Effective Treatment of Rosacea and Telangiectasias Using IPL

To date, no definitive treatment exists for rosacea. Phototherapies, including intense pulsed light (IPL), have been reported to reduce its characteristic features of erythema and telangiectasias.

This multicenter, retrospective study reviewed the charts of 82 patients with vascular and pigmented rosacea who underwent treatment with the Harmony XL Pro VL/PL Cooled Applicator. Lesion coverage was assessed from photographs taken before and 3-4 months after the last treatment session. Physicians assessed aesthetic improvement using the 5-point Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale. Patients rated pain experienced during the session and satisfaction with outcomes. Treatment safety was monitored throughout.

A total of 82 patients with rosacea underwent up to four IPL treatment sessions. Mean patient age was 41.9 ± 15.2 years, and most were female (84.1%), with skin type II or III (96.1%) and with facial rosacea (93.9%). Clearance of > 75% was achieved in 69.5% of the patients, and the remaining 30.5% achieved 51%-75% clearance. Physician-rated aesthetic improvement was optimal (64.6%) or good (34.1%); minimal change was reported for one lesion. Skin type III was associated with 3.59 times higher odds of achieving high clearance compared to skin type I or II (95% CI: 1.2-11.3). Patients were mostly very highly (95.1%) or highly satisfied (3.7%) with treatment outcomes. Most patients reported low (39.0%) to medium (46.3%) pain during treatment. Apart from a blister reported by one patient, no adverse events were reported.

IPL is a safe, effective, and versatile light-based modality for the treatment of vascular rosacea lesions in individuals of skin types I-III.