At Kings Clinic we can treat Rosacea using a Laser. The Laser light travels through the skin and is absorbed by the blood within the
targeted vessels whilst the adjacent tissues remain unaffected. The Nd:YAG laser heats the interior of the blood vessels as well as
the vessel walls and the resulting heat coagulates or clots the blood and destroys the function of the vessel. Over time, the vessel
is absorbed by the body and disappears from sight. Laser treatment of Rosacea has been shown to be an effective way of both reducing
visible blood vessels and removing the thickening of the skin associated with Rhinophyma. To reduce the thickening of the skin around
the cheeks and nose, an erbium laser is used as it is better for facial resurfacing.
You will be asked to keep your face as pale as
possible by avoiding sun exposure before and during your course of treatment. At your first visit a patch test can be performed to
check for any reaction your skin may have to the laser.
A week or more later the first full treatment is carried out. The whole of the affected area will be treated.
Treatment takes approx
15 to 30 minutes and is typically 4 to 6 treatments performed at 2 to 6 weekly intervals. Clients may require several initial treatments
and then return annually to treat new blood vessels. Our team of highly trained professionals will devise a tailored skin rejuvenation
program for you.
The treatment is generally well tolerated but some patients find it uncomfortable. Exposure is limited to an extremely
short flash that feels like the snap of a rubber band. Reddening of the skin and a mild burning sensation may be felt for a while
afterwards. Occasionally there is some swelling that will subside in a day or two. The beard area is avoided in men as the treatment
may cause some hair loss. Bruising is unlikely but if it occurs will settle in a few days. There is a chance that pigment changes
may occur in the skin, either dark marks (hyperpigmentation), or pale marks (hypopigmentation). These are temporary and fade in 1
– 6 months.
Improvement may continue for many weeks after the course has finished. Rosacea is a relapsing condition and this treatment
improves the appearance but does not cure the Rosacea. If you have active inflammatory Rosacea then this will need to be controlled
with medication before you can have laser treatment.
Acne Rosacea can also be a cause of Telangiectasiae (extra blood vessels), which can also be treated in the same way.
Rosacea is primarily a disorder of the facial blood vessels that become hyper-responsive to triggers
such as sun exposure, heat, rich foods, caffeine and alcohol. Rosacea typically consists of persistent redness on the cheeks, chin,
forehead or nose. Occasionally Rosacea can occur on the chest, ears, neck and scalp. In some cases the eyes can also be affected appearing
bloodshot, dry and swollen. As the disease progresses, small blood vessels and tiny pimples begin to appear on or around the reddened
area; however, unlike acne, there are no blackheads. Some patients suffer from inflamed pustules or spots. The skin can become tender
and sensitive to touch. In severe cases the nose can grow swollen and bumpy and form excess tissue (Rhinophyma).
Although the condition can affect all people, fair-skinned individuals are more prone to develop Rosacea. While women are more likely to develop the condition than men, male sufferers tend to develop more severe symptoms.