Laser Treatment for Facial Skin
See also: Face & Skin Treatments ... Face & Complexion Health ... Laser Hair Removal
Parent Q&A
I have done several V-beam treatments with great results with Dr Austin at the Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology clinic in the city: https://weloveskin.com/dr-andrea-hui-austin. I basically went from a consistently red and inflammed face back to almost regular skin within 8 months. I still get red when I drink caffeine or alcohol, but it is totally doable. What worked for me is cutting out gluten out of my diet, doing the V-beam lasers every 6 months, using a high SPF sunscreen religiously, and using a moisturizer and retinoid cream at night that was recommended by Dr. Austin recommended. I am very happy, as I tried many things before working with her and not much helped for years.
Dr. Tomi Wall (510-763-2662) is amazing. I've been having V-Beam treatment for a few years now, and it's the only thing that works for my rosacea.
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Nurse for laser treatment of face?
Jan 2012
Hi. I was in touch with cosmetic services at Kaiser Walnut Creek about treatment of persistent facial redness and broken capillaries. I learned that they use a nurse for their laser treatments. I wanted to see if anyone has advice or thoughts about using someone other than an MD for laser treatments of the face? Has anyone had this treatment at Kaiser Walnut Creek, and how did things go? Or are there other medical centers/doctors that you can recommend for this type of work? Thanks for your help. anon
I am liking American Laser on Telegraph, across from Whole Foods. I was able to get a very good rate, with some negotiating. Ask for Kyndra....
I had my varicose veins in my legs treated at WC Kaiser 2 years ago by probably the same nurse....Suzanne something? She had a British accent. I can't speak for laser, or facial work, but she was extremely competant w/ my legs. It wasn't a party, but it was tolerable, and worked. I hope this is a little helpful. no more v veins.
A well trained nurse can absolutely provide excellent laser services. MD's can too. Competency is often an issue of interest, training and experience, not just related to an earned degree. I have a nurse providing laser services in my office, because she is skilled, with good judgement and a great sense of artistry and of how the skin works. I also use the laser because I want to be able to follow a patient's results and tailor their treatment as things progress. If you are comfortable with the nurse you meet, the clinic has a good reputation and your friends have been successfully treated there, do not be concerned about getting treatment just because it is by a nurse. She may have more experience doing this than the average doctor. Elizabeth Lee, MD
Laser for rosacea broken blood vessels on face
Dec 2011
Hi. I am looking for a great but affordable doctor or laser center in the east bay or Walnut Creek to have my rosacea on my face treated. Thank you! anon
I hate giving this out because then I can;t get an appointment when I need one, but Janet at Diablo Laser. There is no one else I trust. I have to tell you that it was extremely painful for me to have this treatment. I only had one and I need 12-16 to clear up all of my issues, but Janet is THE WOMAN. http://diablolaser.com/ Leslie
I highly recommend Janet Leary of Diablo Regional Laser Center in Walnut Creek. I have been her patient for close to 20 years. I used to be embarrassed about my red face, but it's no longer something that I worry about. I go back for touch ups occasionally. Be sure to schedule some downtime for right after your treatment. You will have ''bruising'', and if you are working near the eyes there will be swelling. I go to work after my touch up sessions but there will be more of a reaction if it's your first time. By the way I have gone to other laser practitioners and they were a waste of time. Most of them are afraid to treat you with a strength that bruises and then you get no results. Along with my recommendation for Janet, I recommend that you never walk out of your house without sunscreen. If you have rosacea you need to be protected from the sun. I do have a friend that takes Coumadin (a blood thinner)and she wasn't a candidate for laser. She experienced good results with Metrogel. I didn't, but that is a medication often prescribed for rosacea. You could always try that. happy skin
Laser treatment for aging skin
April 2011
Does this service exist? I'm looking for someone to help me manage my aging skin, which seemed to take a turn for the worse the day I turned 40. Mild rosacea. Uneven tone. Dryness. Freckles. Ruddiness. Ick. I made the mistake of booking a consultation last week with a dermatologist who specializes in photo facials. This turned into a hard sell for thousands of dollars in laser treatments, which apparently I must undergo or else I will look like one of those people in her photo album with the bulbous noses and scarlet, blotchy faces. Really, I don't think it's that bad. I'm hoping to manage this with skincare and makeup tips, although I would like to work with someone trustworthy who will direct me to appropriate treatment (laser or otherwise) if it would be beneficial. I'd love to find someone in Walnut Creek or nearby if possible. Thank you! Don't want to look like W.C. Fields
Well I think it's clear from the tone of your posting, that you should not do laser at this time. It's important to do what feels right to you, and what you are ready for. Remember that just because you make a decision now not to do laser photofacials, doesn't mean is this is for life. If in 3 or 5 (or more) years you change your mind, you can always do it then.
As someone with Rosacea, I can tell you for sure that a 'skin guru' is not a reality. While facials are helpful for some skin types, they are very irritating to rosacea/aging skin types, and actually make you even more red.
For now, my advice is to take a deep breath, and then buy the best sunscreen you can find. You should get this from a dermatologist, not Walgreens. I'm sure you could get it from the doctor you already saw without having to make another appt. Then get some mineral make-up (I like Bare Essentials on 4th street) which will do a nice job of covering up the red. It won't help your skin, but will cover things up nicely until you are ready to take the next step. good luck
Laser treatment for dark sun spots?
March 2010
Hi, I'm 36 and I have had sun spots start to appear on my face since my 20's. They are not *really* bad, but I would like to lighten, and even remove them completely. I had a consultation with Dr. Tomi Wall and she recommended laser. She said that my spots weren't so severe that it wouldn't take more than 2-3 treatments to see results. My questions are: 1 - has anyone had this type of treatment done and what was your overall experience? how severe were your spots? 2 - how much did your treatment cost? 3 - did your sun spots come back? how soon? 4 - any experience with Dr. Tomi Wall? She's in the same practice as Katie Rodan (of proactiv) Thanks
Most definitely get this done. I'm a veteran of several types of lasers. I've had freckles removed, which I believe is the same laser. I had excellent results. Basically, you will look like someone put out a cigarette on your face for a couple of days. Then the scabby residue will fall off. As far as the spots coming back - you will need to be religious about protection from sun exposure. Always wear sunblock. That is the only way. I'm so lucky to have this technology available to me, otherwise I would be a blotchy mess. frecklefree
Cosmetic Surgeon who does fraxel treatments
Nov 2008
I am looking for a highly skilled, dependable, reliable, trustworthy, affordable cosmetic surgeon who does fraxil treatments. I want to get rid of acne scars, sun damage and fine lines and wrinkles. Looking as young as I feel
I highly recommend Dr. Robert Aycock and his staff, on San Miguel Road in Walnut Creek. I have had laser work done, restylene, as well as plastic surgery. I am very satisfied with all of his work. His number is 925-937-8377. kl
I highly recommend Dr. Robert Aycock in Walnut Creek (925-937-8377, website is www.aycockmd.com). I had some work done this past June and continue to see him for office procedures. He is low key, laid back and HIGHLY professional. The people in his office are friendly as can be and there is PLENTY OF PARKING! His surgery center is in Greenbrae. I am an ICU RN and work very closely with doctors so believe me when I tell you, he's a good 'un. Susan
Hi I've had some procedures done by Dr. Michael Cedars in Oakland, including Fraxel and have been very pleased. He is very honest and dependable. In addition to Fraxel he also used a laser machine on me called the MiXto laser to remove aging spots and the V-Beam laser to remove red spots. I really liked him and he never gave me a hard sell or tried to sell me anything he didn't think would work. Patty
Please call Dr. Elizabeth Slass Lee in Berkeley (on Regent St) She is a terrific, caring, knowledgable M.D. who has a terrific bedside manner and is truly dedicated. Her number is (510) 704-2170. I guarantee you will love her. A former patient.
Dr. David Hicks in Concord does not do Fraxel treatments exactly- he uses a ''light based therapy'' system from a company called Sciton, and it is much, much better than Fraxel's machine.There are many differences, but in general, the Sciton system is more versatile, can do many more types of treatments, and is more effective in fewer treatments. The Fraxel is a laser system; the Sciton is a laser system along with a type of intense pulsed light system. So,the Sciton can do an excellent job on acne scars, sun damage, and fine lines. His contact info is: 1333 Willow Pass Road, Suite 202 Concord, CA 94520 925-695-0123 rachel
Laser treatment for facial rejeuvenation
April 2008
I've seen lots of ads lately for laser treatments to rejuvenate the facial skin ... supposedly they can boost collagen production, minimize redness and brown age spots, etc. Do they really work? I've seen ads for something called Laser 360 and Genesis Skin Rejuvenation ... I'm sure there are lots of options. Has anyone had success with these? If so, which practice did you go to and what kind of laser do they use? Was there downtime, redness, peeling, etc.? And how much does this cost? It seems everyone requires a consultation before quoting a figure but I don't want to spend time going to a place for a consultation if the treatment isn't effective. Thanks! Anon
Hi, The procedure I recommend is TITAN, is no abrasive, no peeling, no redness. Is laser and works strictly on your collagen, google it and look for pictures before and after, I did do it a year ago, and I am very pleased, I am schedule for another one this next week, sometimes you need more than once, depends on your age and your wrinkles too. I lost over 60 pounds and my skin was sagging back then, now needs a little around the lips (smiling lines I call them). The doctor I recommend is Dr. Matsuoka, from Kaiser Union City, Cosmetic Surgery Department, their phone number is 510-675-4454 they do botox, restyline, etc. etc. you name it. I am very happy with the results, you can only do your cheeks, or your cheeks and neck or your neck and forehead, or wherever. About the price, could start from $1,200 and up I believe, not to sure about the prices, depending what are u going for. They also have an easy plan payment, and is good for a year I think, or even 18 months? Good Luck Susana
Laser therapy to reduce redness
April 2007
I have long been embarrassed by my red nose & upper chest. I thought they were simply byproducts of my Irish heritage, but upon a recommendation from a facialist, I consulted with a laser therapy office. Apparently this redness is built-up sun damage (despite my near- obssessive use of sunblock) and can be corrected with laser therapy. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has had laser treatment for a similar problem. Did the treatments work? Are you pleased with the result? How bad was the swelling/bruising and did you really have to hide for a week? Would you recommend your practitioner? a whiter shade of pale
I've had laser treatments for facial, neck and upper chest redness from sun exposure (I have light, not really pale skin, but work outside), and they helped quite a bit. They're expensive, and it usually takes more than one treatment, so I didn't have enough to really eliminate the red, but went far enough to significantly reduce it, and I'm very happy that I did.
I went to the Cosmetic and Laser Surgery Institute in Greenbrae, Dr. Diana Parnell, 415-461-1036. She is excellent, their fees are not the highest around, and I've found the atmosphere to be friendly and comfortable. I had treatments there (both from her and the highly trained and skilled nurses) for other things as well (laser removal of brown sun spots, laser treatment of thickened skin on my nose, and botox in my brow), and I never had bruising from anything- very brief redness at most (like one day). If you go for the complete laser facial resurfacing (way outside my budget), then apparently you are in recovery for a few days.
In case you're wondering, the laser stings, but it's very quick, and if you need to take a little break between zaps they're very nice and understanding.
Long ago, I went to a different doctor to try a laser treatment for my facial redness and I had hideous bruises for over a week- he obviously did not know how to calibrate his machines properly.
In case anyone's wondering about botox, I love it, it makes me look a lot friendlier and more relaxed to not have a chronically crumpled brow, and when done right you don't feel or look ''paralyzed''- I still have a very expressive face! Less red, spotted, and crumpled
Laser Treatment for Broken Bloodvessels on Face
May 2005
I have several broken blood vessels on my face, (mostly under my eyes) that seem to have worsened over time and after pregnancies and such. I have heard that laser treatments can remove these unsightly marks. Does anyone have any info on this? Or suggestions on different types of treatments? I would love recommendations for Doctors and/or specialists in this area. Also, how much does something like this cost? Julia
I saw Dr. Natalie Mar in Oakland in Nov. 2003 and she removed the red spider veins on my nose with a laser. It worked very well; however, after a year they have all come back. She tells you at the beginning there is no guarantee that they won't come back. It cost me $300. I would be interested to see if there are cheaper doctors out there. $300 every time seems very expensive. Short-term results
I've had treatments for several cosmetic dermatological conditions, including broken facial blood vessels, (also for brown sunspots on my face, thickened lumpy skin on my chin and nose, varicose and spider veins on my legs, and a large darkened and reddened area on my chest and neck (sun damage)). I had botox also. Geesh- this makes me sound like a cosmetic junky, but I'm really not- just getting older, have had way too much sun exposure, and am not quite ready to face ALL the consequences! Oh yeah- I'm also single and looking!
I went the Laser and Cosmetic Surgery Institute in Greenbrae, 415-461-1036 for all these processes, and have been extremely happy with them all the way around. The treatments for the facial spider veins were $300. each, the same as you paid. When I called around before choosing a doctor, it seemed that $300. was the going price for that particular laser. Some of the other treatments at the CLSI were less than at other places and I chose them partly by price, but also because I was very impressed by the level of experience and training of the (2 women) doctors there. They have something like 16 different lasers for treating different conditions.
My only previous experience with these things was a number of years ago- I went to one doctor for the face veins, and a different one for the leg veins. The first doctor was a brute, and left my face so bruised that I looked like I had been beaten up for over a week. In the second case, the treatments just didn't do much.
My facial spider veins are the result of Rosaecea combined with too much sun exposure which is a common cause- they were pretty bad, both superficial and deep (but not as bad as I've seen them on some people), and I needed 3 treatments to make a really significant difference because some were deep (my skin looks MUCH better now!).
I too was told that they would likely recur to a bothersome level in 1-3 years because of the underlying Rosaecea. But it turns out that Rosaecea is an auto- immune condition, and they are having some success in using a cream called Elidel, which is used for other auto-immune skin conditions, to calm down the Rosacea and thus slow the return of the broken veins. It's not a cure (there is no cure). And, of course, religious use of strong sunscreen is an absolute must.
So- if you got the results you wanted for your level of problem with a single treatment, for $300., I would say that you did well, and should keep it up to prevent them getting as bad as mine. You might ask your doctor about Elidel, or try out my place. anon
Dr. Tomi Wall (510-763-2662) is amazing. I've been having V-Beam treatment for a few years now, and it's the only thing that works for my rosacea.
My rosacea is not severe enough for laser treatment, but is something I've dealt with unsuccessfully throughout my adult life. I had doctors prescribe Metrogel, but it didn't make a difference. A couple years ago I found a dermatologist (Dr Alice Do in SF) who prescribes Rhofade - it's a topical solution you apply once a day and it makes a difference right away. It is ridiculously expensive and my insurance refuses to cover it (so frustrating), but my dermatologist found an online pharmacy that applies a "coupon" so it's only $50 a tube... and a tube lasts me at least 3 months. Along with that I use gentle skin care products and my rosacea is better though not completely gone.
Good luck!
I used Dr Icecreamwala near Alta Bates. She has many options available including various laser treatments. You can call her office for more details.
Hello! I got tired of the wait and not getting answers through my health insurance route, so I now pay out of pocket at California Dermatology Care, and it's been worth every penny! They are knowledgeable and very responsive, and my rosacea is looking better. They recommended not doing the laser route, and I'm on some creams, which seem to be helping. They have an office in Hercules and I think San Ramon. Best of luck!
I suggest that you try to figure out what is causing the flushing.
I have found this product to be gentle and effective
https://bee-rx.com/products/bee-rxtm-rosacea-rescue
I have done several V-beam treatments with great results with Dr Austin at the Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology clinic in the city: https://weloveskin.com/dr-andrea-hui-austin. I basically went from a consistently red and inflammed face back to almost regular skin within 8 months. I still get red when I drink caffeine or alcohol, but it is totally doable. What worked for me is cutting out gluten out of my diet, doing the V-beam lasers every 6 months, using a high SPF sunscreen religiously, and using a moisturizer and retinoid cream at night that was recommended by Dr. Austin recommended. I am very happy, as I tried many things before working with her and not much helped for years.