Rosacea Laser Skin Patch
Patch Testing - Prior to your patch test or spot treatment, avoid Gingko, Gingko biloba & Selenium as they are powerful anti-coagulants. They are considered to be 3 times stronger than Vitamin E, which should also be avoided for 10 days prior to your patch test and treatment. You are also not a candidate if you have a blood clot-forming disorder (i.e. excessive bleeding). Although you may have seen information on some websites stating that HI Pulsed Light Treatment does not emit radiation of any kind and is safe for treatment during pregnancy - it is recommended by the manufacturer of the laser equipment that treatment should not be undergone while pregnant and to wait until after delivery to even have a patch test or spot treatment.
Once you find a respectable clinic or practice in your area and decide to make a consultation appointment, you will meet with the doctor or dermatologist and he or she will determine if you are a candidate to receive treatment. He or she will discuss your health, examine your skin and prior scars, ask you a million questions regarding your family history (answer them honestly and disclose all information) and explain to you what can and essentially what cannot be successfully treated. Prepare to pay for a spot test or test patch if it is decided you are eligible. He or she will also advise you on approximately how many treatments and pulses per treatment that will be needed to achieve your desired goal.
After your test patch/spot treatment you will wait and watch the test area for any negative reactions such as blistering, hyper- or hypo-pigmentations, rashes, persistent redness, etc. and report them to your technician/doctor. If all is well you may schedule an appointment and you will be instructed on what and what not to do for the next two weeks before your first treatment. If you are taking any of the above supplements or medications you will have to discontinue them until a few days after treatment or until instructed otherwise. You will also be instructed not to tan as hypo-pigmentation (patches of skin lighter in pigment than your normal tone).
Your technician or doctor will ascertain your comfort and if desired a topical anesthetic may be applied. After the treatment area is "numb", a cold, soothing gel will be applied and a glass prism (pyramid) will then be placed over the gel and treatment area. An intense flash of light, or pulse, is flashed through the prism where it is directed at the treatment area to rid you of your complaints. This initial treatment may not be as aggressive as your following treatments so as not to possibly damage the skin and to determine your skin's tolerance for further intensive treatment. Treatments are usually performed every 3-4 weeks.
Since there is no real "downtime" you may resume your normal activities after a Pulsed Light treatment. However you must protect your treatment area from UV light, be it natural sunlight or tanning beds. You may be slightly pink or red directly after your treatment as well as have mild swelling. This should subside in a few days and if not you should inform your doctor/technician.
Although rare, blistering or slight bleeding is possible as is hypo- or hyper-pigmentation (lightened or darkened areas of skin). If pigmentation problems occur, it may be anywhere from 3-12 months before normal skin tone returns. This is especially so with hypo-pigmentation (lack of color). Be aware that some patients may experience permanent skin pigmentation changes. Scarring is possible although it too is a rare occurrence.
Treatment prices may vary significantly due to region, surgeon and treatment needs. On average, a spot-test may cost from $20. to $75.US and will cover several areas that represent what will be treated. Thereafter treatments are approximately $10. per pulse with a minimum of $100.US per visit.