Rosacea & Capillary Laser Treatments by Senior Dermatologists

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea and facial telangiectasia (broken blood vessels) occur when small red or purple vessels or redness are present on the cheeks, around the nose and chin. Apart from being a cosmetic concern, the vessels and redness often worsen skin flushing and burning. They are usually chronic and progressive, becoming more prominent with time and ongoing sun exposure.

The condition can be aggravated by:

Heat
Ultraviolet light
Alcohol
Spicy food
Anxiety/emotional stress
Vasodilator medications
Facial telangiectasia/ rosacea is also associated with sun damage

How can it be treated?

Lasers are traditionally most effective for facial telangiectasia/ rosacea. Pulse Dye Lasers are very effective but may produce redness which can last 7-14 days. IPL can also be used for facial telangiectasia/ rosacea and has a larger treatment head that enables faster treatments. Multiple treatments may be required and underlying rosacea needs to be well managed. Antibiotics are helpful for the inflammatory papules and pustules. The patient should avoid the factors that may aggravate the condition.

What to expect?

Both IPL and laser for telangiectasia/ rosacea are less painful when used in conjunction with a skin-cooling device and local anaesthetic cream. Patients may experience a mild degree of oedema and erythema post treatment. These changes usually last for a couple of days, and have the appearance of moderate sunburn. For the 48 hours post treatment for telangiectasia/ rosacea, the patient should avoid any activities that may lead to flushing, such as sun exposure, excess heat and alcohol.

Patients are usually pleased with the improvement from their first treatment of telangiectasia/ rosacea. For best results, patients may require up to three treatments. It is important for patients to be aware that it is natural for the conditions of telangiectasia/ rosacea to recur over years but this can be addressed with repeat treatments and cosmeceutical support.

Capillaries Before & After