Have you ever been embarrassed by your frequent facial blushing? Have you ever been asked "are you OK?" because your face is so deeply red after physical exertion? Do you avoid certain situations, foods, beverages or activities because you know it will bring on a facial flush? If you can relate to any of these scenarios, you may have rosacea.

Rosacea is a progressive disorder that is characterized by facial flushing and redness. The symptoms may also include the appearance of small, surface blood vessels (telangiectasia), bumps/pimples, itching, burning, stinging, swelling and /or acne.

Since the late 1990s certain types of lasers and Intense Pulse Light (eg. PhotodermTM) therapies have become more refined and available for the treatment of both telangiectasia (broken capillaries/spider veins) and flushing. What makes these high tech treatments successful has as much to do with the practitioner using the machine as with the type of machine used. With rosacea, the desired settings used on lasers and IPL target surface blood vessels and the capillaries deeper in the skin that cause facial flushing. A series of treatments allow the incremental destruction of these faulty vessels without causing bruising. Typically 3-8 treatments can provide a 60-80% improvement depending on the settings used, the experience of the practitioner, the extensiveness of the facial flush and the patient's skin type.

Once the vessels are successfully treated many rosacea patients are able to discontinue their antibiotic and other prescription rosacea therapies. One or two yearly treatments may be required to maintain the results obtained with laser/light treatments. However, it is not unusual for patients to be symptom free for years after laser/light treatments.

Rosacea is becoming more recognized as well as more prevalent. Fortunately, there are effective treatments and products available to minimize symptoms. Treatments and skin care products for rosacea will continue to improve. A cure for rosacea is likely once the real cause is discovered.

Call Q Med Spa at 585.244.1010 to learn more about our Facial Photorejuvenation Program and to schedule a complimentary Rosacea screening consultation.