Rosacea is a common condition often resulting in persistent
erythema and
telangiectasia as well as
rhinophyma in a number of patients. Over the last two decades
lasers have been increasingly used in the treatment of these permanent changes. The literature is reviewed in terms of the different
laser systems, side-effects and comparison with other surgical techniques.
Laser studies on
rosacea-associated
telangiectasia and
erythema are limited.
Copper-
bromide,
krypton and
KTP lasers have been used with good to excellent results. However, the most commonly applied system is the flash lamp-pumped
pulsed dye laser.
Rhinophyma can be treated with a variety of different surgical methods, including
laser resurfacing. CO(2)
lasers are the most widely used
lasers, others are the Er:YAG and
Nd:YAG lasers. Cosmetic end results are comparable to partial excision with a scalpel or
electrosurgery. There does not appear to be an increased risk of
infection or
scarring, but the conventional surgical methods are quicker to perform and more cost effective.