For rosacea we like to perform a combination of different wavelength and pulse duration lasers which we refer to as an R3 laser treatment. This determines how deep the laser penetrates and how long the energy stays in the skin. For most patients we would combine three treatments into one session to create a multi-dimensional approach to target the blood and inflammation at all levels of the skin. We usually combine our Fotona SP PRO using an NdYAG laser, Fotona QX MAX KTP laser or Alma Harmony Lite IPL.

A small spot sized (2-4mm) NdYAG laser is usually used first to target some of the finer telangiectasia (capillaries), which sit superficially on the skin. This works by absorbing and coagulating these finer capillaries and the body’s lymphatic system then cleans up these vessels.

A larger spot size is then used on a versa or FRAC3 setting to target the deeper blood supply and treat diffuse redness and blushing.

For patients who have a lot of superficial redness and require treatment for texture, we would couple this with either our QS KTP 532nm laser (often referred to as pulse dye laser) or Alma IPL 550-650nm. Both of these systems work very effectively at targeting the blood and leaving the skin smooth and even.

We choose to combine these different modalities because they allow a multi-dimensional approach, achieving better and longer lasting results. 

This treatment is a non-ablative modality (no downtime) but delivers fast and effective results. R3 laser can be used on its own or combined with other treatment modalities such as metronidazole or antibiotics for people who have chronic rosacea.
This treatment is generally more effective for patients with vascular lesions (erythema rosacea) than those with papulopustular rosacea. 

R3 rosacea laser uses different wavelengths, spot sizes and pulse durations to target the blood and inflammation at all of the layers of the skin. The result is coagulation of blood vessels, reducing diffuse redness and inflammation. By targeting the blood cells at multiple levels through the skin we are able to achieve a longer lasting result. 

R3 rosacea laser controls and manages the appearance of rosacea.

Complications with R3 rosacea laser are very rare due to the safety of the laser systems and the protocols developed at Body Recon. Your therapist will be able to further advise you on the correct things to do pre and post treatment to ensure your skin is well prepared and cared for.
A rare side effect of using the very high energy and smaller spot sizes associated with this treatment, can be small, localised blisters. This is very uncommon and the blisters will go away quickly if left alone.
As with all laser treatments, associated risks include:

• • post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – a brown mark left on the skin after treatment that usually takes some months to fade with the assistance of lightening agents
  • Hypopigmentation – loss of pigmentation in the treated area that can be permanent. This is very rare.
  • Prolonged redness – sometimes the redness of the skin can take longer to fade than expected.
  • Bacterial or viral infection – laser treatments can sometimes trigger herpes simplex outbreaks. Any viral or bacterial infection in a wound created by a laser has the potential for scarring. It is important to let your specialist know if you are prone to cold sores or any other viral condition 

R3 rosacea laser is an ideal treatment for anyone suffering with rosacea and vascular skin. There’s no cure for rosacea. Even though the results of laser treatment for rosacea may be impressive in some case studies, the results do fade over time and ongoing sessions are required to maintain results.

Most vascular skin will benefit from R3 rosacea laser. It’s important to note that laser will only manage the appearance and symptoms of this chronic condition and not cure it. This treatment option is best for erythematic rosacea and less effective for papulopustular rosacea. If the skin is in chronic inflammation, we may suggest medication. Sun compliance is imperative pre and post treatment. For very fine, fragile skin, we may suggest treatments such as LED to strengthen the skin prior to treatment to ensure safety and efficacy.

Rosacea is a chronic condition that can’t be cured, only managed. We generally recommend a course of 3-6 treatments depending on severity, each spaced about six weeks apart. Once the rosacea is under control the patient will be changed to a maintenance program- for mild cases this may be a treatment once or twice a year or more frequently for severe cases. The duration of time between treatments is usually determined by the patient’s expectation of the results.

There is no significant downtime with R3 rosacea laser. Generally the skin stays red for 24-48hrs, which can easily be concealed with mineral makeup. The skin can stay warm and a little ‘prickly’ for a few hours depending on the intensity of the treatment. Some of the vessels may appear darker and in rare cases, there may be some crusting on larger lesions, which can take a few days to resolve.

For R3 rosacea laser, sun compliance is imperative before and after the treatment as the skin will have a higher tendency to burn from the laser if there is tan present and will remain photosensitised for a few weeks following the treatment.
Prepping the skin with active skincare before and after laser is essential for rosacea. Because rosacea is an inflammatory condition we want to ensure your skin will be strong enough to tolerate the light based treatment. Depending on the skin type, we usually favour our Dermaviduals skincare for our rosacea patients. This line is designed around correcting barrier-impaired skin, strengthening and reducing inflammation of the skin.

The skin will be red for a few days following the laser. The redness and vessels will continue to fade over the coming weeks as the body’s lymphatic system cleans up the destructed vessels. Best results are seen when the treatment is performed as a course, often teamed with corrective skincare and lifestyle changes to help control inflammation. We like to work with clients and their physicians to ensure a safe and desired outcome.

Prior to treatment you are required to see Dr Rahdon and one of our Dermal Therapists to assess suitability. A GP referral is required.
R3 rosacea laser is performed at our Cosmetic Clinic. The skin is thoroughly cleaned and then the laser treatment begins. Patients often find the treatment isn’t painful but feels tingly, like warm pins and needles. Following the treatment, a post care balm is applied. 

Prep and post care is key with all of the treatments we provide at Body Recon. Your technician will be able to advise you on a topical homecare regime. Your skin may be more sensitive initially after R3 rosacea laser so it is important to follow the instructions on the post-care information sheet to ensure that the skin is well cared for and protected at all times. General guidelines are to avoid any direct sun exposure, to apply only prescribed topical homecare, to avoid exercise for 24 hours following treatment and to ensure the skin remains clean and protected. Sun avoidance is imperative, as the skin will be slightly photosensitised initially after treatment.

Rosacea often has triggers that can exacerbate the condition causing the skin to flare. Triggers vary from person to person but common ones include heat, cold, stress, alcohol, spicy foods, dairy and gluten.

R3 roscaea laser is $400 a session with a recommended minimum of three sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Medicare rebates may be applicable. A GP referral and consultation with Dr Rahdon and one of our Dermal Therapists is required prior to treatment.

R3 Rosacea is a unique treatment for rosacea.

– We are able to offer the most advanced, cutting-edge technology for skin rejuvenation. We are the first clinic in Australia to offer this great treatment.
– We created this protocol which is now used worldwide.
– We have a wide range of lasers to choose from which means that we are able to select the most suitable laser treatment for you.
– All of our technicians have attended a laser safety training course and are highly skilled and knowledgeable in skin rejuvenation procedures.
– All treatments at Body Recon Cosmetic Clinic are overseen by Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Richard Rahdon.
– Our philosophy is to treat the individual – your skin rejuvenation treatment plan will be unique to you and we are able to combine many different modalities into each treatment session to maximise your results. 

Yes, mineral makeup can be applied straight after treatment. Often cosmetics contain irritants such as fragrance, talc, alcohol, dyes, mineral oil or preservatives which can be problematic following laser when the skin is more sensitive. Our advice is to use only a pure mineral makeup following treatment- we recommend Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup, which we stock in clinic.