Sort my face out! IPL? Botox? Fillers? Alternatives?

[theredlion]

I'm in my early 40s.
I have rosacea on my cheeks which is so sensitive I can only use Cetaphil on it. I've tried everything but it all makes it worse.
I rarely wear makeup on my cheeks because it invariably brings me out in raised bumps. I would like to cover it up all the time but the effect would mean that I end up wearing more and more makeup and it would become self-defeating.

So my first question is - has anyone used IPL or other laser treatments on rosacea? If so was it successful?

I also have 11 lines and they need botox but I'm allergic to a few things.

So my next question is has anyone had an allergic reaction to botox.

My third question is what can be done for nasolabial lines? I mean the ones that go from my nose to my mouth? I think they are caused by cheek droop! I don't want surgery at the moment. Would they need fillers? Is there an alternative?

[Frostycake]

Hi Op, it sound miserable but I've had the same and now have lovely(ish) skin.

I had IPL across my nose and cheeks and although I have to have it every year to keep in under control, it works. Now, it depends how severe yours is (mine was / is mild) so the result will depend on the severity of your case.

Never had an allergic reaction to Botox but then I dont normally react to things.

for nasolabial lines you need filler high in your cheek-bone area and cheeks (so front and side of face). This lifts the face, thus removing the fold near the mouth. don't get filler put in the lines or you'll get the dreaded monkey lip (and is treating the problem, not the cause).

Really though, you need to go and see a proper dermatologist who will assess your skin and recommend a course of treatment, including skin care and suitable make-up.

Good luck.

[SweetChickadee]

Can't help re lasers etc but I use Clinique anti redness make up and it's really good at covering up my rosacea, and you don't need a lot of it.

you sound even more sensitive than me though, so maybe try a tester first

good luck

[theredlion]

Thanks sweet but all things Clinique, including their redness solutions make my skin angry.

Frosty that's really useful, thank you. It does sound as though IPL is the way forward. I think if I start with that and then look at botox then possibly fillers gulp I had thought about seeing a dermatologist but wasn't sure how to find a good one in my area.

I wondered whether my GP would know? Or there are some good private hospitals locally that have dermatologists listed.
What is the best way to find a good dermatologist?

[theredlion]

The other thing I should probably mention is that anything with an SPF in it makes the rosacea angry and spotty too. So it does need sorting urgently.

[Frostycake]

Google is your friend if you cant get a recommendation. Also ask your Dr to refer you. The best practitioners aleays have a waiting list a mile long though. I found that keeping on top of red veins helped hugely with my rosacia so I get IPL regularly - facials too.

[theredlion]

IPL seems to be the way to go then, there is a clinic with a good reputation not too far from me.

I'll ask my GP for a recommendation, rather than a referral. I'm happy to wait if it's for a good dermatologist.

[2prettygirls1213]

Hi theredlion. I've literally just written a post for another thread here www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/1672241-Botox-fillers-in-London?watched=1&msgid=61061535#61061535
I can't say about IPL though I know that they do this at the clinic but for your questions about botox and filler, I'd speak to Dr Askari and it shouldn't even cost to get the info you're after.