Dermatologist in Woodstock, IL uses laser therapies for the treatment of skin conditions such as rosacea
Posted by Dr. Vikram Khanna
What is rosacea?
Dr. Vikram Khanna and his team first need to work with patients to get a proper diagnosis of their condition. Rosacea is a skin condition that can result in facial redness, blood vessels and red bumps on the facial area. It is sometimes referred to as acne rosacea and is a very common condition—more than 3 million cases of rosacea are diagnosed each year in the United States. The condition is incurable, but with the help of a dermatologist, many patients are able to control the redness and bumps with appropriate treatment. Treatment may vary, depending on the type of rosacea and the severity. However, at Dermatology Specialists of Illinois, we have found many of our patients have amazing results with the use of routine laser therapies or other light-based therapies.CALL OUR OFFICE
How lasers address rosacea
A dermatologist creates an appropriate treatment plan for patients with rosacea based on their specific needs. The plan for care may include topical creams used daily to help in reducing flare-ups. Patients may also consider light-based therapies such as laser treatments if they have highly visible blood vessels and thickening skin. Laser resurfacing can be used to address the thickness of the skin, while laser light can be used to get rid of the noticeable blood vessel. Overall, both treatments will reduce the appearance of redness on the face.What results can I expect from laser therapy?
When patients are considering laser therapy, they are often interested in how many treatment sessions to expect and learn about how they impact their condition. If laser therapy is to address the visible blood vessel, they will often undergo approximately one to three treatments spaced a few weeks apart. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most patients will see anywhere from 50-90% reduction in the visible blood vessels after several treatments. Some patients are able to achieve 100% elimination. Working with a skilled dermatologist who has years of experience with laser technology is a great way to combat rosacea and improve their appearance.Are results permanent?
When lasers are used to treat rosacea, the results are long-lasting but not necessarily permanent. While the treated blood vessels won’t reappear, new ones can form. Most patients who use laser therapy to treat the visible blood vessels will enjoy the results for about three to five years. Patients with rosacea can undergo routine treatments to maintain their results. Patients who utilize laser light therapy to address thickening skin will often see it return over time. This is why prescription medications may be used in between therapies to provide an overall reduction.Are there side effects of laser therapy?
By undergoing treatment with an experienced professional, most side effects are greatly reduced but not completely eliminated. Patients are encouraged to ask their dermatologist about what they can expect following treatment. Some of the more common concerns that may develop after treatment include: - Temporary redness
- A rash of red or purple spots
- Skin tightening
- Itching of the skin
- Discomfort of the skin
