Rosacea Treatments

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Pittsburgh, PA

A rosacea treatment is capable of minimizing the appearance of small, broken capillaries in the skin, the cause of long-lasting redness. With Intense Pulse Light (IPL), medical-grade facials, and other skincare approaches, you can restore your skin health without burdensome inflammation obscuring your natural beauty. These topical approaches are designed to specifically target red pigmentation and support healthy skin regeneration, helping your skin become more resilient against the sun and environmental exposures. Many patients choose these treatments since they are non-invasive and do not require any downtime, so they can return to their busy lifestyles as soon as possible. 

Though rosacea is a complex condition, you can find what works best for you at Beleza Plastic Surgery and Medispa, offering both minimally invasive procedures and medspa treatments. Our practice is led by the extensive experience of Dr. Anna Wooten, a board-certified plastic surgeon who continually works to update her credentials and training. Regardless of your history with rosacea, Dr. Wooten and her team can address this common cosmetic issue with professionalism. 

Call our location in Sewickley at (724) 759-7777 or Pittsburgh at (412) 877-9388 to check our availability for a consultation with a skincare nurse or licensed aesthetician. You can also inquire with our contact form, and a member of our staff will get back to you as soon as possible. We cannot wait to help you achieve greater confidence and the radiant glow you have always wanted. 

About Rosacea 

There is never just one cause of rosacea. For many people living with the condition, a variety of factors can contribute to its onset. It has been estimated that about 6% of the U.S. population experience some form of it, but roughly 22% of all fair-skinned people are affected. (1) While rosacea is more common among women, when men experience it, it is often more severe. The most commonly affected areas are the cheeks, forehead, and nose. Though most of the time, it presents as skin flushing, there can also be noticeable spider veins (telangiectasia) and inflamed bumps called papules. Sometimes, the condition may even cause the skin to thicken or irritate the eyes. 

It may begin as a subtle blush that gradually reoccurs and worsens over time. It is not uncommon for individuals to experience burning, itching, and feelings of emotional distress over their appearance. Red is a difficult color to conceal on the skin, making it challenging to hide it with makeup. In more severe cases, this can even lead to social withdrawal and contribute to feelings of low self-esteem. 

What Causes Rosacea? 

Many of the following environmental and physiological factors are associated with this type of redness in the skin: 

  • Immune responses: People with rosacea may have a dysregulated immune system that releases abnormal levels of cytokines (proteins that control inflammation) and antimicrobial peptides (molecules that help fight against microorganisms). (2)  
  • Microorganisms/Demodex: Though people without rosacea may not negatively react to facial microorganisms, some are sensitive to the bacteria produced by them, causing irritation.   
  • Sun exposure: Sunlight, in general, can increase vascular growth. This effect is much more pronounced in people with fair skin. 
  • Neurovascular dysfunction: Some researchers believe that abnormal communication between the vascular and nervous systems can cause rosacea. (3) 
  • Genetics: People with rosacea are more likely to have a family member with the condition as well. 
  • History of skin cancer: Cancer and rosacea are both associated with chronic inflammation, so it may contribute to its development. 
  • Topical steroid use: These medications can induce a dysregulated immune reaction within the skin. 

Treatment Options 

Intense Pulse Light (IPL) 

IPL is a light-based technology that incorporates several wavelengths on the light spectrum to target red pigment and other chromophores (pigmented molecules) in the skin. As the light pulses come in contact with unwanted red pigment, thermocoagulation occurs, the process of metabolization triggered by thermal energy. (4) 

Before undergoing IPL, your skincare specialist will conduct a spot test to take note of how your skin reacts to the device. If they find that you are a good candidate for the procedure, they will ask you to follow specific instructions for preparation. This may include refraining from waxing, UV ray exposure, chemical peels, and certain topical creams with glycolic acid or retinol. 

For the procedure itself, your specialist will apply topical numbing cream to the affected areas and wait until it fully settles in. Next, they will cleanse the area and apply a coating of ultrasound gel to protect the skin and make the IPL more efficient. They will then provide you with eye protection and begin the procedure, placing the IPL window directly against your skin and administering light pulses throughout. You may feel slight snapping and warm sensations, but you will not feel any pain. After finishing the treatment, your specialist will remove the ultrasound gel and provide you with personalized aftercare instructions. As a general rule, after any laser or light procedure, you should protect your skin with sunscreen daily. Depending on the severity of your rosacea, you will need multiple sessions with IPL. After each session, you will have the chance to speak with your specialist about their skincare recommendations going forward and when you can undergo another IPL session. 

Medical-Grade Facials 

A medical-grade facial offers prescription-strength rejuvenation with stronger ingredients not available in standard spa facials. Your treatment with one of our customized approaches may involve exfoliation, steaming (to allow the pores to get rid of their excess dirt and oil), and extraction to further clean the pores. Medical-grade facials are more equipped to handle cosmetic issues that stem from the deeper dermis, such as age spots, acne scars, wrinkles, sagging skin, enlarged pores, and more. Also, only licensed aestheticians and nurses are allowed to perform these for individuals. With facial devices like DiamondGlow– offered at our practice- you can infuse your treatment with revitalizing serums to minimize rosacea. We offer products from trusted brands like ZO Skin Health, Skinceuticals, Skinbetter Science, Neocutis, and more to treat hyperpigmentation and reduce the root source of inflammation. 

Skincare 

In-clinic treatments are effective, but the essence of great skincare begins at home. Your skincare specialist can introduce you to a wide range of products designated for redness treatment: 

  • Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum from Skinbetter 
  • Mystro Active Balance Serum from Skinbetter 
  • Even Tone Correcting Serum from Skinbetter 
  • Rozatrol by ZO Skin Health
  • And more

Before prescribing a product, your specialist will ensure that they understand your skin needs and sensitivities, allowing you to reap the best results with their recommended serum and cream formulations. We make sure to only provide proven high-end products with quality moisturizing, brightening, and collagen-boosting effects. 

Personal Consultation

During your consultation with your licensed aesthetician or nurse, you will be able to speak about your history with rosacea and how you would like to approach your skincare regimen at Beleza Plastic Surgery. They will evaluate your skin quality and take note of the severity and other cosmetic irregularities, if present. They will also ask you about any sensitivities and allergies you are aware of to ensure they do not recommend an unsuitable product for your rosacea treatment. If you decide to undergo IPL, they will outline a personalized treatment plan that will be most effective for you. 

At Beleza Plastic Surgery, skin youthfulness and vitality are priorities. Our rosacea treatments are designed to reveal the best skin you can attain by fighting inflammation at the source. To get in contact with us today, call our Sewickley location at (724) 759-7777 or our Pittsburgh location at (412) 877-9388. You can also get in touch using our online form for your convenience. With a thorough consultation, you can feel better informed on the optimal next steps for your skin. 

Cost of Rosacea Treatments in Pittsburgh 

The cost of your rosacea treatment will depend on your specific prescribed skincare regimen and/or the number of IPL sessions you undergo. Your specialist will ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of what your treatment will entail, including a cost estimate. If you are interested in a more affordable method, Beleza Plastic Surgery offers financing plans with CareCredit, so call us to find out how you can apply today. To learn more about our services before booking your appointment, feel free to browse through our blog. 

FAQ

What causes rosacea? 

There are a variety of environmental and biological factors that contribute to rosacea- not just one cause. Genetics, an overactive immune system, sun exposure, topical steroid use, and even a history of skin cancer can all contribute to the likelihood of developing rosacea. The redness is caused by the presence of small broken blood vessels- called capillaries- within the skin. 

Is IPL an effective rosacea treatment? 

IPL is an effective treatment because it utilizes gentle thermal energy to break down pigmented molecules without harming the epidermis, the first layer of skin. 

How can I prevent rosacea from worsening? 

Undergoing treatment with IPL or using prescription-strength skin care products can help minimize rosacea. Those with rosacea should apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on a daily basis. 

Is rosacea curable? 

There is currently no cure for rosacea, but patients can keep the condition well under control by limiting the amount of inflammation in their skin. 

References

  1. Marchitto MC, Chien AL. Rosacea and Associated Comorbidities: A Google Search Trends Analysis. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. 2020;13(7):36-40. Accessed January 2, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7492017/
  2. Weiss E, Katta R. Diet and rosacea: the role of dietary change in the management of rosacea. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual. 2017;7(4):31-37. doi:https://doi.org/10.5826/dpc.0704a08 
  3. Schwab VD, Sulk M, Seeliger S, et al. Neurovascular and Neuroimmune Aspects in the Pathophysiology of Rosacea. Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings. 2011;15(1):53-62. doi:10.1038/jidsymp.2011.6 
  4. Gade A, Vasile GF, Rubenstein R. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK580525/