ASK DR. FRIEDMAN
Q: I have facial redness, enlarged pores and sun damage. Is there a single laser that can simultaneously eliminate these conditions?
A: Very seldom does a patient come in with just one condition for us to diagnose and treat. In order to truly customize a treatment, it is best to use a combination approach. There are dozens of lasers on the market. One device cannot achieve everything, so I typically recommend combining lasers to get an overall global improvement.
I, personally, would treat your specific concerns with three different lasers. Facial redness and rosacea respond well to pulsed dye laser therapy, treating the inherent vascular component of your condition. The Fraxel re:store™ laser delivers great results by improving skin texture and fine lines, and repairing sun damage after multiple treatment sessions. Some patients experience reduced pore size after treatment, as well. The QS-Ruby laser does a good job of targeting sunspots. Keep in mind that although many laser therapies yield minimal downtime, there are still risks involved. Laser devices are only as good as the practitioner. Seek treatment from a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who is very experienced in both technique and the application of laser technology.