess oil and makeup.  This is an oil free, alcohol free,
hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic cleanser.

SkinCeuticals® Redness Neutralizer -  Formulated
with NeurMed Complex to help neutralize the environmental triggers that
exacerbate redness. Also contains biomimetic peptides to cool the skin, provide
instant relief and help alleviate and heat sensation.

ViverSkin® LEXXEL Moisturizer -  This cream calms,
soothes, and helps reduce signs of redness, inflammation, irritation and
bacteria. Contains hexamidine, an antimicrobial with powerful anti-redness
properties.

EltaMD® UV Physicial Broad Spectrum SPF 41 - 
Contains zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and is chemical free, natural UV
protection. Water resistant. Light tint.

For the best results please consult a board certified
dermatologist with experience with your condition.

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and in it, you listed many of the best treatments we have for the redness, capillaries associated with mild rosacea. All of them work so the most important thing is to find the right provider that is reputable and knows how to best utilize whichever machine is chosen. It is also very important that you are on a very good skin care routine for rosacea – this is key to maintaining your skin during and after the lasers or light is done. I see all too frequently patients coming to me after getting their rosacea laser or light and on nothing topical (or by mouth) when this is needed to keep the rosacea under control.

Mary M. Dobson, MD · Answer

If your redness is mild, you would be well-satisfied with 2 or 3 BBL treatments.  The Sciton corporation manufactures this newer pulsed light treatment and there is no downtime with the exceptiion of staying out of sunlight before and after for several days.  Sunscreen should certainly be worn all the time and to protect your investment.  The light is mildly uncomfortable, even for the most squeamish patient.  Cost ranges from $300-$450 per treatment, depending on the area you live in.  I strongly suggest going to the Sciton website to view real before and after photos from patients who have done BBL for many years.

Jason R. Lupton, MD · Answer

I typically use the Vbeam laser (pulsed dye laser) for facial redness and have found this to be one of the most effective and reliable methods to reduce redness and capillaries on the face.  Most patients see noticeable improvement in as few as one treatment but further treatments may be necessary depending on the degree of severity.  I find the Vbeam laser to be superior to IPL devices as it is a single wavelength of light that is specific for a component of the blood vessels with little effect on the surrounding skin.  IPL devices may reduce redness but they contain multiple non-specific wavelengths of light and, in my opinion, are more suited to blotchy pigmentation and sun damage.