Rosacea is a skin condition that is mostly prevalent amongst middle-aged women with fair skin. The condition causes redness and swelling around the face and causes the skin around the nose to thicken. Small visible blood vessels and red bumps are also present. There is no permanent treatment for the condition, but laser treatments can help alleviate the symptoms.
What Is a Pulsed Dye Laser?
A pulsed dye laser uses an organic dye present in a solvent and is delivered through a strong burst of light. This light is then absorbed by the blood vessels or by melanin-pigmented areas. Solvents usually refer to glycol, methanol, ethanol, water, cyclodextrin, cyclohexane, and hexane. Dyes include fluorescein, umbelliferone, rhodamine, tetracene, coumarin, stilbene, and malachite green.
Pulsed dye lasers use selective thermolysis to make sure that the dye and solvents are absorbed only by the target area and not surrounding tissue. When the light is absorbed by the skin, the diseased cells are eliminated. In the case of rosacea, red blood cells absorb the solvents and destroy the lining of visible blood vessels. Patients who undergo the treatment report that the effects last for a couple of months, and in some cases, it could also last a few years.
The Procedure
It is important to find the right doctor before undergoing the procedure. Since it is not a permanent treatment, it is usually administered in several sittings for maximum effectiveness. Depending on multiple factors, the doctor usually decides the number of sessions required. The patient is made to lie down after wearing protective eye gear. The doctor then sets the parameters for the lasers and starts applying it to the required area. The procedure is usually painless or causes very slight pain. In some cases, anesthesia might be used. Most patients report a slight tingling or warm sensation during the procedure. The procedure is extremely safe and has been used since the 1980s. If the laser is used on surrounding areas, side effects like redness and swelling are caused. Doctors will also give out specific guidelines for skin care and exposure to decrease the chances of recurrence and side effects.
Eligibility and Results
Since the treatment is extremely safe, it is suitable for patients of all ages, including people under the age of 18. The procedure is a great way to get rid of skin conditions without surgery, and anyone interested in it can typically undergo the procedure.
The procedure requires very little time, and most patients see immediate effects after a session. The length of time the effects of the treatment last depends on the age of the patient, the severity of the condition, and the patient’s skin condition. In most cases, doctors recommend limiting sun exposure and wearing strong sunblock throughout the period of treatment. Patients must strictly stick to the proposed skin care guidelines by their doctors to make sure that the results last longer.
Set Up an Appointment for a Consultation
Double-board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Dellinger is a skilled medical professional with a great deal of experience. Arrange your rosacea consultation today – contact our office to get started.
