What is Rosacea?
As we age, we often notice a certain “ruddiness” that develops in the skin across the face, particularly the cheeks and the nose. This redness can vary in severity from a gentle pink hue to an angry dark red that is unsightly, embarrassing, and uncomfortable. This is rosacea.
Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that can come and go. During flare-ups, the redness in the skin can be so severe that it can result in broken blood vessels, patches of dry, rough skin, and swelling.
Although it most commonly occurs on the cheeks and nose, rosacea can spread to your head, chin, forehead, eyelids and even the neck, ears and chest.
When left untreated, rosacea can cause permanent swelling, redness and even problems with seeing due to broken blood vessels on your eyelids.
Symptoms of Rosacea
Aside from the redness that gives the condition its name, there are several other rosacea symptoms, and some of these can be very uncomfortable.
These include:
- Puss-filled pimples/bumps on the affected areas
- Lumps under the skin
- Burning sensation across the skin
- Visible veins and capillaries
- Thickening of skin – particularly on the nose. It causes the nose to appear bulbous and enlarged.
- Eye and sight problems (ocular rosacea)
- Conjunctivitis – inflammation of the membrane of the eye
What Causes Rosacea?
Although anybody can be affected by rosacea, it is most commonly experienced by middle-aged women. It generally develops after the age of 30, and up to 20% of the population can experience it at some time in their lives.
To date, studies have been unable to identify what causes rosacea. It does seem to be linked with abnormalities in blood vessels, overproduction of gut bacteria and family history.
Flare-ups are commonly triggered by:
- Food sensitivities (such as caffeine, spices and seasonings, alcohol and dairy products)
- Changes in temperature and weather conditions (sunlight, extreme cold and wind)
- Stress and anxiety
- Medical conditions such as hypertension
- Strenuous exercise
- Sensitivity to certain medications
How to Get Rid of Rosacea Permanently?
Rosacea is a condition that has no permanent cure. However, several forms of treatment can be very effective in reducing the symptoms.
Treatments fall under the following categories:
- At-home skincare regime
- Rosacea friendly skincare products
- Dietary changes
- Stress reduction
- Laser and professional dermal treatments
Best Rosacea Treatment
Although the best rosacea treatment involves professional lasers, you can increase its chances of success with a holistic approach that also includes:
- A daily gentle moisturiser and cleanser routine
- Always applying sunscreen
- Use products such as Aspect Dr™ Redless and Aspect Dr™ Complete Pigment Plus
- Avoid products containing fragrances
- Avoiding exposure to the sun and wind
- Avoid saunas and excessive heat
- Reduce triggers of stress and anxiety
- Avoid alcohol and foods that are known to trigger flare-ups
Laser for Rosacea Treatment
Laser for rosacea treatment is effective because the heat from the laser collapses the blood vessels close to the skin surface and can reduce the redness.
The targeted blood vessels are microscopically heated, and the body reacts by eliminating and reabsorbing the intentionally injured vessels over time.
Although it will not permanently remove rosacea, this form of targeted laser for rosacea treatment can reduce the severity of symptoms for long periods.
As mentioned above, laser treatment for redness on the face can be even more effective when other control measures support it.
After three treatments with laser, most patients see a 40-60% reduction in their symptoms and redness. One maintenance laser treatment session every six months can help keep the rosacea under control.
What To Expect During Your Rosacea Treatment Session
Your rosacea treatment will be performed by Dr Lindsay Watson in our clinic using the Candela vascular laser with diffuse and specific settings.
Treatment for rosacea is an ongoing process that requires multiple steps. At your initial session, the discrete spider veins are removed. Subsequent sessions treat background or diffuse redness.
For best results, it is important to address the triggers and prevention methods mentioned above too.
After your session, our team will apply laser balm, face masks and cooling treatments to the area.
Following your treatment, you can expect to see mild redness and swelling for 2-3 days. You can apply makeup the very next day and expedite your recovery with the use of sunscreen, laser balm and moisturiser and avoiding the sun.
Rosacea Treatment Brisbane
When combined with lifestyle changes, a full course of 4 monthly treatment sessions and twice-yearly maintenance sessions, laser has been found to be the best rosacea treatment available.
At Define Laser, Dr Watson and his highly qualified Brisbane team can provide you with a treatment plan that includes all of the best rosacea treatments and control measures. Your plan will be created just for you, taking into consideration your lifestyle and the severity of your symptoms.
One of the great things about Define Laser is that you always have continuity of care. Dr Watson oversees all rosacea treatments and treatment plans and can adapt them to suit your evolving needs.
We even have patients that have been with us for over 10 years! Your customised plan can change with time as you age and your skin adapts and changes.
If you’re looking for the best rosacea treatment Brisbane has to offer, look no further than Define Laser.
Define Laser has the latest laser technology and a qualified doctor to tailor our laser and cosmetic treatments especially to you.
Our Albany Creek clinic is at a convenient location with ample parking at 3/25 Ferguson Street, Albany Creek.
With a range of services including laser skin treatments, injectables, laser hair removal and skin treatments we have a solution for you.
Appointments are available 1pm -7pm Mon & Thurs, 10am-3pm Fri . Enquire online here to book, or call us on 07 3325 5775.
