What laser treatment is best for rosacea?

Question

I have rosacea and surface capillaries, as well as thin, translucent skin. I'm thinking of having Pixel Laser treatments, but I'd like to know first, what Fitzpatrick skin types are recommended for Pixel Laser?

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

For the problems you are describing (rosacea and vessels), Intense Pulsed Light treatments are (in my opinion) the gold standard.
These can be performed in your doctor's office quickly and comfortably, and with little to no "down-time".

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

Renuka Diwan, MD · Answer

There are many kinds of lasers available and trying to decide which is the best for your particular problem can be confusing. I would recommend treatment with a laser that specifically targets capillaries and redness. Lasers can produce different wavelengths of energy and each wavelength has a specific target so that only the skin problem is treated without damage to the rest of the tissue. The lasers that will be effective for this problem include the Gemini laser and the Excel V. These lasers are effective not only for capillaries but also redness. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) can also be used effectively. The Pixel laser is not the ideal laser for you. Please consult a dermatologic surgeon or board-certified dermatologist with expertise in laser treatments to guide you. It's important to understand that the results of a laser treatment are highly dependent on the skill and experience of the laser physician. Besides, a skin specialist can help you manage the underlying rosace so that you get fewer capillaries and less redness in the future. I hope this helps.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Ok, to answer your questions in logical sequence. First of all PIXEL is not first line for rosacea - rosacea targeted treatments include- V beam , IPL, 755 Alex, 1064 nm long pulse in paint mode. 95% of the time I pick up the V Beam as the laser of choice, this can safely treat up to skin type 4, no problems. If you have darker skin a 755 or 1064 can help. I also use an IPL for rosacea. Dr Davin Lim Aesthetic and Laser DermatologistBrisbane, Australia

Jeffrey C. Poole, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

The redness and capillaries of Rosacea are best treated with a vascular specific laser or light source.  The most effective laser, and gold standard treatment for this type of Rosacea is the Pulsed Dye Laser, with the VBeam laser being far and away the most commonly utilized.  Other options include the 532-KTP lasers and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) devices, but I generally find these less effective with more potential for side effects.

	Pixel Lasers treatments are used for resurfacing-- improvement of such things as lines, wrinkles, textures and scarring.  They are generally safe in all lighter skin types and most Asian, Hispanic or Middle Eastern skin.   I personally would not treat darker skin types, such as African-American skin (Fitzpatrick V or VI).

What laser treatment is best for rosacea?

Answers (5)

Answer: Pixel not first line for rosacea. Try V beam or IPL

Answer: Pixel not first line for rosacea. Try V beam or IPL

Answer: Laser treatment of rosacea

Answer: Laser treatment of rosacea

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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What laser treatment is best for rosacea?

Answers (5)

Answer: Pixel not first line for rosacea. Try V beam or IPL

Answer: Pixel not first line for rosacea. Try V beam or IPL

Answer: Laser treatment of rosacea

Answer: Laser treatment of rosacea

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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