Rosacea

Rosacea treatments At A Glance

  • Best Results1-4 treatments
  • Treatment Recovery0-3 days
  • Procedure Time10-30 min
  • Skin SpecialistDermal therapist, nurse, dermatologist
  • Duration of ResultsWeeks to 12 months
  • AnaestheticLaser cooling
  • Back to WorkImmediately-2 days
  • Cost$-$$

Rosacea

Rosacea, redness, broken capillaries, as well as flushing and blushing, are common medical conditions. Treating the cause and triggers of rosacea & facial redness is equally as important as getting the best laser treatments done. I see two peaks of rosacea in Brisbane, one in Winter, and the other in Spring. These are due to flare factors. Medicare partially covers the cost of laser treatment for rosacea.

FactsImportant facts on treating rosacea and facial redness

  • Rosacea is a form of ‘adult acne
  • It can present as pimples, redness, flushing, broken capillaries, and even excessive skin production of the nose
  • Lasers can decrease redness, flushing, and blushing as well as broken capillaries
  • The use of correct anti-inflammatory skin care & avoidance of flare factors is equally as important in the management of rosacea
  • My team can guide you in regards to an optimal, individualized rosacea management program, suited for your skin type
  • Everyone will have their own pattern of rosacea including red noses, pimples, blushing, diffuse capillaries, sensitive skin, and even eye symptoms.

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea, unlike acne is a chronic (life long) condition, however the good news is that it can be effectively controlled with lifestyle changes, diet, products and of course laser.

Rosacea can present in several ways- redness & broken capillaries, pimples, and thickening of the skin – especially on the nose.

How common is rosacea?

Up to 10% of the population suffer from this condition- especially if you live in Queensland as the high UV index contributes to this condition. In Brisbane, rosacea is seasonal- most patients present in the months of Winter and Spring. Famous people who suffer from rosacea include Princess Diana and President Clinton.

This condition is genetic, modified by environmental factors & internal factors such as stress. The aim of rosacea management is to increase the duration of remission periods.

What treatments are there for rosacea?

The main stay of treating rosacea is the avoidance of trigger factors such as foods, stress, UV and products that can irritate your skin (toners, SLS, and other chemicals).

The second tier is to use anti-inflammatory creams & tablets. La Roache Posay provide and excellent range of products for rosacea prone skin. In some cases, anti-inflammatory prescription medication maybe required.

The third method is with laser- this is especially useful if you have redness associated with rosacea, or thickened skin.

Prior to seeing a dermatologist, patients should see their GP for a trail of Rozex & antibiotics such as Doxycycline, Erythomycin or Minocycline.

Which is better, IPL or laser for rosacea?

90% of patients respond better to laser such as V BEAM 595 compared to IPL. This is because laser is more focused and accurate compared to IPL.

Additionally, laser treatment of rosacea and facial veins gives you a Medicare Rebate, whilst IPL does not.

Laser treatment is also more comfortable as a cooling spray is used prior to lasing. Most patients require between 2-3 sessions to control redness. Ideally laser should be combined with anti-inflammatory medications.

Rosacea

Davin’s viewpoint on treating rosacea and redness

Dr Davin Lim

Laser Dermatologist

Brisbane

Rosacea, facial redness and broken capillaries are one of the common conditions that I treat. There are two distinct peaks of rosacea- one during winter and the other in spring. Changes in temperature & UV exposure account for the flare ups.

Most patients do not realise that this is a medical condition and that patients can get a rebate from Medicare.

Education of the patient is the first step I take. Identifying and avoiding flare factors forms the basis of treatments. The second step is to use anti- inflammatory medications, such as vitamins, tablets, and creams. Foods such as alcohol, spicy foods, and life’s luxuries like chocolate can flare rosacea, and these have to be approached in moderation. Lasers play a small but important role in reducing redness, & capillaries. I find that laser over IPL treatment is more effective for rosacea. Patients with rhinophyma are referred for CO2 laser resurfacing.

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