Laser Treatment for Rosacea – Get Rid of Redness

Before and after results of a Rosacea Laser Treatment performed at Qazi Cosmetic Center in Newport Beach, California.

Do you commonly experience redness or visible blood vessels on your face? It may have been misdiagnosed as acne, an allergy, or eczema, but it could be rosacea. Pronounced “roe-ZAY-she-uh,” this condition is quite common in many parts of the world. In the US alone, around 14 million people are estimated to have rosacea. In other parts of the world, up to 1 in 5 can have this condition. 

While rosacea has no permanent cure, there are things that you can do to manage it. One of the most effective treatments on the market for light skinned people is laser treatment for rosacea. Qazi Cosmetic Clinic now offers this procedure at our Orange County office. If you want to improve the appearance of your rosacea, book a consultation today!

What is Rosacea? 

Rosacea is a common skin condition that produces red bumps, visible blood vessels, and general redness. It can also cause small bumps filled with pus to appear on certain areas of the skin. In more severe cases, it can cause eye problems. This is known as ocular rosacea, and it is associated with dry eyes, swollen eyelids, and redness around the eyes. Rosacea can also affect the shape of the nose, causing the skin to thicken and for it to appear more bulbous. 

Most people with rosacea experience periods of clear skin in between flare ups; it can be anywhere from a few weeks to several months between flare ups, depending on how you manage the condition. 

While rosacea can affect almost anyone – of any skin tone – it is most common among women with fairer skin, ages 30 to 50. However, some symptoms, such as the development of a bulbous nose, are more common in men than women.

The exact cause is unknown, but it is likely hereditary and can be affected by environmental factors. There are some things that are known to trigger flare ups, such as heat, spicy food, alcoholic beverages like red wine, sun exposure, certain cosmetic products, medications that dilate the blood vessels, strenuous exercise, and extreme temperatures – especially wind. 

The main challenge of having rosacea is that it is a life-long condition that can be difficult to manage. Flare ups are unpredictable, uncomfortable, hard to hide with makeup, and embarrassing. Even if you try to avoid anything that will trigger a flare up, that cuts out a significant number of activities – no nights out drinking, no long days on the beach, no playing with new makeup products, and no enjoying spicy food from all over the world. If you want to reclaim your life from your rosacea, then you should consider laser treatment for rosacea at Qazi Cosmetic Clinic in Orange County. 

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    How To Reduce Your Redness With Laser Treatment for Rosacea 

    There are a variety of treatments on the market that can temporarily reduce the appearance of redness on your face. The first thing that most doctors and dermatologists try is medication. Topical creams and oral antibiotics can be effective at reducing redness; some medications show results in as little as 12 hours, while others can take up to 6 weeks to make a difference. These medications work by constricting the blood vessels in the affected area, which results in an overall decrease in redness and visible blood vessels. 

    If your rosacea does not respond to oral or topical medication, an oral acne drug like isotretinoin may be able to help. However, it is unsafe to take this medication if you are pregnant because it is known to cause severe birth defects. 

    The biggest downside to medication is that you will need to apply your cream and take your pills daily, as well as worry about filling prescriptions frequently. It may be necessary to combine treatments in order to get your rosacea into a longer remission. 

    Another option is laser treatment for rosacea, which is highly effective at managing redness while being more convenient for most patients. One benefit of laser treatment is that it is easy to customize in order to target and treat your unique concerns.

    Depending on the amount of redness, thickness of the skin, and the amount of visible blood vessels, one of these 4 types of lasers can be used: 

    1. The Erbium YAG Laser – This laser targets the blood vessels under the skin to treat the cause of the redness at the source. It is also highly effective for reshaping areas with excess tissue.
    1. Pulsed-Dye Lasers – This type of laser utilizes dye to correct the appearance of redness and inflammation. Like with other lasers, it uses a specific wavelength of light to penetrate through the layers of the skin to reach the blood vessels below. 
    1. CO2 and Ablative Lasers – Ablative lasers are used to treat a variety of cosmetic conditions because they work by resurfacing the skin. While this treatment is not ideal for patients with darker skin tones, it is highly effective for treating areas of the face that have been made thicker by the rosacea. 
    1. IPL Treatment – Intense Pulsed Light therapy is similar to other forms of laser treatment, but instead of using a single laser, it uses several different wavelengths to clear up the pigmentation. 
    Before and after results of a Rosacea Laser Treatment performed at Qazi Cosmetic Center in Newport Beach, California.

    How Effective is Laser Treatment for Rosacea?

    Laser treatment for rosacea is one of the most effective treatments available for reducing the appearance of redness and visible blood vessels, as well as reshaping the nose. At Qazi Cosmetic Clinic, our patients have seen amazing results with laser treatment! If you have tried every medication and lifestyle change out there and still experience small bumps and redness, then it might be time for you to give lasers a shot. 

    Not only can Dr. Qazi vouch for laser treatment, there are plenty of studies that vouch for it too. In a study performed by The American Academy of Dermatologists, patients saw a 50 to 70% reduction in redness. It only took between 1 and 3 treatments for their rosacea to go away for up to 5 years. Another study tested the Eribium YAG Laser with a smaller group of participants. 50% of participants rated their improvement as “good to excellent.” However, the study found that the YAG laser is usually more effective for people who have vascular rosacea as opposed to pustules. 

    The only caveat to the wonders of laser treatment for rosacea is that it is not safe for darker skin tones. Because lasers use energy to penetrate the skin, it can easily cause unintended hyperpigmentation in people with darker skin. While there are some lasers on the market that are safe for all skin tones, they have not yet been proven to safely treat rosacea.

    For those who have darker skin tones, Dr. Qazi has a few pieces of advice: 

    • Try making some lifestyle changes: Avoiding spicy food, alcohol, and sun exposure can help prevent flare ups. Additionally, once you become familiar with when your flare ups occur, you may be able to pinpoint which triggers cause the most serious flare ups.
    • Medication may be able to help: All the options for rosacea medications are completely safe for people with darker skin tones. If you have severe redness, it may be necessary to combine treatment options in order to get your rosacea as under control as possible. 
    • Alternative medicine can help you manage it: For the most part, only clinically-proven treatments should be trusted to treat a condition. However, some people have found that other methods like diet changes, facial massages, and caffeine consumption can help manage their symptoms. Be sure to talk to a doctor about your rosacea before you attempt alternative treatments. 
    Before and after results of a laser treatment for Rosacea that was performed at Qazi Cosmetic Center in Newport Beach, California.

    How Many Laser Treatments For Rosacea Will I Need To Get?

    Everyone is different, so the number of treatments varies widely by person. To get the best estimate of how many laser treatments for rosacea you will need, schedule a consultation with Dr. Qazi. When you meet with Dr. Qazi, he will make a customized treatment plan to effectively treat your rosacea. 

    Depending on the severity and the extent of your rosacea, you can expect to need between 2 and 8 sessions. Some patients only need 1 or 2 sessions. Others, especially those whose rosacea has resulted in a bulbous nose, may need more. 

    Dr. Qazi usually spaces the treatments between 4 and 6 weeks apart. This can be adjusted depending on how your skin reacts to the laser and what your schedule is like. 

    You will need to take a few days off after your laser treatment for rosacea. Some bruising, swelling, and soreness is normal; it can last up to 2 weeks. Dr. Qazi recommends that you take some “me time” after the treatment in order to care for the treatment area. Once the bruising and swelling goes down, you will feel more comfortable in public. 

    One of the reasons for the duration between laser treatments is that Dr. Qazi wants to give your skin plenty of time to heal. A few patients experience adverse side effects, such as discoloration, crusting, or scarring; if you experience any side effects, contact Qazi Cosmetic Clinic right away. There are several things that you can do to ease your recovery. Dr. Qazi recommends icing the treated area for the first 48 hours after the treatment. You may also be prescribed medication to prevent infection and ease your discomfort. 

    Frequently Asked Questions About Treating Rosacea

    How do I know if I am a good candidate for laser treatment for rosacea?

    If you have any questions about whether laser treatment will work for you, schedule a consultation at Qazi Cosmetic Clinic. Dr. Qazi can examine your skin and make a recommendation for a treatment. 

    The ideal candidate for laser treatment is anyone with fairer skin, who is diagnosed with rosacea and who wants to reduce the overall appearance of redness. If you are considering this treatment, you should also have the flexibility to take a few days off work to recover. Laser treatment is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. It is also unsafe for anyone who scars easily, has a blood clotting disorder, or is a diabetic. 

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      What are the benefits of laser treatment over other rosacea treatments?

      If your rosacea has not responded to other treatments, then laser may be the solution that you are looking for. The biggest benefit of laser treatment is that it is one of the most effective ways to reduce the overall appearance of redness. Other treatments like medication and natural remedies can take several months to yield results, whereas lasers can produce results within a few weeks. 

      Laser treatment is considered a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment. This means that, while you will need some recovery time, the overall procedure is relatively quick and comfortable. It only requires a topical numbing cream, so you will be safe to drive yourself home immediately after. Lasers have a low risk of scarring for most paler skin tones. It also comes with few side effects and no concerning health risks. 

      Of course, laser treatment can’t change the course of the condition. All it can do is reduce the appearance of redness. However, for many patients, laser treatment offers an increase in confidence, reduced embarrassment about their skin, and more enjoyment of social activities. 

      What are the cons of laser treatment?

      The main drawback of laser treatment is that it requires multiple sessions to show results. This means that it can be less affordable than other treatments because most insurance plans don’t cover cosmetic procedures. It is also not safe for darker skin tones. If you have any concerns about this treatment or your rosacea, contact Qazi Cosmetic Clinic to learn more. 

      Get Rid of Your Rosacea Today!

      If you have had enough of your unsightly, uncomfortable red bumps, it is time to do something about it. You shouldn’t have to hide your face in photos, skip social events, or hide behind makeup to feel confident in your appearance. Laser treatment for rosacea may be the solution to redness and irritation that you have been looking for. If you are ready to say goodbye to your rosacea, schedule a consultation at Qazi Cosmetic Clinic today!

      By: Dr. Nadir Qazi

      Dr. Nadir Qazi is a board certified physician specializing in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and an instructor for advanced injections and laser techniques.

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