IPL for Rosacea

Some symptoms of Rosacea include:

• Redness on the face, particularly the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead.
• Small red lines beneath the skin due to the thickening of blood vessels (telangiectasia).
• Skin becomes thicker, particularly over the nose.
• Hard-raised lesions (papules) and pus-filled acne pimples (pustules) develop on the reddened facial skin.
• Inflammation in the eyes with a burning or stinging feeling.
• Irritation in the eyes, watery eyes, sensitivity to light and sometimes blurred vision.
• In advanced cases, the nose becomes larger and swollen with thickened skin causing a rhinophyma.

There are four acknowledged stages of rosacea.

1. The first stage is called pre-rosacea characterised by facial blushing which may begin in early childhood, though the condition of rosacea sets in after the thirties. The frequency of flushing may increase and the experience of burning and stinging when using antiacne products or cosmetics may be common.
2. In the second stage which is vascular, redness (facial erythema) and thickening of the blood vessels and their visibility on the skin as small red lines (telangiectasis) develop.
3. In the third stage, facial erythema and telangiectasis increase with the formation of papules and pustules. In this stage changes in the eye (ocular changes) like inflammation of the eyelids and watering of the eyes begin to occur.
4. In the fourth stage, the skin and eye inflammation increase to a great extent. In very rare and severe cases ocular inflammation can lead to loss of vision whilst fibroplasia and sebaceous hyperplasia of the skin lead to rhinophyma.

It can lead to frustration due to the unattractive appearance and the discomfort experienced. It can mar the personal, social and professional life of the individual. In extreme cases the psychological effects of such a condition can be very serious and can cause the patients to become reclusive. Rosacea is primarily a facial occurrence and develops gradually. In its initial stages, patients often mistake the facial flushing, papules and pustules for adult acne, sun burn or normal signs of ageing.

There is no cure for rosacea. But there are various rosacea treatments to control rosacea effectively. A Skin Logic Aesthetics & Laser Clinic we will determine a treatment plan for you depending on the extent of damage to the skin. IPL and laser treatments are most useful for the facial redness and flushing.

The first line of treatment for the pustules associated with rosacea is often topical or oral antibiotics generally prescribed by the family doctor. The antibiotic rosacea gel or rosacea cream should be applied on the entire face instead of on the lesion spots alone.

The eyelids should be cleaned everyday with a diluted baby shampoo or a rosacea cleanser for the eyelids. Warm compresses should be applied on the eyelids a few times a day.

For treatment of rosacea in the advanced stages like rhinophyma, laser or radiofrequency surgery is the ideal method to remove the excess tissue on the nose.

• Improves appearance
• Boosts self-confidence and self-esteem
• No downtime with most rosacea treatments including IPL
• Long-lasting results
• Few or no side effects

While some improvement may be visible after a single session, we typically recommend a series of 3-5 treatments spaced 3-4 weeks apart for optimal results. Your practitioner will create a customised treatment plan based on your specific rosacea symptoms and skin condition.

Some patients notice an improvement in redness and flushing shortly after their first treatment. However, the full benefits of IPL for Rosacea develop over time as the skin continues to heal and respond to the treatment. Optimal results are typically seen after completing the full treatment course.

Yes, IPL for Rosacea can complement various other skin treatments and rosacea management strategies. It works particularly well when combined with proper skincare routines and lifestyle modifications. We can discuss a comprehensive treatment plan during your consultation.

Unlike topical treatments that provide temporary relief, IPL for Rosacea targets the underlying causes of visible symptoms, offering longer-lasting results. It’s also non-invasive, unlike some laser treatments, making it a comfortable option for many patients.

When performed by trained professionals like those at our Harley Street clinic, IPL for Rosacea has an excellent safety profile. The treatment has been extensively studied and is FDA-approved for rosacea management. However, as with any medical procedure, it’s crucial to have your treatment performed by qualified experts to ensure safety and optimal results.