Laser Treatment for acne rosacea

Hi - I've had acne rosacea for several years, and have had moderate success with metrogel.  However, I have heard that laser treatment can be very effective at clearing up this problem.  My question is, what kind of doctor should I go to who can best perform this treatment?  A dermatologist?  A plastic surgeon?  Any doctor who has had this training and can operate the equipment?  (Yipes!)  I want to proceed cautiously on this, but am eager to find some kind of treatment that is effective for this disfiguring condition...

Thanks,

Karen

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Karen:

Lasers are not helpful in treating rosacea, just the superficial ("broken") blood vessels which accompany it.  Topical (external) and oral antibiotics can usually do an excellent job of limiting pimples and pustules.  If you have a lot of blood vessels, you should find a dermatologist who has a lot of experience operating lasers.  Check the American Academy of Dermatology websiie (www.aad.org) to find one in your area.  Ask how often he performs this procedure (which is quick and almost painless).

Good luck.

Dr. R