The Best Laser for Redness: The Pulsed Dye Laser

Posted on: March 14th, 2023 by Our Team

At Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, we are proud to be one of the most prominent laser centers in the Phoenix or Scottsdale area. One laser that we employ is our pulsed dye laser. Pulsed dye lasers are a type of laser frequently used in dermatology for various skin conditions. These lasers emit a short burst of high-energy light, which is absorbed by blood vessels and pigment in the skin. The laser energy causes the blood vessels to coagulate and the pigment to break down, leading to various therapeutic effects. This blog post will discuss some of the main applications of pulsed dye lasers in dermatology and how they work, citing relevant research papers along the way.

One of the primary uses of pulsed dye lasers is for treating vascular lesions, such as port wine stains, hemangiomas, and rosacea. Port wine stains are a type of birthmark caused by abnormal blood vessels in the skin. They are typically reddish or purplish and can appear anywhere on the body. However, they are most commonly found on the face. Hemangiomas are benign tumors made up of abnormal blood vessels and can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on the face and neck. Finally, rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels on the face.

Pulsed dye lasers can effectively improve the appearance of these vascular lesions by targeting the abnormal blood vessels and causing them to shrink or disappear. For example, in a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, pulsed dye lasers were found to effectively reduce the redness and size of port wine stains in 88% of patients after an average of 3.6 treatment sessions. Similarly, a review of the literature published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy found that pulsed dye lasers effectively improved the appearance of hemangiomas and rosacea, with high patient satisfaction rates.

Pulsed dye lasers are also commonly used to treat acne and acne scars. Acne is a common skin condition characterized by pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads, most often on the face, chest, and back. Various factors, including hormonal changes, genetics, and certain medications, can cause acne. Acne scars result from inflammation caused by acne and can take the form of pits or indentations in the skin.

Pulsed dye lasers can be used to improve the appearance of acne scars by stimulating the production of collagen. This protein helps to repair and rebuild damaged skin tissue. In a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the researchers found pulsed dye lasers to improve the appearance of acne scars in 79% of patients after an average of 3.6 treatment sessions. Additionally, a review of the literature published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy found that pulsed dye lasers effectively reduced acne’s appearance and improved the skin’s texture and tone.

Pulsed dye lasers are also used to treat hyperpigmentation, a condition in which areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding skin due to an excess of pigment. Various factors, including sun exposure, hormonal changes, and certain medications, can cause hyperpigmentation. Pulsed dye lasers can effectively improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation by breaking down the excess pigment in the skin. In a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the authors found pulsed dye lasers to be effective in improving the appearance of hyperpigmentation in 75% of patients after an average of 3.6 treatment sessions.

Pulsed dye lasers are generally well tolerated by patients and have a low risk of side effects. However, as with any medical procedure, pulsed dye laser is patient-specific and unsuitable for everyone. Make a consultation with us at Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group today if you live in Phoenix or Scottsdale, Arizona, and are interested in reducing redness, scars, or dark spots.