Rosacea is a long-term skin disease characterised by persistent facial flushing, dilated blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like papules. The uncontrollable flare-ups with visible symptoms are troublesome and also affect self-esteem and quality of life. While topical creams and oral medications can manage some of the symptoms, many people are now seeking better management with longer remission times. PDL therapy has, therefore, gained acceptance among those looking to reduce visible signs of rosacea.
Read on to learn how pulsed dye laser can help manage rosacea, the treatment process, and what results you can realistically expect.
The pulsed dye laser is an innovative machine used in medicine to treat abnormal blood vessels that lie under the skin and are inaccessible to the naked eye through a focused beam of yellow light. The laser energy penetrates the haemoglobin in the vessels, and this reaction causes them to absorb more heat, collapse, and be reabsorbed by the body. This effect is visible on the skin as diminished redness of the face or even broken vessels.
The cost of Pulsed Dye Laser treatment for rosacea and related skin conditions varies based on the city, clinic, severity, and number of sessions required. Below is a comparison of approximate costs per session in different Indian cities:
City | Cost per PDL Session (in ₹) |
Gurgaon | 15,000 - 35,000 |
Noida | 15,000 - 35,000 |
Delhi | 24,000 - 41,000 |
Mumbai | 23,000 - 39,000 |
Bangalore | 22,000 - 37,000 |
Hyderabad | 21,000 - 35,000 |
Kolkata | 25,000 - 40,000 |
Chennai | 20,000 - 33,000 |
Pune | 20,000 - 33,000 |
Before starting treatment, a dermatologist will review your skin to determine if PDL is appropriate based on your type and severity of rosacea. The procedure is simple:
Post-treatment, it is normal for the skin to have temporary redness, swelling, and perhaps mild bruising. These symptoms normally resolve within a few days. Most patients can immediately return to their normal schedule, although it is important to follow aftercare instructions that advise avoiding direct sun exposure or using gentle skin care products.
Many patients report improvements in redness and visible blood vessels from the first treatment, but the best outcome will likely require several sessions. The number of sessions needed depends on individual response and the severity of the rosacea.
This is among the most common concerns of patients with rosacea. Understanding this fact: rosacea is a chronic and relapsing condition without a permanent cure. Pulsed dye laser has very good results for treating the visible symptoms of the disease, particularly the redness and the dilated blood vessels. Still, it does not cure the underlying cause of rosacea.
Therefore, while PDL may offer marvellous results, it should be considered as part of a treatment approach instead of a once-and-for-all cure.
Pulsed dye laser has many advantages for rosacea sufferers:
There are limitations to be considered:
It is going to be the best thing when you select a good clinic and an experienced dermatologist. Considering PDL treatment:
Even if PDL can alleviate the visible symptoms of this condition, rosacea requires a holistic approach for management:
The pulsed dye laser is a safe and effective treatment for redness and dilated blood vessels in rosacea patients. Although it won't cure rosacea, it will keep things calm for a long time and improve confidence. The best results show PDL with further medical management and lifestyle adjustments.