Can I have corrective surgery for damaged skin by rosacea?

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

Rosacea comes in many versions, from very mild to very severe. It is usually treated 'medically', that is by using topical medicines and certain skin care products. The goal is usually to 'manage' the rosacea rather than to 'cure' it (very difficult). When there are unwanted vascular changes (redness, visible vessels, very thickened skin), then it is appropriate to treat the skin with certain lasers designed to shrink vessels, reduce oil gland activity and stimulate some new cells. When the nose is affected and creates a condition known as 'rhinophyma', then nasal surgery may be helpful. 

I think of Rosacea as having three components: 1.) the inflammatory pimple-like eruptions which come and go and are treated with medications, 2.) the appearance of many small blood vessels on the nose and cheeks and 3.) the enlargement of oil glands, primarily on the nose. The inflammatory lesions are controlled with the medicines you are using or alternatives, including isotretinoin [accutane] in severe cases. The many tiny blood vessels are successfully treated with vascular lesion lasers. The enlargement of the oil glands on the nose can sometimes also be treated with this type of laser or with resurfacing lasers that can sculpt the nose back to its original size and shape. Insurance may not cover laser treatments for rosacea. 

Excessive skin is called phyma, it can occur in all areas of the face, but most commonly on the nose - hence the term RHINOPHYMA. This condition is a sub set of rosacea, and can occur after many years of inflammation on the nose and face. OK, so how do we correct it? First of all surgery can be performed using a special Hot Knife technique- this is usually preferred by some, but not all plastic surgeons. Most laser specialists (Plastics and Dermatologists) use a CO2 laser. Only one treatment is needed, however recovery can be long- up to 3 weeks or even longer if your phyma is bad. In Australia this condition is deemed Medical and not Cosmetic, and a partial rebate applies for treatment. RegardsDr Davin LimLaser and cosmetic dermatologistBRISBANE, Australiawestderm.com.au