Laser & Light Therapies for Rosacea | Do They Work? | Dermatologist Insights

Rosacea is a common skin condition that can cause persistent redness, visible blood vessels, and flare-ups that are frustrating to manage. While topical creams and oral medications can help, many people find that these treatments are not enough to fully control the redness and broken capillaries that rosacea leaves behind. That is where advanced light and laser treatments such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and the Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) come in. These therapies are designed to target the underlying blood vessels that cause rosacea, often leading to noticeable and long-lasting improvements in skin appearance.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, is a treatment that uses gentle bursts of light to target the redness and visible blood vessels (telangiectasias) often seen with rosacea. Instead of focusing on just one type of blood vessel, IPL uses a broad range of light wavelengths to calm redness and improve overall skin tone.

Studies show it can be very effective: in a large 2020 study of over 200 people with rosacea, IPL significantly reduced facial redness and kept symptoms from coming back for up to two years.

Other research has found that more than half of patients see noticeable improvements after a few sessions, although touch-up treatments may be needed over time. A systematic review also noted that IPL helps by shutting down abnormal blood vessels and improving the underlying skin structure that contributes to redness.

In addition to redness and blood vessels, IPL can improve sun spots and skin discoloration, leading to a natural looking glow.

Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL)

The pulsed dye laser is designed to specifically target the tiny blood vessels that cause redness in rosacea. Unlike IPL, which uses a broad range of light, Vbeam zeroes in on the hemoglobin in blood vessels, helping them collapse and fade from view. This makes it especially effective for reducing persistent redness and visible veins.

Most people notice improvement after just one session, but for best results, dermatologists usually recommend two to five treatments spaced a few weeks apart. According to dermatology experts, patients often see up to 75 percent improvement with each session. Results continue to improve over one to two months, and they can last longer if you practice good sun protection and follow a healthy skin care routine.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

Both IPL and PDL treatments are done in the dermatologist’s office and usually take less than an hour. Before starting, your skin will be cleansed, and protective eyewear will be provided. For IPL, a cool gel is applied to the skin, and you will feel brief, warm flashes of light as the device is used. With the PDL, patients often describe the sensation as a quick snap, similar to a rubber band on the skin.

After treatment, it is normal to have some mild redness, swelling, or even slight bruising, especially with PDL. These side effects are temporary and usually fade within a few days. Most people are able to return to their usual activities right away, but strict sun protection is recommended for at least one week following a light or laser procedure.

After your IPL session at Palm Beach Dermatology in Boca Raton, you will receive a personalized skin care treatment in the office using Anovo Skin medical grade products, designed specifically to repair and nourish the skin.

Results build gradually. For IPL, you may notice a more even skin tone after a few sessions. With the PDL, broken capillaries and redness often start fading within one to two weeks, with continued improvement over the following month.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

The cost of laser and light treatments for rosacea can vary depending on the type of device used, how many sessions you need, and the qualifications of your provider. On average:

• IPL: $300–$600 per session, with national averages around $400–$500.
• PDL: $250–$600 per session, with national averages around $500.

Some clinics charge less for smaller areas and more for extensive redness.

Keep in mind, laser science is a complex and intricate subject that requires years of in-depth training and understanding. Cheaper treatments are often offered by non-qualified practitioners who are more likely to cause unwanted side effects such as burning, blistering, pigment changes, or scarring. Unfortunately, many patients present with side effects from untrained providers. Be mindful of who is performing your procedure. Board-certified dermatologists such as Dr. Adam Aldahan are the most equipped to fine-tune laser settings and prevent complications.

Because these treatments are considered cosmetic, most insurance plans do not cover them. When planning treatment, it helps to ask your dermatologist for a personalized estimate and whether they offer package pricing for multiple sessions.

How Many Sessions Will You Need?

Laser and light therapies for rosacea usually work best when done as a series of treatments rather than a single session. The exact number depends on your skin and the severity of your symptoms, but here is a general guide:

• IPL: Excellent results in 1–2 sessions for some patients; others may need 3–6 sessions, spaced a few weeks apart.
• PDL: Noticeable improvement after the first treatment, but 2–4 sessions are typically recommended for lasting results.

After the initial series, some patients choose maintenance treatments 2–3 times a year to keep redness and visible vessels under control. Palm Beach Dermatology can give you a tailored plan based on how your skin responds.

Conclusion

For many people living with rosacea, laser and light therapies are worth considering. IPL can improve overall redness and skin tone, while the PDL is especially effective to target larger blood vessels. Both treatments require a series of sessions and can be an investment, but patients often report clearer, calmer skin that boosts their confidence and comfort.

Since rosacea is a chronic condition, it is important to remember that no single treatment is a permanent cure. Maintenance sessions and good skin care habits, including daily sun protection, can help extend results. If you are wondering whether IPL or PDL might be right for you, a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist is the best way to create a personalized plan.

To learn more about rosacea care and treatment options, visit our Rosacea page at Palm Beach Dermatology in Boca Raton.