
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.


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.
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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.
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:
Rosacea can present several signs and symptoms. The most common of these include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, we recommend scheduling a consultation with a provider for a rosacea diagnosis and treatment.
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.

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:
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.

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

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.
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.


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.

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:
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.

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.
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.
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.