Do you have a tendency to blush or flush, your face turning red? You may have rosacea. While this redness tends to come and go in the beginning, it may become permanent for some patients. If you’re struggling with facial redness caused by rosacea, help is available at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana (LASSI) and LASSI Skin in Indianapolis.

Do You Have Rosacea?

A board-certified dermatologist must diagnose your rosacea before any treatment program can begin. Many patients mistake rosacea for acne, which has different causes and treatments. The best way to know for sure is to seek evaluation and treatment from a board-certified dermatologist.

Skin Evaluation

During your consultation at the LASSI, we will evaluate your skin to determine if a rosacea diagnosis is appropriate. We will use this time to evaluate your health and medical history; this informs our recommended treatments and helps us better understand your skin health. It is important that you come prepared with your full medical and health history, including prescription and over-the-counter medications you take.

Diagnosis and Treatment History

Once a diagnosis of rosacea is reached, we must decide on what kind of treatments make the most sense for you. Be ready to discuss your home skin care and bathing routine. Have you seen other skin care providers who gave you treatments or products? Let us know. Even if you are embarrassed by the do-it-yourself rosacea remedy you saw on Pinterest that made your skin worse, it’s important that we know about. Don’t worry; we don’t judge. We just put you on the right path.

Why Choose the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana?

Unlike so many skin spas and clinics in Indianapolis, the LASSI is a licensed dermatology center. Our team is comprised of medically-licensed dermatology providers and certified aestheticians who are supervised by our founder and board-certified dermatologist Dr. C. William Hanke.

In addition to treating a variety of skin conditions, Dr. Hanke and our team have led clinical research trials for medical and cosmetic dermatology treatments and conditions. Dr. Hanke is a recognized leader in dermatology and dermatologic surgery and has held numerous leadership positions, including as past president of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

The LASSI is a dermatology practice providing medical services and accepts health insurance. Check with your insurance company about coverage for dermatology evaluation and services. Contact us with any and all questions related to insurance and payment options.

Solutions for Rosacea in Indianapolis at the LASSI

At the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana, we offer guidance for home care and in-office treatments to help manage your rosacea. Our recommendations rely on your medical history and examination, to ensure we provide you with the best care.

The treatment protocols we recommend will depend on your needs and may include one or more of the following:

• identify your rosacea triggers and avoid them
• skin protection guidelines and products
• light-based treatments
• laser skin treatments
• skin care

Identify and Eliminate Rosacea Triggers

Understanding what causes your rosacea flares can go a long way toward reducing or eliminating unwanted skin redness. Alcoholic beverages are the most well-known rosacea triggers, but patients who do not drink can also have rosacea. Dermatologists recommend keeping a journal of what you eat and are exposed to, including fabrics, soaps, and weather conditions. By documenting what you have been in contact with prior to a rosacea flare, you can begin to pinpoint and avoid your triggers.

Common rosacea triggers include:

• unprotected sun exposure
• hot beverages
• caffeinated beverages
• red wine
• alcoholic drinks
• extreme temperatures
• wind and cold
• fabrics, especially wool

Skin Protection Guidelines to Reduce Rosacea

First and foremost, protect your skin from the sun. Sun exposure can trigger rosacea and also exposes you to greater risk of sun damage, premature aging, and skin cancer. Apply a daily sunscreen as recommended by a dermatologist. Select a sunscreen that provides the best protection without exposing you to ingredients that may cause rosacea flare-ups. Discuss your product options with our team.

Simplify your skincare routine. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you use fewer skin care products to reduce the risk of irritation. Additionally, it’s important to discuss your products with our dermatology team to ensure the ingredients are not likely to increase skin redness. Some products are also formulated to reduce skin redness, so discuss your options with Dr. Hanke and our skin care experts.

Light Treatments for Rosacea Relief

A UV lamp will not reduce rosacea; in fact, it can make your rosacea symptoms worse. A broadband light (BBL) treatment, however, can help reduce skin redness. BBL penetrates beneath the skin, going to the source of the facial redness. BBL requires a series of treatments, and we may recommend regular maintenance once your skin is cleared.

Laser Skin Treatments for Facial Redness

The pulsed-dyed laser (PDL) eliminates skin redness in as little as one treatment. We have seen patients walk in with red noses and walk out with clear skin. The PDL we use is the V-Beam, the very first PDL available in the United States. In addition to providing treatments using V-Beam, Dr. Hanke trains other providers on how to best utilize this technology in their own practices.

Skin Care for Rosacea

In addition to light and laser treatments to correct rosacea, our aestheticians can also provide you with professional, soothing skin treatments in LASSI Skin. Facials, including the HydraFacial, can provide soothing redness and skin irritation relief. It’s essential to have these services in a dermatology practice, ensuring that your physician and aestheticians are taking a team-based approach to your overall skin care.

Schedule Your First Appointment

Are you ready to banish skin redness? Show your rosacea who’s boss with the help of our board-certified dermatologist and professional skin care team. Schedule a consultation at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana. Dr. Hanke and our team will give you a comprehensive consultation. We will design a treatment plan especially for you and your needs. Finally, our team will send you home with products and tips to help you conquer your rosacea.