Rosacea Blog
Please feel free to use the blog below to share information about the subject, or to ask Dr. Ringpfeil a question that might be of interest to others.
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Rosacea Treatment
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VBeam treatment of Rosacea
Treatments: topical and oral medication, PDL, KTP (VBeam), photodynamic therapy, CO2 laser
Most individuals with rosacea experience blushing or flushing over the central face with trigger factors such as sun exposure, drinking hot beverages or alcohol or eating spicy food. Persistent central facial redness is often present. The underlying enlarged vessels can very efficiently be treated by vascular lasers, greatly improving background redness as well as diminishing flushing with rosacea triggers.
Inflammatory rosacea presents with red papules or pustules and requires topical or oral anti-inflammatory agents, or when recalcitrant, photodynamic therapy. Men may develop an overgrowth of tissue on the nose in response to long-standing rosacea that can be corrected by CO2 laser ablation.
Ocular rosacea may be misdiagnosed if rosacea does not affect the skin. Oral anti-inflammatory antibiotics may be crucial to prevent possible destruction of eyesight.
| Patient comments (source: Patient Satisfaction Report) | |
| 2010-04-08 16:25:27 | The Dr treated me as a Person, not a commodity. She talked to me so I could understand what needed to be done and what possible courses of actions needed to be taken. I enjoyed the fact that the Dr. took time to listen to me & took action considering my desires as well. |
| 2010-04-08 15:28:24 | The thorough exam that Dr. Ringpfeil gave me. The professionalism of the entire staff. Everything from the ambience to the music. |
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Hello! Ive had rosacea for years and have tried several drs and every treatment. I have constant redness and have itchy bumps/blotchiness during flare ups. During our visit last year you suggested PDL or IPL. My symptoms have gotten progressively worse and I think Im finally ready to go to this extreme. (A) Is one treatment better than the other (PDL v IPL)? (B) In your experience does insurance ever cover these treatments? Thanks so much
Redness due to widened blood vessels in rosacea is a very common problem.
About 85% of all people with rosacea have variable degrees of baseline redness that only becomes more showy with triggers like sun exposure, caffeine, spicy food, hot beverages or red wine.
The most efficient treatment for this redness is the pulsed dye laser (PDL).
Between 2-4 treatments 4-6 weeks apart are needed. Additional laser induced redness typically lasts for up to 24 hours after each treatment but swelling can last for up to one week. Bruising is rare. Sun protection is paramount for 4 weeks after each treatment but should be continued to maintain results. These usually last 5-10 years. PDL treatments can be repeated.
In contrast, intense pulsed light (IPL) is a non-laser light source that quickly reduces redness with rosacea. It is a nice choice when you quickly need to look better. The effects last for several weeks and IPL can then be repeated as needed or every 2 months to maintain results. It is not my preferred choice because most people with rosacea are looking for long term results. Considering that the cost per treatment is the same, PDL is much more cost effective.
Franziska Ringpfeil, MD
I would like to know the cost per treatment and how many treatments are needed .. I only need it done on a portion of my forehead. Thanks Mike
The removal of showy redness from enlarged blood vessels is most efficient with a pulsed dye laser. Widened blood vessels in rosacea typically affect almost the entire face including central cheeks, nose, chin and lower forehead. Typically, up to 4 treatments are needed spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
Cost per treatment is $400. It is unusual to have rosacea localized only on the forehead. Not all widened blood vessels (telangiectasias) suggest rosacea. Telangiectasias can occur independent of rosacea. They often require less than 4 treatments and the charge is $105 for the first spot and $20 for each additional spot per treatment. Complimentary consultation with our aesthetician is available and exact diagnosis, treatment plan and pricing will be discussed.