Couperose is a dilation of the blood vessels in the face causing redness in the cheeks and sometimes the entire face. When these vessels are very fine and barely noticeable, this is known as erythrosis. This ‘erythro-couperose’ is mainly due to a genetic predisposition and deteriorates with age. It is worsened by tobacco, repeated sun exposure, outdoor work, alternate exposure to hot and cold and alcohol. It may be responsible for or caused by hot flushes with sudden reddening. Acne pimples then occur and this is known as ‘rosacea’.

Redness, primarily related to the sun but sometimes perfume, may occur on the neck. This is known as ‘Erythrosis colli’. These same red marks dotted with small star-shaped vessels may also appear on the cleavage.

Vascular lasers are today the most effective treatments for dealing with these rashes, couperose, erythrosis, Erythrosis-colli and angiomas. The vascular laser light will be specifically absorbed by the haemoglobin in the red blood cells in the unsightly dilated vessels. This absorption of energy causes them to coagulate or break and they then gradually disappear without damaging the skin.

The skin should not be tanned and all makeup must be completely removed. This treatment is generally performed in autumn or winter. You must tell us if you are taking any medication.

The choice of laser will depend on the size and number of vessels treated. One of the following lasers will be used: KTP laser, pulsed dye laser, YAG laser or dual wavelength laser. The laser beams are directed at the red areas and the instrument’s setting and indeed the type of instrument used may vary from one session to another to treat the maximum number of blood vessels and achieve the best possible results. The length of a session varies from 10 to 20 minutes.

One to three sessions are needed spaced one to two months apart according to the intensity of redness.

Thanks to inbuilt cooling systems (Chill Tip or pulsed cold air), the treatment is virtually or totally pain-free. No anaesthetic cream is necessary.

It is strongly advisable to avoid sun exposure for those areas treated. Sunscreen is recommended for four weeks. Sometimes a soothing cream will be prescribed.

Depending on the laser used, there are very different side effects.

• With laser thermocoagulation, side effects will be limited to some redness and moderate swelling. But if the couperose is fairly extensive this swelling may linger for several days, especially on the eyelids.
• With photothermolysis, the blood vessels are broken under the skin and bruising called ‘purpura’ will appear. A few days of downtime will be required. The purpura can be impressive but it is safe and shows that the treatment has been effective; these are just bruises.

You will have a prior consultation where we will specify which type of laser is the most suitable for your couperose and especially what the consequences of treatment are so that you are prepared.

The first results will show after the very first session but you may have to wait 3-8 weeks to assess the success. Several sessions may be necessary and this will be explained to you during the prior consultation.

Couperose progresses over time so follow-up sessions are needed. The laser removes blood vessels in your skin the day you are treated but not the new vessels that will appear over time. The frequency of follow-up sessions depends on how fast your couperose develops and on how effective the initial treatment was. One follow-up session every 2-6 years is usually necessary depending on the individual.

You must always avoid tanning before and after treatment.

From €180 incl. VAT.