
Insurance coverage for laser treatment of rosacea varies depending on the type of treatment and your location. Some insurance plans may cover ablative laser treatments, which remove the top layers of skin, but coverage is not guaranteed.
Ablative laser treatments can be expensive, with costs ranging from $500 to $2,000 per session. Non-ablative laser treatments, which stimulate collagen production, may also be covered by insurance, but this depends on the specific policy.
Insurance coverage for laser treatment of rosacea is often tied to the underlying condition being treated, and in this case, it's considered a cosmetic procedure. This means that your insurance provider may not cover the full cost of treatment.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that patients discuss their insurance options with their dermatologist before undergoing laser treatment.
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What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin condition that causes redness on your face, typically affecting the cheeks, forehead, and nose. It can start as early as age 30 and can flare throughout your life.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for rosacea, a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management. Many people experience more than just facial redness and flushing.
The symptoms of rosacea can include thickened skin, acne-like bumps, and eye irritation. These symptoms can be challenging to manage, but there are effective treatments available.
Laser therapy is considered the best treatment for rosacea, delivering impressive results in reducing visible blood vessels and redness. After just one to three treatments, patients can experience a 50% to 70% reduction in visible blood vessels.
Here are the different types of rosacea, each with unique symptoms:
- Pre-Rosacea: Persistent blushing of facial and neck skin
- Vascular Rosacea: Inflammation of blood vessels beneath the skin causing swollen, warm flesh (most common in women)
- Inflammatory Rosacea: Formation of enlarged blood vessels and acne
- Rhinophyma: Enlarged nasal oil glands that cause the nose to appear swollen or bulbous and red (most common in men)
- Eye Symptoms of Rosacea: Redness, inflammation, burning, tearing, or irritation in eye or on eyelid
Rosacea Treatment Options
Rosacea treatment options are designed to combat the specific type of rosacea that affects the individual. We commonly treat three types of rosacea: telangiectatic rosacea, inflammatory rosacea, and ocular rosacea.
Treatment for these types of rosacea may involve a combination of oral and topical medications, lifestyle modifications, laser and light therapies, chemical peels, and surgical procedures. The goal is to give you the best results possible.
Laser and light therapies, such as pulsed laser dye, can be effective in reducing the appearance of rosacea symptoms.
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The Laser Treatment

Before laser treatment can begin, a person will need a patch test to ensure that the laser is suitable for their skin.
A gentle cleanser is used to clean the skin before the treatment, and the healthcare team may take photographs at this stage to compare and monitor progress after every session.
The initial procedure depends on the type of laser being used. For ablative lasers, a local anesthetic is administered via injection to ensure a comfortable and painless procedure.
The laser device directs pulses of energy to the areas of skin affected by rosacea, and some people describe this feeling as the sensation of a rubber band snapping on the skin.
A numbing gel or cream may be prescribed for topical application during non-ablative laser treatment.
The dermatologist may apply ice after the session to cool and soothe the skin.
Sunscreen is applied after the treatment to protect the skin.
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Rosacea Treatment Options
Rosacea treatment is tailored to the specific type of rosacea you have. There are three common types: telangiectatic rosacea, inflammatory rosacea, and ocular rosacea.

To combat these types, a combination of treatments is often used. This can include oral and topical medications, lifestyle modifications, and laser and light therapies.
For some people, laser therapy is a good option. Pulsed laser dye is one type of laser therapy that can help reduce visible blood vessels and improve rosacea symptoms.
Treatment plans may also involve chemical peels and surgical procedures. These can help to reduce the appearance of rosacea and improve overall skin health.
Lifestyle modifications are also an important part of rosacea treatment. This can include avoiding triggers such as spicy foods and stress, and using gentle skincare products.
By combining these treatments and making lifestyle changes, it's possible to effectively manage rosacea symptoms and improve the appearance of your skin.
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Is Rosacea Covered by Insurance?
Insurance coverage for Rosacea treatment can be a bit confusing, but let's break it down. Many insurances cover the initial dermatology visit for Rosacea diagnosis and prescription medications.
If you're considering procedures like Excel V or BBL Hero, be aware that they're considered cosmetic visits. To determine if you're in network and what your insurance covers, you can contact the Billing Department at 312-245-9965, option 5.
Understanding Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It's characterized by redness, inflammation, and visible blood vessels on the face.
The exact cause of rosacea is still unknown, but it's believed to be linked to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some people may be more prone to rosacea due to their genetic makeup.
Rosacea can manifest in four different subtypes, which are classified based on the severity and symptoms of the condition. Type 1 is the mildest form, characterized by redness and flushing, while Type 4 is the most severe, featuring thickening of the skin and prominent blood vessels.
People with rosacea may experience a range of symptoms, including redness, acne-like breakouts, and visible blood vessels. In some cases, the condition can also cause eye irritation and swelling.
Aging is a common trigger for rosacea, as the skin's natural defenses weaken over time. This can lead to increased sensitivity and inflammation, making symptoms more pronounced.
Some people may be more susceptible to rosacea due to certain medical conditions, such as eczema or acne.
Sources
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/laser-treatment-for-rosacea
- https://chicagodermatology.com/dermatology/rosacea/
- https://philadelphiadermatology.com/rosacea.php
- https://www.wederm.com/2021/04/01/laser-treatment-for-rosacea-how-it-can-help/
- https://www.magnoliamedskin.com/what-is-the-best-treatment-for-rosacea/
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