advice on lasers

[reneegavin]

I just got back from a dermatologist appointment where I had gone for a second opinion. I was hoping to avoid the long term antibiotics that my first doc had prescribed. This one put me on Cleocin, which is apparently a non-drying lotion for my Rosacea. He also said I would benefit from a laser treatment done on the visible vessels under my nose. He made it sound completely painless and like it was a one time deal. However, when I talked to his staff and started doing some research, that did not seem to be the case. Can you please tell me who I should be listening to?

[CrabbyCathy]

Hello! Until a doctor can answer your post, I can provide my own limited info, if you'd like.

Did he mention which laser type he would use? I know for a fact that with IPL, you need 4-6 treatments, and it does hurt a bit as they raise the power level. Even with a numbing cream, it kinda hurt, nothing horrible, just a snapping, like a rubberband. And honestly, it didn't do that much for me, rosacea-wise, except for the 1st and 3rd treatment. After those two, I looked great, for some reason. My skin was incredibly smooth everywhere else too, the non-rosacea areas. If I did have the money, I would give it another try, while avoiding triggers, being "good", using Metrogel and Oracea, and perhaps I would have different results. I might in the future go again, or maybe for the YAG. I haven't decided.

I think the YAG laser is painful, but I'm not sure how many treatments you would need, ie, if it's a small area would one suffice, or more? I have a freckle on my hand that the derm offered to blast with the YAG, and he said one time would work, although it would be quite painful. quote-unquote.

There are a few members who have had the YAG, all over I think, and they required multipe treatments.

[reneegavin]

When I asked what kind of laser it was, they said a Candela laser. He really didn't explain it much.

[Lisamouries]

He really didn't explain it much.

Not good enough. If you aren't clear with the answer given than you need to find out more. It's your face not anybody elses so you need to be confident in understanding the treatment. Go back and ask for more detail.

[reneegavin]

I'm going for a second opinion. When I asked the nurse/receptionist on the phone, she said they had all kinds of lasers. When I told her that it was for blood vessels under my nose, she said it would be a blood vessel laser??? She said to look up info on the Candella laser and that should help.

[David Pascoe]

Reply via email from Dr. Soldo.

Disclosure: This information does not constitute medical advice. Any individual who believes they are suffering from any medical condition, including, but not limited to rosacea, should seek treatment from a licensed medical physician who is qualified to diagnose and treat the particular condition. Nicholas Soldo, M. D.

I do not feel there is a need for antibiotics in the treatment of Rosacea, either orally or topically--The papulopustular eruptions are not the result of bacterial activity(as with acne) consequently antibiiotics are of little value--We often use an antibiotic(subclinical doxycycline or Oracea) but it is useful as a potent antiinflammatory agent and has NO antibacterial effects--The same is true for topical agents--I use them as antiinflammatory and not for antiinfection--Candela makes very good equipment but in my hands I prefer IPL rather than pulsed dye lasers so I am partial to the Lumenis One which is the most powerful and versatile device available today--Hope this helps and good luck. Dr N. Soldo

[Lisamouries]

I'm going for a second opinion.

Good on you!