Would IPL help my rosacea skin? (Photos)

Question

I have rosacea induced by adapalene, which gave me redness and flushing. I tried metronidazole and soolantra but these resulted in acne I haven't been able to get rid of. I tried azaelic acid gel too and it just seemed to be irritating. I'm not sure what to try next and thinking laser's might help, but am worried about the side effects.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Mary Pentel, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  First I would recommend seeing a dermatologist to evaluate your skin to make sure you have the right diagnosis.  Flushing and redness may be caused by multiple things.  Also address skin barrier issues that may cause your symptoms.  But the answer to your question is that IPL works well for color (i.e. redness and browns).  Just be careful not to have tanned skin before your procedure and you will probably need several sessions.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

there are many options for redness, I suggest you see a physician and start appropriate skin care and vascular laser treatment.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

Broad Band light can be very effective for the treatment of Rosacia. You will need to stay out of the sun before and after the treatment. There is no complete cure for the condition but it can be manged very well

David A. Sieber, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the great question. In my experience, rosacea can be managed very well using IPL. Although it may take 2-3 treatments to see a difference, it definitely works. Just like melasma, the rosacea may come back with time and sun exposure. If this happens, then IPL works well to remove more of the reds from the skin. Best of luck!~Dr. Sieber

Would IPL help my rosacea skin? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: BBL for Rosacea

Answer: BBL for Rosacea

Answer: IPL for Rosacea

Answer: IPL for Rosacea

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about IPL

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

Would IPL help my rosacea skin? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: BBL for Rosacea

Answer: BBL for Rosacea

Answer: IPL for Rosacea

Answer: IPL for Rosacea

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about IPL

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