Gemini Laser Treats Rosacea With Green Light

Millions of Americans have rosacea, a skin disorder in which frequent flushing in the center of the face can cause discomfort and embarrassment.
"When you are younger you think it's blushing, and you get in your 20s and it still looks good, and you get into your 40s and it gets darker, redder, until it's like a neon sign," said rosacea patient Janet.
Topical medications and antibiotics can help control the redness and breakouts caused by rosacea. But now, the latest in laser technology can literally zap away tiny blood vessels in minutes.
Janet's broken blood vessels were zapped away by the Gemini Laser -- a laser that uses green light to target blood vessels.
"The green light selectively heats hemoglobin which is in the blood," Scripps Clinic dermatologist Dr. Victor Ross.
"The blood becomes very hot and the blood vessel coagulates and closes off and once it closes off, it's gone for good," Ross added.
The light spares healthy skin from the heat.
"The wavelength is selectively heating the red vessels; the normal skin is relatively cool," Ross said.
Ross said he has seen amazing results when he uses the Gemini Laser treatment to treat rosacea patients.
"Typically, we will do about two or three sessions about four weeks apart and then have them come very six months for maintence," Ross said.
Janet said her chronic redness disappeared rapidly after her first treatment.
"All of a sudden I stopped using foundation makeup altogether," Janet said.
Janet's results were so profound, Ross said she may only need to have the laser treatment once a year to keep her rosacea at bay.
Treatments with the Gemini Laser range between $300 and $500. It is not covered by most insurance.
Roos said people with light skin will see the best results.
He also said rosacea patients may see longer-lasting results if they have a laser treatment and continue to use medications to control inflammation.