What is Rosacea and Laser Treatment?
Effective Fight Against Redness, Telangiectasis and Rhinophyma


Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that especially affects the midline of the face and flares up and regresses from time to time. The chin, nose, cheeks and forehead are the most commonly affected areas. It usually manifests itself with symptoms such as redness (erythema), capillary dilatations (telangiectasis), papules and pustules. As the disease progresses, complaints such as burning, stinging, dryness and edema may also be added to the picture. Although the cause is not known for sure, environmental factors, immune system responses, deterioration in vascular structures and the effects of some microorganisms are emphasized.

The Role of Laser Technology in Rosacea Treatment


Today, laser and light technologies are increasingly used in addition to traditional drugs in the treatment of rosacea. Laser treatment, especially in subtypes such as erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR) and rhinophyma, provides quite successful results.

1. Laser Options for Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR)
Different laser systems are effectively used in the treatment of redness and capillary dilatation, which are common in rosacea patients:

Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL): It operates at a wavelength of 585-595 nm. It selectively destroys vessels by targeting oxyhemoglobin. While purpuragenic (bruising) applications are effective in a single session, purpura-free protocols usually require 2-3 sessions. Cooling systems in the latest technology PDL devices reduce skin damage.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): It emits broad-spectrum light in the range of 560-1200 nm. It causes less bruising than PDL and can treat large areas in a single session. It is the preferred system in mild-moderate ETR cases.

Nd:YAG Laser (1064 nm): It can reach vascular structures in the deeper layers of the skin. It is used as an alternative to PDL in rosacea patients who also have pigment problems such as melasma.

2. Papulopustular Rosacea (PPR) and Laser Applications
Papulopustular type inflammatory acne-like lesions are at the forefront. Topical antibiotics and systemic treatments are usually used. However, laser can also have a supporting role. In particular:

Long Pulsed PDL can help the lesions regress by targeting the vessels around papules and pustules.

Laser treatments combined with photodynamic therapy (PDT) have reduced the number of lesions in some patients.

3. Phymatous Rosacea (Rhinophyma) and Surgical Lasers
Phymatous rosacea, a rare but serious form of rosacea, is usually characterized by tissue growth in the nose (rhinophyma). In this case, surgical interventions may be required.

CO2 Laser: It works at a wavelength of 10600 nm. It vaporizes the tissue and gives shape. It is used especially to correct the nose contour and remove excess tissue. The risk of complications is low and the recovery period is 3-4 weeks.

Er:YAG Laser: It works with a wavelength of 2940 nm. It creates minimal heat damage thanks to its high affinity to water. When combined with CO2 laser, aesthetically satisfying results are obtained.

Diode Lasers (1450 and 1470 nm): It is used in the treatment of mild to moderate rhinophyma with its non-ablative properties. It helps to shrink the sebaceous glands.

What to Consider When Choosing Laser Treatment?
Each patient and each type of rosacea is different. Therefore, it is not the best laser device or parameter, but an individualized treatment protocol. The doctor should make a plan by taking into account factors such as skin type, stage of the disease, accompanying skin problems and the patient's lifestyle.

Using sunscreen before and after treatment and staying away from triggering factors (hot-cold weather, spicy foods, alcohol, etc.) will increase the permanence of the results.

For detailed information and an appointment, you can apply to Ankara Life Polyclinic and start the healthy change on your face with Dermatologist Doctor Fatma Yıldız.