Rosacea

What is rosacea? 

Rosacea is a very common skin condition. People with rosacea flush easily and often develop redness, threadveins, and spots on their cheeks, nose, and forehead. It often starts around the age of 30 and can come and go for several years. 

Laser treatment of rosacea

Treatment with a vascular laser is usually helpful for reducing redness and thread veins associated with rosacea but it may not have much effect on spots or pustules. Spots are usually best treated by antibiotics or topical creams from your GP or dermatologist.

The laser delivers a powerful beam of light to the blood vessels causing them to seal up and fade away. We have a pulsed dye laser and a NdYAG laser. We will discuss which technique may be most suitable for you at your consultation.

What does treatment involve?

The first step is an initial consultation, after which we may offer you a patch test. This is to find out how well your skin will respond to the laser treatment. If the patch test is successful you can start to have regular sessions.

Most people get the best results in 2-4 treatments. The length of each session and how many you need varies depending on the severity of the condition.

The laser may cause some bruising in the treated areas for a few days after treatment. You will need to avoid strenuous exercise for a couple of days and look after your skin carefully.

You may need to wear a high factor sunblock and avoid excessive sun exposure for the whole course of treatment.

Our specialist will advise you on how to look after your skin.

What are the risks of treatment?

The risk of scarring from the vascular laser is very low.

The treatment can occasionally cause the normal pigment of the skin to decrease or increase, leaving a pale or dark mark where the treatment has been. This usually returns to normal but can take a long time.

Side-effects are more likely if the skin is tanned when treated so you should protect the area from the sun and wear sun block before and during the course of treatment.

Laser treatment may not be suitable for people with very dark skin because of the increased risk of side-effects.

The risks of treatment will be fully discussed with you at your consultation.

Funding for laser treatment

Laser treatment for rosacea is not routinely funded on the NHS. In severe or exceptional conditions the Exceptional Funding Panel in your area may consider this. If you think you may be eligible, discuss this with your GP.

If you cannot get NHS funding you can self-fund your consultation and treatment at Bristol Laser Centre. We offer a sensitive, personal, honest approach.

An initial consultation with a specialist doctor is always required. This costs £120. During the initial consultation you will discuss your specific needs. We may then offer a test patch to show how well you may respond to the treatment

Patch tests cost £145, and rosacea laser treatment sessions start from £240 per session.

How do I book in? 

If you have any questions or would like to arrange a consultation, please phone us on 0117 414 1212.

Or fill in our online form: Contact Bristol Laser Centre

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published April 2025. Review due April 2028. NBT003784