Rosacea treatments

Our senior dermatologists have over 27 years* of clinical expertise in the field of rosacea treatments. We can manage all forms of rosacea including flushing, blushing, sensitive skin, redness & broken capillaries as well as preventing & treating end stage rhinophyma.

Combined with the latest in state-of-the-art laser technology, our team can address even the most complex cases to deliver unparalleled results. 

Our portfolio of over 30 devices covers the very latest vascular laser technology, including pulse dye lasers, 532 hybrid lasers & BBL.

* For complex cases of resistant rosacea, book with Dr Belle Cominos, dermatologist. She is regarded as one of the most experienced dermatologists in Brisbane with a special interest in the management of rosacea. 

Lasers in the management of rosacea function to –

• Reduce skin inflammation, including pimples & pustules & skin sensitivity
• Reduce background redness & broken capillaries
• Reduce flushing & blushing symptoms
• Reduce excess tissue in rhinophyma rosacea
• Improve rosacea eye disease including gritty & sore eyes

Cutis Dermatology has the largest repertoire of rosacea lasers in Australia. These lasers target redness & inflammation from rosacea. We use-

• V Beam Prima – one superficial & one deep wavelength 
• V Beam Perfecta
• Derma V- one superficial & one deep wavelength
• Sciton NdYag- for deep veins
• BBL for redness
• CO2 lasers including Ultrapulse Deep & Active Fx, CO2RE, Mixto, eCO2 for rhinophyma
• Tixel for resistant rosacea
• LLED including Healite 

Cryogen spray or cooling has many advantages over a chilled plate or sapphire cooling. Dynamic spay makes a HUGE difference in safety & comfort levels. All our rosacea lasers are equipped with spray cooling. These include the V Beam Prima, Perfecta & Derma V lasers. 

If we need to use the longer 1064 wavelength, we opt for the Prima or Derma V over the Sciton long pulse NdYag as this laser relies on a chiller plate. 

It depends on the laser & settings. The most common scenario is-

Day 1: redness & mild swelling.

Day 2: mild swelling, then recovery. Make up can be worn, if required.

There are many variations, as we use bespoke laser settings. Gentle parameters such a Laser Genesis do not have any downtime, whilst higher settings have a recovery time of 2-3 days. Your specialist will guide you & forewarn your downtime. 

Cost will vary depending on the types of lasers used & who performs them. 

As a guide:

• Nurse treatments: $240- $290 
• Dermatologist treatments: $350 -$520 out of pocket. This includes the Medicare rebate of approximately $140

On average 2-5 sessions. Generally, higher settings do best, however you will be guided by your laser technician. Lasers are best combined with lifestyle changes, topical skin care where appropriate, & medical therapy such as anti-inflammatories. 

No, lasers place rosacea in remission, or reduce redness, pustules, skin sensitivity, & flushing. Most patients get months to occasional years of remission. Lasers do not alter the genetic drive of rosacea. 

Once you understand the pattern of flare-ups, you will be in a better position to know when to undertake lasers & when to use other medications to reduce flares. Our team will also guide you through your journey. 

In the context of rosacea patients, lasers achieve 2 goals.

Firstly, reduction in symptoms & signs such as burning, stinging, flushing, redness, broken blood vessels & reduction of pimples & pustules associated with rosacea. 

Secondly, lasers provide photorejuvenation, improving skin texture & quality as well reducing wrinkles, fine lines, pigmentation & enlarged pores. Lasers are preferred over microneedling or chemical peels as these can lead to skin irritation.

Lasers used for this role include the V Beam Prima, Perfecta, Derma V, & Picolasers.

As with all medical conditions there is a small percentage of non-responders, even to the best lasers & super high treatment parameters. For this 5% of rosacea patients, dermatologists can think outside the box. Solutions include-

• Increasing your anti-inflammatory prescription dose
• Use another laser or device, eg. swap from vascular to BBL
• Incorporate novel treatments such as microanti-wrinkle & Aquagold
• Incorporate treatments such as LLED

We do use BBL or IPL (intense pulse light) to treat resistant cases of rosacea. Most patients respond better to vascular lasers, however 10% of rosacea cases do better with Broad Band Light. 

As a guide 2-4 sessions are recommended, 2-4 weeks apart. Unlike vascular lasers, BBL does not have an associated item number for Medicare claims. 

Our dermatologists employ 2 types of lasers, namely the CO2 Ultrapulse & CO2RE lasers. These lasers evaporate thick tissue & sculpt the nose back to its pre-rhinophyma shape. 

It takes one to three weeks to recover following rhinophyma surgery.

Learn more (link to rhinophyma treatment in the rosacea folder)

Yes, ophthalmologists in Brisbane & the surrounding areas refer patients for either BBL/IPL or vascular lasers to treat ocular rosacea. Light modulates meibomian gland activity, hence can help eye signs of rosacea. 

Ocular rosacea affects 10-20% of patients & presents in many ways including eye irritation, sore stingy eyes, sensitive eyes, pain, recurrent infections, dry, red & gritty eyes. 

Fact. We see a dozen cases a day, for the past 15 years. In Brisbane, there are two distinct peaks.

1. Cooler weather & the Brisbane Ekka week: Due to westerly winds.
2. Hotter weather & increasing UV index: In spring & summer. 

If you are struggling with rosacea, book a consultation with our skin experts. We will get you sorted in no time.