When it comes to treating rosacea, is there a major difference between the Excel V laser and Pulsed Dye laser?

Question

When it comes to considering the different lasers that can treat diffuse redness, is one laser better than the other? Or are there many factors regarding which laser may be best for each individual?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

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

Carolyn Jacob, MD · Answer

Both wavelengths have been used for over 20 years. The pulsed Dye laser originally caused bruising with treatments, but now there are options to vary the treatments to cause little to no bruising. Both devices may require multiple sessions to improve redness from Rosacea, and it is important to stay on sunscreens and other medications to keep Rosacea under control.

Amy Miller, MD · Answer

This is an excellent question.  Both of these lasers, the Pulse Dye laser, with a wavelength of 595nm and the KTP-YAG (one of the lasers within the Excel V) with a wavelength of 532nm, are great choices for rosacea. They are, in fact, the best choices for the redness and vascularity associated with rosacea--at least in my opinion.  Both of these wavelengths target hemoglobin in the dermis and destroy the capillaries that cause redness.  The difference is the down time.  The PDL literally "explodes" or ruptures the capillaries.  This can cause blood to seep out into the tissue and get "cooked" by the heat of the laser.  The result is what I like to called a cooked bruise, or in medical terms, purpura, and takes awhile to go away.  The KTP-Yag is gentler.  It collapses the vessels and hopefully damages them enough that the body will absorb them.  There is no bleeding or bruising so there is little down time.  However, if the vessels are not damaged enough the body will heal them.  So, there is less downtime but you may need more treatments.  The PDL has significant down time but you may only need one or two treatments.  It really comes down to patient preference.
Hope that all makes some sort of sense!  Best regards,
Dr. Amy

When it comes to treating rosacea, is there a major difference between the Excel V laser and Pulsed Dye laser?

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When it comes to treating rosacea, is there a major difference between the Excel V laser and Pulsed Dye laser?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Excel V

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