Luckily, there are treatments available for this condition, and though there is no cure, its appearance, along with the symptoms, can be managed. Dr. Judith Hellman, a board-certified dermatologist, has helped patients from all over Florida and New York rediscover clear and even skin tone with laser treatment for rosacea.
What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic, long-term skin condition that affects the face and can cause redness, swelling and small bumps filled with pus. It usually appears on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead, and is more common in women than men. The condition typically affects adults between 30 and 50 years of age but can also occur in teenagers and younger people. Although there is no cure yet, treatments are available to help manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups. With proper treatment, many people with the condition can live normal lives without major disruption from their symptoms.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
While topical treatments such as creams, or oral medication for rosacea can be tried, they may not solve the problem for many patients. In those non-responsive cases, Dr. Hellman typically recommends rosacea laser treatment to help even out the skin tone.
PDL (Pulsed Dye Laser) Treatments
- How It Works: Utilizes a targeted beam of light that penetrates the skin, converting to heat to destroy damaged blood vessels and reduce redness.
- Benefits: Offers a safe and effective solution for reducing the appearance of rosacea, particularly the redness and visible blood vessels.
- Ideal For: Patients with persistent rosacea symptoms that have not responded to topical or oral treatments.
Fotofacial (IPL) Treatments:
- How It Works: Employs intense pulsed light in specific wavelengths to target and destroy facial blood vessels and reduce redness, sometimes used in alternation with PDL treatments.
- Benefits: Can address a broader range of skin concerns, including redness, broken blood vessels, and pigmentation issues associated with rosacea.
- Ideal For: Individuals looking for a versatile treatment option that addresses multiple rosacea symptoms.
Rosacea Treatment Before and After
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Ideal Candidates for Rosacea Laser Treatment
Ideal candidates include individuals who experience moderate to severe symptoms of rosacea and have not adequately responded to topical or oral treatments. These candidates are often seeking a more durable and long-term solution to alleviate the redness, visible blood vessels, and other symptoms associated with rosacea. To be considered an ideal candidate, one should have realistic expectations regarding the outcomes of laser treatments and be committed to following pre-treatment and post-treatment care instructions to maximize results and minimize potential side effects.
Risks and Side Effects
Laser treatments are widely regarded as safe and effective, but like all medical procedures, they carry certain risks and potential side effects. Common immediate side effects include temporary redness and swelling of the treated area, which typically subsides within a few hours to days. Some patients, particularly those undergoing PDL treatments, may experience bruising that can last up to a week. The treated skin may also become more sensitive to sunlight, making the diligent application of sunscreen an essential part of post-treatment care.
Although rare, there is a risk of skin pigmentation changes following laser treatment, resulting in patches of skin that may appear lighter or darker than the surrounding area. These pigmentation changes are generally temporary but highlight the importance of choosing an experienced dermatologist like Dr. Hellman for treatment. Patients are encouraged to discuss all potential risks and side effects with Dr. Hellman during their consultation to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the treatment process.
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Why Choose Dr. Hellman for Rosacea Treatment NYC?
Certified by the American Board of Dermatology, Dr. Hellman has decades of experience in dermatology and laser treatments, as well as a passion for providing the highest standard of care to her patients. At our offices in New York City, New York, and Delray Beach, Florida, those who undergo laser treatment are consistently pleased with their experience during treatment and appearance afterward. If you have rosacea and are interested in undergoing laser treatment, please call our NYC or Florida offices to schedule a consultation
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At our office, Only Board Certified Dermatologists See Patients & Perform Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the treatments covered by insurance?
No, the insurance companies consider laser treatments cosmetic and do not pay for them. However, for this reason, our prices are kept at an affordable range and have not gone up in price for many years now.
How much do treatments cost?
The cost of laser treatment will vary based on the duration and number of sessions. Dr. Hellman will discuss costs in full during your consultation, as well as the availability of CareCredit payment plans.
What types of rosacea are there?
There are a number of different types of this condition – the most common being erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, associated with redness of the skin. Other types of rosacea include:
- Papulopustular rosacea, associated with pus-filled blemishes
- Phymatous rosacea which causes thickening and scarring of the skin
- Ocular rosacea, which affects the eyes
What triggers or worsens flare-ups?
Triggers may vary from person to person, however, in general, you may be advised to avoid alcohol, sun exposure, spicy foods, hot drinks, saunas and steam-rooms.
Can diet influence the symptoms of Rosacea?
It is widely accepted that certain foods can trigger or increase symptoms, which include alcohol, spicy foods, and cinnamaldehyde foods like cinnamon, tomatoes, and citrus.
Do laser treatments hurt?
Laser treatments cause little to no discomfort, and many patients describe a ‘warming’ sensation, or at worst, a sensation similar to mild sunburn when undergoing laser treatment for rosacea.
Is the Laser treatment a one-time treatment?
No. Usually, multiple sessions are needed to help relieve rosacea.
Are the treatments painful?
The treatments are not painful. The laser feels like a rubber band snapping against the skin and is well tolerated even by the most squeamish patients.
Is there any downtime after the treatments?
After each treatment, the red pimples and the red capillaries appear in a bruise-like black and blue color, which fades over the next 5-7 days. Make-up can be used to cover up the marks. Dermablend is just one good type to try after the treatments and can be fitted to anyone’s own skin tone.
Can the marks be avoided?
Yes. The marks can be avoided by using different settings on the laser. However, Dr. Hellman personally thinks that – to paraphrase the old saying – you don’t get what you don’t see, i.e. the treatment is more effective when the marks are visible. However, we do adjust the settings for those patients who are in the public eye (TV, stage) with the caveat that the adjustment may mean more treatments to reach the same goal.
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