What is Rosacea?
Rosacea could first appear as easy blushing or flushing. As the condition worsens, the facial skin becomes reddened in the center, spreading further to the nose, cheeks, and chin. You may see spider veins and red bumps appear. This skin condition is often embarrassing, difficult to hide with makeup, and uncomfortable.
What Causes Rosacea?
While the exact cause of rosacea is still somewhat of a mystery, we do have an idea of the factors that may contribute to the condition. For example, it’s believed that rosacea may be a result of abnormalities in the facial blood vessels. The condition may also be caused by a reaction to a type of microscopic mite that is frequently found on the face.
Although medical researchers are still investigating the causes of rosacea, they have managed to identify a number of triggers that are known to exacerbate the condition. All of the following can potentially worsen the symptoms of rosacea:
- Stress
- Strenuous physical activity
- Direct sun exposure
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Extreme hot or cold temperatures
- Spicy foods
- Hot beverages
What are the symptoms of Rosacea?
If you suffer from rosacea, you are likely dealing with a number of symptoms that are uncomfortable and reduce self-confidence. Rosacea symptoms can include a few or many of the following:
- Skin dryness
- Oily skin
- Rashes that look like acne
- Swollen blood vessels in the skin
- Reddened facial skin
- Swollen, small, red bumps
- Acne-like blemishes
- Enlarged pores on nose and cheeks
- Visibly broken blood vessels (spider veins)
We offer IPL treatments that can bring a remarkable level of relief for those suffering from rosacea in New York.
What are the different types of rosacea?
Some patients will suffer from multiple types of rosacea at the same time. Below is a brief description of each type:
Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea
This type is characterized by consistent facial redness. The tiny blood vessels below the skin’s surface may be enlarged and conspicuous. Without treatment, erythematotelangiectatic rosacea may become permanent.
Papulopustular rosacea
This type of rosacea involves pus-filled blemishes (“whitehead pustules”) and swollen red bumps that may appear on the chin, cheeks, or forehead. Papulopustular rosacea is often mistaken for acne for this reason. Blemishes may also arise on the neck, scalp, or chest.
Phymatous rosacea
With phymatous rosacea, the skin may thicken and grow bumpy, discolored, and swollen. It can sometimes be seen on the tip of the nose and is more common in men than women.
Ocular rosacea
Ocular rosacea symptoms affect the eyes, making them appear bloodshot or watery. Patients may experience a burning sensation and irritation in the eyes, and cysts may arise on the eyelids.
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How can I treat my rosacea?
Rosacea can be successfully treated with IPL, or (intense pulsed light). IPL is used to treat the redness and surface blood vessels that rosacea causes. IPL works on the skin by emitting multiple light wavelengths, which penetrate just below the surface of the affected skin. Your body reacts to the treatment by shedding the damaged tissues and producing new, healthy skin cells. You may require several IPL treatments to achieve optimal results, generally, three to six performed every three or four weeks.
IPL is a top performer in the treatment of visible surface blood vessels and rosacea in New York. It is similar to laser therapy, but rather than delivering a single light wavelength, the device delivers a range of wavelengths of light energy. This difference makes it possible to clear a larger area of skin. IPL treatments produce a remarkable change in skin affected by rosacea or marred by visible facial veins.
There will be no surgery or incision involved in the IPL procedure. There is a handheld machine that will be passed across the skin that you want to be treated; the machine will deliver the pulses of broad-spectrum light to the layers of your skin. The treatment is not painful; however, it can be uncomfortable, feeling like tiny rubber bands flicking the skin. If you would like, we will apply a topical anesthetic cream to your skin before the treatment.
Am I a candidate for rosacea treatment?
Men or women with facial redness who would like to address the source of this condition may be good candidates for rosacea treatment in NYC. Ideal candidates should meet the following requirements:
- Are not taking Accutane
- Are not pregnant
- Are not tanned
- Do not have a naturally darker skin type
What should I expect after my rosacea treatment?
After your rosacea treatment in New York at Alinea Medical Spa, you may notice mild scabbing or redness on your skin for several days to a week. However, you will be able to go back to your usual activities or work without any downtime. You may use light makeup, just be gentle while applying or removing it to ensure you don’t irritate your skin.
Why choose Alinea Medical Spa for Rosacea treatment in NYC?
If you suffer from rosacea in New York or have visible facial veins, it is difficult to camouflage the condition with cosmetics. You deserve to feel confident about your skin, and when under the care of Dr. Ammar and his team of certified, experienced professionals, you can achieve the relief you deserve.
We are focused on providing caring, personalized treatments for a range of skin conditions, including rosacea. We ensure you are comfortable, cared for, and confident throughout every phase of your journey to healthier, evenly-toned skin.
Rosacea FAQ
How many rosacea treatments will I need?
Depending on how severe the rosacea is, three to six treatments are generally needed to achieve the best outcome
Will I need anesthesia?
Because IPL causes little to no pain, anesthesia is not needed. We do apply numbing cream to minimise any discomfort.
Can certain foods trigger Rosacea flare-ups?
Yes. Two of the most common are spicy foods and alcohol. Others are bananas, citrus fruits, tomatoes, nuts and beans.