IPL or v-beam for facial redness, rosacea? Which is more cost effective and longer lasting?

Question

I'm 20, have suffered from facial redness starting in mid teens, like 14? The dermatologist just said that it's hormones and should go away, well never did and just got worse actually. My face is just red, always. You can see very faint veins that contributes to the redness on my upper cheeks. And right lower cheek. Makeup helps me, but I don't like wearing makeup and would like to be able to go to the store and not have to put on a face. So I'm looking into ipl and v-beams. What is your take?

Cameron Chesnut, MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

The V beam is a brand-name of pulsed dye laser, this laser is very specific to target hemoglobin, an element of our blood and therefore is a great laser for blood vessels. Intense pulsed light, or IPL, is not in fact a laser at all, just as its name suggests it is an intense burst of light. This inherently makes IPL less specific for any certain target. As the old adage says, IPL is a jack of all trades but master of none. Pulsed dye laser on the other hand is definitely a master at targeting blood vessels. If it's truly redness that you are targeting, you cannot go wrong with the pulsed dye laser. As far as lasers go, this is generally an inexpensive option to boot.Make sure your laser surgeon is a dermatologist, oculoplastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who is board certified and fellowship trained and one of these core four cosmetic specialties.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Vbeam laser is an excellent modality for patients who have rosacea, blushing of the skin, facial and body telangiectasia, spider veins, redness, post surgical redness, and skin flushing. It is a safe procedure that can be used at varying depths to help treat micro blood vessels in the skin. We also use it in our office for facial skin inflammation, keloids, and hypertrophic scarring. It is an important part of scar therapy. Vbeam can be combined with chemical peels and other lasers, but experience with the treatment is essential. The Vbeam laser does not affect deeper tissue. Schedule a consultation with an expert in Vbeam and you will find it to be an excellent modality for many skin types. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

The V-Beam laser is the gold standard for treating facial redness. The V-Beam laser works better than the IPL laser for treating facial redness. It works on facial scars, broken blood vessels, leg veins, and acne. It is my favorite laser for rosacea and facial redness.

Nissan Pilest, MD · Answer

In my office I like to treat Redness with Vbeam laser
by Candela/Syneron. Vbeam stands for Vascular beam and will treat all things
red. This laser is very effective for Rosacea, facial veins, leg veins, port
wine stains, etc.

Although IPL can improve broken vessels and redness, I
believe that the Vbeam is gold standard for these types of treatments. You will
get better results in a quicker time frame with Vbeam vs IPL. You generally
need a series of treatments for the best results.

The Vbeam can certainly improve your Rosacea/redness,
but it is also important for you to know that once you are treated, you can
have a Rosacea flare up depending on your triggers.

The most common trigger is sun exposure, remember to
use an SPF 50 daily and seek shade when possible. Certain foods and drinks can
also trigger a flare up, such as spicy foods, hot drinks, caffeine and
alcoholic beverages.

It is best to consult with a Board Certified
Dermatologist to ensure this option is best for you.Click on link below for more information on Vbeam:

IPL or v-beam for facial redness, rosacea? Which is more cost effective and longer lasting?

Answers (4)