What Are Laser Treatments?

Millions of people are affected by Rosacea, a disorder that is somewhat similar to acne, with the appearance of redness and irritation.

Our practice offers various treatment options to address the symptoms of Rosacea, and tailors treatment to meet the needs of each individual patient, as everyone is different. One option to treat the redness of Rosacea is with the KTP vascular scanner or “IPL(intense pulsed light)”. This non-invasive laser skin rejuvenating treatment is gentle enough to tolerate without anesthesia, although numbing cream is available for those who so desire it. Treating the skin with the KTP laser results in reduced redness, diminished sun spots, and a decrease in visible broken blood vessels. Photodynamic treatments can also be performed for more advanced cases.

How It Works

Throughout treatment, which may take up to thirty minutes depending on the size of the area to be treated, a slight warming sensation may be felt. The light is augmented with a topical product applied to the skin called Levulan. This is 6-aminolevulinic acid and it makes the light more powerful, although there is more downtime post treatment.

laser treatment on the face

Symptoms of Rosacea

This condition differs from acne, however, there is no clear cause, and further symptoms can develop, such as:

  • Red bumps or diffuse facial redness
  • Pustules
  • Blushing or flushing easily
  • Visible blood vessels
  • Stinging or burning sensation on the skin
  • Highly sensitive skin
  • Dry, irritated eyes

The exact cause of Rosacea is still unclear, but there are several known triggers that can exacerbate the condition:

  • Extreme temperatures
  • Strenuous exercise
  • Stress, including embarrassment that causes blushing
  • Sunlight
  • Alcohol
  • Spicy foods
  • Certain medications

 

Benefits of Treatment

Laser treatment, including KTP vascular scanning or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), offers several benefits for managing Rosacea:

  • Reduces Facial Redness: The laser targets and diminishes redness by reducing the size of visible blood vessels.
  • Minimizes Sun Spots: Laser therapy helps in the reduction of sun-induced pigmentation, providing a more even skin tone.
  • Decreases Broken Blood Vessels: The laser effectively coagulates and removes unsightly facial veins and broken blood vessels, reducing their appearance.
  • Comfortable Treatment: The treatment is non-invasive, and most patients tolerate it well without anesthesia, although a numbing cream can be used if desired.
  • Versatile Treatment Options: More advanced photodynamic treatments using Levulan (6-aminolevulinic acid) are available for those who need a more intensive approach to reduce the symptoms of Rosacea.
Your Best Skin Awaits

Visit Washington Dermatology Center

Our team provides thoughtful, expert care for all your skin health needs. We are proud to offer the most advanced general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatologic services in the Frederick, Rockville, and surrounding areas.

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