Rosacea Phototherapy

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic acne form disorder of the sebaceous glands, coupled with an increased reactivity of the capillaries to heat, leading to flushing and ultimately to permanently dilated capillaries. It can occur at any age, although its peak incidence is between the ages of 40 and 50 years.

There is usually a long history of facial flushing with increases in skin temperature in response to heat stimuli in the mouth (hot liquids & spicy foods). Exposure to sun and heat may cause exacerbations.

 

What is Roscaea Phototherapy?

Rosacea Phototherapy is a method of reducing the facial flushing by the use of intense pulsed light into the skin, so that the capillaries shut down.

 

How does Rosacea Phototherapy work?

It is a procedure which sends a particular wave-length of light into the skin. It is delivered from a handpiece and will cover a small area of the skin at a time. The treatment involves a series of short exposures over the area of skin being treated.

The pulses of light cause the blood in the dilated capillaries to clot and eventually the capillaries begin to shut down.

 

Who is Rosacea Phototherapy suitable for?

Both men and women of any age can benefit from the treatment. However, this procedure cannot be carried out on persons under the age of eighteen.

 

How long does treatment take?

Treatment time is normally around 20 minutes.

 

Is it painful?

A local anaesthetic is not required. Most people only experience mild discomfort.

There is sometimes a slight swelling and redness straight after treatment, which settles within a few hours.

 

When will I notice a difference?

There should be a gradual reduction in facial flushing with each treatment, although the effects of each treatment may not be noticeable for 2-3 weeks following treatment.

 

How long will the effects last?

In some cases the effect is permanent, although this is not true for everybody. Some patients require ‘top-ups’ a couple of times a year. In some cases the treatment may be unsuccessful and no guarantee can be made as to the success of treatment.

 

How many times can I have Rosacea Phototherapy?

There is no limit to the number of treatments you can have. A complete course of treatments will normally consist of 8 sessions depending on the area being treated. Repeat treatments are normally carried out every 4-6 weeks. Once the course is complete, you may need top-up treatments a couple of times a year.

 

What happens Pre and Post-Treatment?

You will need to complete a medical questionnaire to ensure there are no reasons why you cannot receive treatment. After your treatment you will be given an after-care leaflet which tells you what to do in the first few hours after treatment.

You will normally be able to return to your usual daily activities after treatment.

 

Are there any adverse effects?

During treatment you may experience an itching sensation. Following treatment there may be some redness and small bumps around the treated area, but these will disappear within a few days. In rare cases there may be some localised bruising, scabbing and discolouring of the skin. This is usually temporary.