Risks involved with IPL laser treatments for rosacea?

I find that fraxel does more for long term antiaging than IPL which helps with browns and reds but doesnt little for wrinkles.  Best, Dr. Emer.

As a fellow rosacea sufferer, I can give you both my professional opinion, and my experiences as a patient. IPL treatments for rosacea tend to have more intense downtime than IPL performed for brown spots and sun damage. Immediately after the treatment, your skin will feel tight and hot, very similar to the way it feels after a sunburn. You should expect 1-2 days of swelling, and possible bruising as well. I tell my patients that, while bruising is not common, it is impossible to predict who will and who will not have it, so everyone should plan "as if". An IPL treatment for rosacea is not a procedure to have within a few days of a graduation, a wedding, or any other big event.That being said, more serious complications, such as scarring, burning, etc., are exceptionally rare in the hands of an experienced provider.Good Luck!-Dr. Flora Waples

We have been treating Rosacea with IPL for over 20 years.    The treatments are extremely safe, if the physician has extensive experience and an effective IPL device.  The problem comes with untrained or poorly trained practitioners who do not completely understand how IPL works or how to read the skin types and adjust the treatments to be both safe and effect.  Dermatologist with extensive experience doing IPL are the best trained to provide comprehensive care including IPL or other treatment options for Rosacea. 

There have been many improvements in IPL treatment over the last few years.  Not all IPL is the same.  If you research the best aesthetic lasers, the Icon platform by Cynosure is at the top.  The IPL is dual filtered which ensures optimal light spectrum based on what pigment you are targeting.  It also has the industry's only melanin reader which helps ensure the proper settings to use.  If you are looking for quality laser skin care, you should look in to the equipment, as well as the experience a facility offers.

There are potential risks with any light based procedures such as lasers or IPL.  It depends on a variety of factors, the most important being your Fitzpatrick Skin Type.  The lighter or whiter you are in general, the less the risk.  In addition, it is important to goto a practice or a provider who has experience in the treatment of your skin type.  There are many devices on the market and while some are certainly  better than others, they pretty much do the same thing.  IPL is a broad band light and it is used to treat both brown and red discoloration on the skin. Some devices have specific filters that can treat one or the other.