IPL / pulse dye laser

Hello... I am a 31 year old female recently diagnosed with mild rosacea on Dec. 2, 2005.  I have intense flushing from time to time, broken capillaries, and a few bumps here and there ( but not much)  I have been using metrogel for the last month and so far no breakouts, which is good! I use kinerase as a moisturizer but my skin still seems to be really dry... within the last month my pores have become very large.  I am scheduled to have laser surgery for the blood vessels and redness on my face on Jan. 4, 2006  I have been doing some research and I am a bit overwhelmed and confused and don't know which direction to go in.  My doctor uses the Photogenica V-star pulse dye laser.. but I have been reading up on IPL treatment.  Can you please tell me what the differnce is between pulse dye lasers and Intense pulse light (IPL)?????  My doctor is out of the office until after the new year so can't call them for information?  I am a bit nervous about the procedure as I don't want my skin to get worse.  Also, prior to being diagnosed I always had facials done to exfoliate and keep my skin looking healthy!  However, my doctor advised me not to get any facials or microdermabrasion done.  How can I keep my skin healthy and help the huge pores on my face?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

There are several different light-based systems that can help blood vessels.  Many are lasers.  The IPL produces light that isn't laser light.  Both kinds work well.  The pulsed dye laser your doctor wants to use is fine for what you have.

I'm not sure why your doctor wants you to not have facials or microdermabrasion.  You might ask him.  These esthetic procedures help smooth the face a bit, but don't change the size of the pores.  Nothing really does that.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff