Rosacea is a skin condition that plagues millions of Americans. Symptoms include red, flushed skin, especially on the cheeks, chin, and forehead, development of small bumps that look like acne and facial spider veins. As rosacea advances, blood vessels may become visible. For those afflicted with rosacea, there is no cure, and it makes it hard to go into public settings because of the redness and blotchy skin tone.
One of the most common treatments for rosacea are antibiotics like doxycycline. This comes from a belief that the condition may be triggered by bacteria, though there is no definitive link. According to a Dermatology Times report, patients are usually prescribed a normal dose of the antibiotic that they take daily, often for months on end. There is, however, concern that over time the body will develop a resistance to these antibiotics and they will not work if they are ever needed for an actual infection. Given that, recommendations are for doctors to stick to low dosages.
If you have rosacea, there are skin resurfacing treatments that can alleviate the inflammation and itching, without making your body resistant to antibiotics. At Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery in Austin, Texas, Broadband Light (BBL) treatments are the ideal solution for anyone looking to tone the embarrassing redness.
How do These Treatments Work?
The light penetrates through the skin and targets blood vessels that cause the redness and flushing. This occurs without damaging the skin, so it’s completely safe. After the blood vessels are destroyed, the redness linked to rosacea is no longer a problem.
Am I a Good Candidate for BBL of Rosacea?
If you are in good physical health, you’re likely a good candidate. Dr. Edward Buckingham meets with you during a consultation to discuss your health, examine your skin, and discuss the procedure. During this consultation, he will be able to advise you if he thinks one treatment will be enough.
What Happens During and After a Treatment?
BBL treatments take just 15 to 30 minutes. During the treatment, a thin layer of gel is applied to the skin on your face. The handheld device is then run over the skin to deliver the pulses of light to the skin and to the capillaries. Light redness is a common side effect of the treatments and usually lessens within one or two hours.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
BBL usually require two to three treatments spaced three weeks apart. Once the degree of improvement is achieved. Twice yearly maintenance treatments are recommended.
Dr. Buckingham has more than a decade of experience in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. He performs laser treatments in his Austin facial plastic surgery practice. Learn more about the consultation with Dr. Buckingham and make sure you bring your list of rosacea and laser or IPL questions with you. To schedule an appointment for a pulsed dye laser treatment consultation, call the Austin center at (512) 401-2500
