What is the difference between couperose and rosacea?

Couperose refers to the visible dilated small vessels. Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition in which papules and pustules can occur as well. The laser mainly treats the vascular component.

How many sessions are needed?

That depends on the extent and the depth of the vessels; as a rule several sessions make sense. We assess the course together.

Do the small vessels come back?

The treatment removes the vessels that were treated, but not the predisposition. New small vessels can develop over time, so refresher treatments can make sense.

Couperose & rosacea

Dilated small vessels and persistent facial redness in couperose and rosacea can be treated with vascular lasers and light systems. Which system fits depends on the findings.

Overview

In couperose, red, dilated small vessels show, above all on the nose and cheeks. Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition in which inflammatory papules and pustules can join the redness. Left untreated, the dilated vessels can progress; in pronounced cases a bulbous overgrowth of tissue can develop on the nose (rhinophyma).

Treating the vascular component early can improve the appearance of the skin. Which laser system is used depends on the thickness, extent and colour of the vessels. The inflammatory component of rosacea is treated in addition by the doctor, usually with medication.

Areas of application

Couperose (dilated, visible small vessels)
Persistent facial redness
Vascular component of rosacea
Telangiectasia on the face

Procedure

Examination and choice of system
We assess the type and the depth of the vessels and choose the suitable system. Those used include the dye laser, the KTP laser, the long-pulse Nd:YAG laser and the IPL/RF system.
Laser treatment of the vessels
The red blood pigment absorbs the laser light, which is converted into heat. This closes the dilated vessels, and the surrounding tissue is spared.
Check-up and, if needed, further sessions
Depending on the findings, several sessions make sense. We assess the course together and plan further appointments where needed.

What to expect

Depending on the severity, several sessions are as a rule required.
Immediately after the treatment, temporary redness and swelling are common; with some methods, short-lived bluish discolouration (purpura) can occur.
The treatment affects the vessels, but not the predisposition. New small vessels can appear over time, so refresher treatments can make sense.
In rosacea, avoiding your individual triggers (e.g. heat, alcohol, spicy food, UV light, stress) can ease the symptoms; if the eyes are affected too (burning, redness), this should be assessed as well.

Risks & notes

Redness, swelling and, depending on the system, short-lived discolouration (purpura) are possible for a time.
Rarely there are pigment shifts or blisters, and very rarely superficial scars.
The result differs from person to person; complete and permanent removal cannot be guaranteed.
Consistent sun protection supports the outcome of the treatment.
On tanned or darker skin the risk of pigment changes rises; please come untanned where possible and tell us about any medicines that make the skin sensitive to light.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between couperose and rosacea?: Couperose refers to the visible dilated small vessels. Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition in which papules and pustules can occur as well. The laser mainly treats the vascular component.
How many sessions are needed?: That depends on the extent and the depth of the vessels; as a rule several sessions make sense. We assess the course together.
Do the small vessels come back?: The treatment removes the vessels that were treated, but not the predisposition. New small vessels can develop over time, so refresher treatments can make sense.