Is there a reason pulsed dye laser won't work on my rosacea?

Question

I'm a 18 years old white male and had 11 subpurpuric vbeams followed by 5 subpurpuric excel v laser treatments over the course of 2 years. My skin doesn't visibly look like it has improved to other people but might be 10% better. Is there a reason why I might not be having a response? I have noticed treatments make me flush really badly the 3rd week after treatment, is that normal? Should I just stick with treatment until my skin gets clear?

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Severe cases of rosacea can take longer to see improvements.  The Vbeam Perfecta is one of the best lasers to have rosacea treatments with.  The settings are as important as the provider pulling the trigger.  The Vbeam Perfecta by Candela is my go-to machine for rosacea.  If not a Candela machine, find one and try that for 2-3 treatments.   I hope this helps!

Heidi A. Waldorf, MD · Answer

Modern vascular lasers that include surface cooling (like the Vbeam pulsed dye laser with dynamic cooling) have revolutionized treatment of the telangiectatic (blood vessel) part of rosacea.  Most patients can now have reduced redness without post treatment purpura (purple, bruising).  However, laser treatment does not work as well for diffuse redness or flushing without visible vessels.  Ask your dermatologist about doing a trial of the topical precription vasoconstrictor Mirvaso.  Mirvaso starts working about 30 minutes after application and can reduce redness for about 8 to 12 hours so it can be applied daily or as needed.  Mirvaso doesn't work for flushing but can reduce some of the background redness not improved with laser in selected patients.

David Dellinger, DO, FACOS · Answer

Pulsed dye laser treatments with a purpuric response almost always seem to be more effective than nonpupuric ones, however the appearance and downtime are disconcerting to many people.Another alternative would be a series of IPL treatments, especially the Sciton BBL by an experienced laser surgeon.

Is there a reason pulsed dye laser won't work on my rosacea?

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Is there a reason pulsed dye laser won't work on my rosacea?

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Everything you need to know about Pulsed Dye Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.