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Rosacea Treatment

A Refined Complexion

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Restoring Complexion Harmony

Rosacea Treatment in Appleton and Green Bay

When you feel embarrassed or self-conscious, you may blush. What does it mean when your face has a flushed/blushing appearance for weeks or even months at a time? This is likely evidence of rosacea, a very common skin condition.

Rosacea is harmless but can diminish your self-esteem. At the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, we are pleased to provide full diagnostics and treatment options for patients with rosacea, including those in Appleton, Green Bay, and surrounding communities.

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Rosacea Treatment at a Glance

  • Goal: Symptom control, reducing facial redness, visible blood vessels, and inflammatory lesions.
  • Techniques: Combination of topical prescription medications, oral antibiotics, and laser treatment (e.g., VBeam, IPL) for vascular components.
  • Key Management: Identifying and avoiding personal triggers (e.g., sun, heat, spicy foods).
  • Duration: Chronic treatment and monitoring required for long-term management.
  • Focus: Restoring comfort and reducing the overall appearance of rosacea.

Achieving Optimal Skin Clarity

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition characterized by flushing, blushing, and/or the appearance of facial blood vessels. Some patients with rosacea may also develop small, pus-filled blemishes and bumps.

Rosacea is a cyclical condition, flaring up for weeks or even months at a time before going into remission. Though there is no cure for rosacea, there are several treatments that can help keep symptoms in check.

Real Patient Results

The Layered Approach

How is Rosacea Diagnosed?

Rosacea can be difficult to diagnose, as its symptoms are easily mistaken for acne or for a naturally “ruddy” appearance. When you join us at the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, your dermatology provider will perform a careful visual inspection of your symptoms. We will also ask some questions about your medical history. These simple, non-invasive diagnostic tools are typically enough to rule out other conditions and confirm a diagnosis of rosacea.

Causes

While the specific cause of rosacea remains undetermined, many clinicians believe it may be due to an overactive immune system, environmental factors, or genetic factors. There are several factors that can trigger a flare-up of rosacea symptoms. Some of the most common triggers include:

  • Hot beverages
  • Spicy foods
  • Alcoholic beverages, especially red wine
  • Extremes in temperature
  • Wind
  • Exposure to the sun
  • Intense emotions
  • Strenuous exercise

Symptoms

Rosacea can present several signs and symptoms. The most common of these include:

  • Facial blushing, or a flushed appearance
  • Small blood vessels and veins, visible on the face or nose
  • Swollen bumps, often resembling acne outbreaks
  • A hot, tender, or burning sensation in the affected areas
  • Dry or irritated eyes
  • Enlargement of the nose (this happens when rosacea goes untreated for a long time)

If you experience any of these symptoms, we recommend scheduling a consultation with a provider for a rosacea diagnosis and treatment.

During The Appointment

What to Expect?

As you seek treatment for your rosacea symptoms, it is only natural to have some questions. Here is a general rundown of what you can expect from rosacea treatment at the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery. Your initial appointment will simply involve a visual examination of rosacea symptoms, as well as some questions about your medical history. We will talk with you about different treatment options, and you may be able to start your treatment right away. Note that all of the rosacea treatments we offer are safe, painless, and non-invasive. You will not need anesthesia or surgery.

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Types of Rosacea Treatments

At the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, we provide custom treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. Depending on the severity of your rosacea, we may recommend different types of treatments, which can include:

  • Topical medications. There are a number of creams and gels that can help reduce the appearance of blushing or flushing. These medications often provide clear results in mere hours.
  • Oral medications. Our skincare specialists may recommend either oral antibiotics or oral acne medications to minimize rosacea bumps and blemishes.
  • Laser therapy. We may also suggest using laser therapy, a safe and effective way to render the blood vessels less visible.

Be prepared to talk with one of our dermatology physician assistants about potential lifestyle changes, such as identifying and avoiding triggers of rosacea flare-ups.

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A Bright Solution

Laser Treatment for Rosacea

At the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, we offer IPL Photofacial laser therapy as a treatment option for managing rosacea.

This light-based treatment helps reduce redness, visible veins, and flushing by targeting the small blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface. For many patients, IPL Photofacial therapy can calm inflammation, even out skin tone, and restore a more balanced, comfortable complexion.

Exceptional Skin Health Starts Here

Meet Our Team

At the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, our dermatology physician assistants, Colleen Van Egeren, PA-C, and Megan MacCarthy, PA-C, have 34 years of combined experience treating various skin conditions. As dermatology specialists, they would love to talk with you about your needs and recommend a skincare treatment program just for you.

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Meet Colleen Van Egeren, PA-C

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Meet Megan McCarthy, PA-C

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Addressing All Four Subtypes of Rosacea

What Conditions Does Rosacea Treatment Address?

Rosacea Treatment specifically targets the four primary subtypes of the condition and related symptoms:

  • Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR): Persistent facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels.
  • Papulopustular Rosacea: Inflammatory, acne-like bumps (pustules and papules).
  • Ocular Rosacea: Symptoms affecting the eyes (dryness, irritation).
  • Phymatous Rosacea: Rare thickening of the skin, most commonly seen on the nose (rhinophyma).

Targeting the Redness

What Areas of the Body Can Rosacea Treatment Address?

Rosacea Treatment focuses primarily on the face, where facial redness, blood vessels, and bumps are most commonly seen, particularly across the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin.

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Real Patient Reviews

Patients in Appleton and Green Bay choose Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery because of the skill, experience, and personal attention that our team provides. Learn what other people in our community have to say about our doctors and their treatment.

“Dr. Sauerhammer is absolutely wonderful inside and outside of the OR! I would trust her with any procedure I needed for myself or my friends, or family.”

“Dr. Sauerhammer and her staff are wonderful! She did an amazing job on my breast reduction. Couldn’t be happier!”

–D.B., Appleton, WI, breast reduction patient.

“Dr. Tina Sauerhammer removed a very small area of skin cancer from the bridge of my nose. She did a fantastic job! It's now two weeks after the surgery, and there is no evidence to show the surgery was even performed. She and her staff are my heroes! I could not have asked for better professional care than the service provided by Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery. I would give it six stars if possible.”

–D.S., Appleton, WI, skin cancer patient.

“This dermatology clinic is the cleanest and professional clinic ever!!! Not to ever forget the reason I went there is because I followed Dr Colleen Van Egeren there, who is absolutely the best Dr. & and the most friendly ever!! Abby is phenomenal and takes right after Colleen!! Highly recommended!! Love ❤️ them so much, and the rest of the staff is awesome as well! Hi Colleen and Abby! We love ❤️ you!!”

–L.S., Appleton, WI, dermatology patient.

“I had a procedure 7 months ago, and I can't believe the results! Looks better than when I was younger. Great job, Dr. Saurhammer!”

–M.L., Appleton, WI, plastic surgery patient.

“I had such an amazing experience at Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery & Dermatology. The office is extremely professional and very inviting. I had the pleasure of having Botox administered by Megan McCarthy, PA, and she is absolutely wonderful. I would highly recommend/encourage anyone who is considering having this procedure done to visit Megan McCarthy. I feel like I look 10 years younger today than I did 2 weeks ago before my visit, thanks to Megan!”

–L.M., Appleton, WI, Botox patient.

“Perfect in every aspect. I have been a patient of hers for 6 years. I first started when I had lost my non-cancerous breast due to staff infection. She has been an amazing Doctor from office to operations. She also does a great job with fillers and Botox. I love this lady.. Absolutely Great patient comfort & bedside manner. I would not recommend anyone else, esp for breast cancer reconstruction.”

–B.P., Appleton, WI, breast reconstruction and injectables patient.

“Dr. Sauerhammer is truly amazing. Not only is she extremely talented, but she is also kind, caring, and very down-to-earth. I am so pleased with the results of my surgery from Dr. Sauerhammer. After my first consult with her, I knew she was the surgeon that I wanted. She even went as far as driving home on a Sunday evening to see me when I was having an unusual pain. The quality of care you get from Dr. Sauerhammer is unmatched. I would recommend her 10/10, she is the best.”

–A.L., Appleton, WI, plastic surgery patient.

“Dr. Sauerhammer is an excellent surgeon! She is very intelligent, reassuring, gentle, and very personable. She does phenomenal work! I highly recommend her for any plastic surgery you need done.”

–K.N., Appleton, WI, plastic surgery patient.

Restored Confidence

What Are the Benefits of Rosacea Treatment?

Successful Rosacea Treatment yields visible aesthetic improvements and invaluable comfort:

Significant Reduction in Redness and Flushing

Targeted laser treatment and prescription therapies visibly reduce the severity of facial redness and the frequency of uncomfortable facial flushing, restoring a calmer, more refined complexion.

Restored Comfort and Confidence

Controlling the inflammatory bumps and persistent redness alleviates social anxiety and discomfort. Patients achieve sustained symptom control, empowering them to feel more confident and secure in their appearance.

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Taking the Next Step

Is Rosacea Treatment Right for Me?

If you experience persistent facial redness that does not fade, frequent flushing, or small acne-like bumps, Rosacea Treatment is right for you. Our Providers specialize in accurately diagnosing rosacea (distinguishing it from acne) and creating a safe, effective treatment plan that manages your chronic treatment needs while avoiding common triggers.

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After the Rosacea Treatment

Rosacea Treatment Aftercare & Trigger Avoidance

Following rosacea treatment, one of our dermatology physician assistants will recommend ongoing home care steps. Some of the most common guidelines for rosacea aftercare include:

  • Identifying and avoiding rosacea triggers
  • Using the proper protection against sun exposure
  • Cleaning your face with gentle, non-abrasive cleansers

Tracking Progress

Rosacea Treatment Results

Patients using topical prescription medications often see a reduction in inflammation and bumps within 4-6 weeks.

Laser treatment results for blood vessels are noticeable after a series of sessions. With dedication to maintenance and trigger avoidance, symptom control can last indefinitely, providing skin clarity for years.

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Seek Treatment for Your Rosacea Symptoms

Why Choose Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery for Rosacea Treatment?

Rosacea can be distressing, but it never has to be something you just accept. There are several treatments that can make a significant difference. Our Dermatology Providers offer specialized expertise in managing sensitive skin conditions, such as rosacea. We provide an integrated treatment plan that skillfully combines medical prescriptions with advanced laser treatment for vascular reduction—a level of care often not available in general practices. We focus on long-term chronic treatment and helping you regain confidence through sustained symptom control in our professional, caring environment.

To learn more about treatments for rosacea in Green Bay or Appleton, schedule a consultation at the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions Rosacea Treatment

While there is no known cure for rosacea, several treatments can safely and effectively control flare-ups of rosacea symptoms. The specific treatment can vary from patient to patient, but generally involves a combination of medications and ongoing skin care.

The number of treatments required depends on the severity of your rosacea and the type of treatment you receive. For those treated with laser therapy, it is reasonable to expect one to three sessions to get the desired results. Medications may be used on an ongoing basis to keep rosacea symptoms under control.

No, currently there is no permanent cure for rosacea. However, modern Rosacea Treatment options, including topical prescription medications and advanced laser treatment, provide excellent symptom control and can keep the condition in remission for long periods.

Laser treatment (such as VBeam or IPL) uses focused light energy to target and gently heat the hemoglobin in visible blood vessels. This process collapses damaged blood vessels without harming the surrounding skin, resulting in a significant and lasting reduction in facial redness and flushing.

No. While both can cause bumps, rosacea involves facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels. Acne is primarily caused by clogged pores and excess oil. Our Providers specialize in accurate diagnosis to ensure you receive the proper treatment plan.

Providing Plastic Surgery and Dermatology Services to Patients In the Appleton and Green Bay Area

At the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, you can enjoy a range of cosmetic procedures and dedicated care in our offices in Appleton and Green Bay. As a double-board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sauerhammer specializes in rejuvenating surgical solutions, including breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and facelifts, designed to help you look and feel your best. We seamlessly integrate all our plastic surgery services with skilled dermatology care and aesthetic specialists: Megan MacCarthy, PA-C, Colleen Van Egeren, PA-C, and Amanda Olsen, PA-C. They prioritize your goals through comprehensive evaluations and advanced techniques to help you achieve optimal and long-lasting results.

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