Can KTP laser help with rosacea flushing at all?

Question

Just wondering if KTP laser can help with rosacea flushing at all? I was told by my derm that it’s only effective for getting rid of visible redness and/or visible capillaries. Has anyone had experience with treating patients and reducing flushing with this approach? Thank you

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

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.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

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hello Skye. Your dermatologist is correct.  The KTP laser is best for visible veins.  The vessels associated with Rosacea are often so small that all you see is general redness.  For this reason with Rosacea, a pulsed dye laser is the best option.

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

Great question!  I would agree with your dermatologist that the KTP laser is excellent at reducing visible redness that is there all the time, and treating little capillaries and telangiectases of the face, but unfortunately the laser won't change any internal response that causes the feeling of flushing or an actual active blush that comes and goes.  It might help to investigate what causes you to flush and blush - some people get a reaction to emotional stress, like being nervous, and some people flush from hot or spicy foods, hot beverages, or alcohol.  If you can reduce your triggers, you might have a decrease in incidence of flushing.  Of course, you need to be using a good quality sunscreen every day to help protect the skin from sun, even on cloudy days.  Hope this helps, and best of luck!

Can KTP laser help with rosacea flushing at all?

Answers (4)

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