Laser Therapy
We specialise in laser therapy and can offer a wide-range of treatments at the clinic for cosmetic and non-cosmetic skin problems. Laser therapy works by targeting blood vessels, brown pigment or hair in the skin to selectively destroy these tissues leaving healthy skin behind. Laser therapy has been used for over 30-years and has a proven safety track record.

Facial Redness
Redness of the face is usually due to a combination of background redness, flushing, and superficial vessels (telangiectasia). A combination of lasers is often used to achieve the best results. Typically 2-4 sessions of treatment are required at 3-4 weekly intervals. Patients with severe background redness may require 6-8 sessions. Patients benefit from treatemnt at Hove Skin Clinic because we can provide you with the correct diagnosis for your skin problem and prescribed any additional medical treatment that may be necessary to alleviate your skin problem.

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What Causes Redness of the Face?
The majority of people have a red face because of the development of background redness due to deeper vessels in the skin and superficial vessels that dilate on the cheeks and nose. This is often genetic and seen in white Caucasian skin (especially those of Celtic origin). It can be aggravated by working outdoors, exposure to the cold and excessive sun-exposure. Diet does not normally cause the problem but may aggravate it. Spicy foods, alcohol, and coffee all stimulate the nerve fibres of the stomach that also supply the face causing facial flushing and redness following ingestion. A number of other medical conditions can cause redness.

What medical conditions cause facial redness?

Rosacea
Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause flushing and redness although this is almost always accompanied by red inflammatory spots that come and go. Classically, it affects the nose and cheeks causing redness and inflammatory spots that flutuate ona daily basis. It may also be localised around the eyes or around the mouth, when it is often called peri-oral dermatitis. Milder forms may respond to topical antibiotis (Metronizadole) or oral antibiotics (Lymecycline). A course of 3-4 months may be required. More resistant cases will respond to oral Isotretinoin, which is usually used for acne. Laser therapy is combined with these treatments to improve the background redness and superficial vessels.

Keratosis Pilaris
This is a genetic family condition that can cause redness of the outer cheeks and prominence of the pores on the cheeks, outer arms and thighs. It is more common in individuals with a family history of eczema and asthma. The background redness will respond to Intense Pulsed Light Therapy although 6-8 sessions may be required. The prominent skin follicles are mosre difficult to treat but can be helped by skin scrubs, exfoliation and topical retinoids.

Acne
Acne can cause redness at the site of spots due to inflammation of the deeper layers of the skin. Laser therapy can be used to improve this type of redness, inflammatory spots and post-istotretinoin redness. It is often combined with other therapies.

Lupus
Lupus is a rare cause of facial redness and often mis-diagnosed by doctors. Typically, it causes redness of the cheeks associated with tiredness, joint pains and other systemic features. It can cause scarring on the cheeks in the form of discoid lupus.

What does it cost for treatment?
Treatment costs £120-£200 per session and typically most patients require 2-3 sessions. A first consultation may be required to assess your skin problem and this will typically cost an additional £80-£120. This helps plan your treatment and discuss realistic expectations.