Rosacea AIBU

[justilou1]

Hi all,
I have rosacea and of course it is getting worse as I age. It does that if it's left untreated. I went to a dermatologist whose laser specialist prescribed a series of treatments that (with a discount) would have cost me over $13,000 Australian dollars. Of course I put the quote in my bag and promptly forgot about it. That kind of cash is out of our league entirely. Meanwhile, a friend of mine has had laser treatment at another clinic for totally different issues (and looks fabulous, btw) and suggested I get a quote there. She suggested a totally different (and far less invasive) course of treatment that will cost me under $1,000 AUD, will address my rosacea, my pores and promote collagen production - and unlike the other treatment, it will have no down time. My husband is now telling me that he doesn't think I need it. FFS! AIBU to just book in and get botox as well??? (BTW - just in case anyone gets snarky, I have the money. I am currently supporting our family (happily - he has carried that burden for 14 years and I'm not at all resentful.). I haven't spent this kind of money on myself ever - I'm not into fashion, I get my haircut twice a year (in a good year) and as I gallop towards 50, it's time to look after myself better. (Plus, appearance is MUCH more important in my field than in most - think theatre, but different.)

Yes, do it. As with any cosmetic treatment, do your homework first looking at safety and reviews although your friend's experience is a good sign.

My mum suffered from rosacea and was very self conscious.

I would although I echo the other poster about looking into it and doing research, don't just rush into it because it worked for your friend.

In fairness, I'd hope that your husband would say that he didn't think you needed it! Would you rather he said you looked awful and you should definitely have the treatment done?

If your family won't suffer financially, and you want to have it done, there seems to be no reason why not.

I'm all in favour of a bit of self-investment where finances allow, but just wanted to say that my rosacea was bloody awful and apparently untreatable until I got a prescription for Soolantra cream from my GP. In a week it virtually cleared up, which pretty much felt like a miracle to me after wrestling with it for ages. Definitely worth a try before you spend a big amount.

Thanks for your help ladies - I have been using Soolantra for three months ($164 per month - the $1000 might as well go to laser, right?). I don't think they let you use Soolantra for more than six months here anyway. I definitely think that it has slowed the increase of the redness left by rosacea, but it hasn't fixed it, and the existing redness isn't going to go away. Meanwhile, I have been researching, and my husband is a good, kind man who isn't being mean by telling me that I don't need it - but he is worried about the financial impact and possible consequences if it goes wrong. I'm going to give it a crack though! (And a wee botox tweak in the eyebrow area! Ssssh!)

Ah - glad you've given it a go OP. I have the P&P kind of rosacea rather than the flushing kind, and I think it's more effective for that. Good luck with the laser and let us know how you get on!

Thank you @HomeTerf - I'm booked in for next Thursday!!! (Bit nervous, as I've heard it's not much fun!)