Rosacea is a common skin condition that presents on a spectrum. Symptoms can include facial flushing, redness, acne-like bumps, visible blood vessels, thickening of the skin, redness around the eyes, and swelling. These symptoms can negatively impact the quality of a person’s life and their self-esteem. Rosacea is typically seen in white middle-aged women and affects more than 14 million individuals according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). The AAD also reports that although the exact cause of rosacea has yet to be discovered, scientists have determined certain factors that are linked to it.
- It could possibly be genetic. If an individual has a family member with rosacea, then they are more likely to have the skin condition themselves
- The immune system may play a role. People with acne-like rosacea may react to a certain bacterium called bacillus oleronius
- There could be a link between H. Pylori (a bacteria found in the gut) and rosacea
- Studies show that those with rosacea may have more mites (found on all human’s skin), called demodex, on their cheeks and nose
- Those with rosacea may process a protein, called cathelicidin, different than others. Typically, this protein protects the skin from infection, but it may cause swelling and redness for those with this skin condition
Unfortunately, there is no cure for rosacea. Thankfully though, there are effective in-office treatments and medical-grade skincare lines that can drastically improve an individual’s symptoms when utilized together. Two medical-grade skincare lines offered by our office, Epionce and ZO Skin Health, can effectively decrease facial redness and bumps caused by rosacea. Intense pulsed light (IPL), Laser Genesis and HydraFacial’s are all in-office treatments that are clinically proven to improve rosacea symptoms with minimal downtown. IPL emits light that penetrates the skin, targeting something called hemoglobin, which is found in blood vessels. Over about three to four weeks after treatment, the vessels are absorbed by the body. Laser Genesis on the other hand heats the skin, which constricts blood vessels to decrease skin flushing and ruddiness. HydraFacial’s gently cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and hydrate the skin. Within the Deluxe HydraFacial treatment our providers can infuse a specialty serum called Rozatrol. This serum is made by ZO Skin Health and contains potent ingredients to decrease inflammation, oil production, and support blood flow to the skin. IPL and Laser Genesis can be performed in the same visit or separately. A Deluxe HydraFacial is performed at least two weeks prior to any other procedure. Additionally, it is crucial to use medical-grade skincare if you are investing in IPL or laser treatments to optimize results.
At Burgess Plastic Surgery, we have highly trained providers who can provide comprehensive skin evaluations. During a consultation, all treatment options will be discussed in detail and a customized plan will be made for each patient. In some cases, those who suffer from severe inflammatory rosacea may be encouraged to see a dermatologist first to see if oral medication may need to be started. If you have rosacea that bothers you, we highly recommend visiting our office to see if you are a candidate for treatment or to discuss a medical-grade skincare regimen to improve your symptoms and boost your confidence and self-esteem!
