Persistent facial redness and broken blood vessels can both be linked to a skin condition called rosacea. Rosacea affects an estimated 1 in 10 people in the UK, and for many, it can feel impossible to get under control. Laser treatments for rosacea are now one of the most effective ways to reduce redness and calm visible blood vessels, helping numerous people get their confidence back.

At Thames Skin Clinic, Dr Anna Hemming is a multi-award-winning medical doctor and nationally recognised expert in rosacea. 

Learn how laser treatments for rosacea work at Thames Skin Clinic in Twickenham. Dr Anna Hemming uses Excel V+ and AviClear to reduce facial redness, broken veins and flushing.

What Causes Redness on the Face?

Redness on the face has three main causes: overactive blood vessels, a weakened skin barrier and inflammation beneath the skin’s surface. 

Here is how each one works:

  • Overactive blood vessels: In rosacea, blood vessels near the skin surface dilate too easily. This creates persistent redness and visible thread veins across the cheeks, nose and chin.
  • A weakened skin barrier: When the skin’s protective layer is compromised, it becomes reactive to everyday triggers, such as heat, sunlight and certain skincare products.
  • Chronic inflammation: Ongoing low-level inflammation keeps the skin in a state of constant reaction, making redness harder to shift.

Rosacea is a chronic condition, meaning it does not go away on its own. Targeted treatments are needed to manage symptoms and flare-ups.

What Treatments Help With Facial Redness?

The most effective treatment for facial redness and rosacea is a combination approach of laser therapy, medical-grade skincare and lifestyle changes. This combination addresses both the visible redness and the underlying triggers of rosacea.

At Thames Skin Clinic, we assess every patient individually before recommending a plan. Options we use include:

  • Vascular laser treatment: targets and collapses the blood vessels causing redness.
  • Laser Genesis: gently heats the dermis to reduce background redness, diffuse redness and improve skin tone over a course of sessions. Used for maintenance between Excel V+ treatments.
  • ThermaVein for thread veins: For small, visible facial thread veins and broken capillaries, ThermaVein can precisely seal individual vessels and is often used alongside vascular lasers as part of a more complete rosacea treatment plan.
  • Exosome therapy: for patients with highly reactive or barrier-compromised rosacea, plant-derived exosomes calm inflammation and support skin repair before active laser treatment begins.
  • LED phototherapy: reduces inflammation and supports skin healing.
  • Medical-grade skincare: Zo Skin Health skincare plans strengthen the skin barrier and prevent flare-ups.
  • HydraFacial for rosacea: gently cleanses and hydrates reactive, sensitive skin.
  • AviClear Laser: for when acne and rosacea overlap.

How Do Laser Treatments For Rosacea Work?

Laser treatments for rosacea work by using a precise wavelength of light to target and close down the blood vessels that are causing redness.

  1. The laser emits a specific wavelength of light: at Thames Skin Clinic, we use the Cutera Excel V+, which uses two proven wavelengths: 532 nm and 1064 nm.
  2. The light is absorbed by the blood vessels: vascular lesions absorb the 1064nm wavelength safely and selectively, meaning the surrounding tissue is protected.
  3. The vessels heat up and collapse: the body then gradually clears them away naturally.
  4. Redness and flushing visibly reduce: over the following days and weeks, the skin becomes calmer and more even.

The Excel V+ also features a built-in sapphire cooling system. This keeps the surface of the skin cool during treatment, making it significantly more comfortable.

What Is the Best Laser Treatment for Rosacea?

The best laser treatment for rosacea is a vascular laser. At Thames Skin Clinic, we use the Cutera Excel V+.

Excel V+ for Rosacea 

The Excel V+ is FDA-approved and classified as medical-grade. Dr Hemming is also a Cutera Lifetime Achievement Award winner. It’s a reflection of her expertise in using this technology to treat complex skin conditions, including rosacea.

The Excel V+ is effective for:

  • Persistent facial redness and flushing
  • Visible thread veins on the cheeks, nose and chin
  • Background redness across the full face
  • Rosacea bumps and uneven skin texture
  • Port wine stains and vascular lesions

AviClear for Rosacea 

For patients whose rosacea is driven by oily, congested skin and overactive sebaceous glands, AviClear can be a highly effective addition to a rosacea treatment plan. AviClear is an FDA-approved laser that uses a unique 1726nm wavelength to penetrate and suppress the sebaceous (oil) glands directly. Excess oil production contributes to rosacea breakouts, inflammation and skin congestion, Aviclear laser targets those glands at the source.

Thames Skin Clinic was one of the first clinics outside of the United States to introduce AviClear and the first in southwest London to offer it. It is delivered in three 30-minute sessions, each one a month apart, and requires no downtime. AviClear is worth considering if your rosacea presents with the following:

  • Oily or congested skin alongside redness
  • Papules and pustules that resemble acne breakouts
  • Inflammation linked to overactive oil glands
  • Rosacea that has not fully responded to vascular laser alone

AviClear and the Excel V+ can be used as part of a combined treatment plan. The Excel V+ addresses visible blood vessels and redness, while AviClear targets the sebaceous activity that can drive flare-ups. Dr Hemming will assess your skin at consultation and advise on the right combination for you.

Laser Treatment for Rosacea in London

Thames Skin Clinic is based in Twickenham and offers laser treatment for rosacea in London and the surrounding areas. Many of our patients travel from London, most of the UK and internationally, from Singapore, Australia and America. Patients travel from all over to use Dr Annas and her experience and expertise.

As one of the leading providers of laser treatment for rosacea in London, Thames Skin Clinic is:

  • CQC-regulated
  • Doctor-led 
  • Home to the multi-award-winning Dr Anna Hemming — winner of Best Medical Practitioner (Doctor, Dentist or Surgeon) at the Aesthetics Awards 2026, Best Medical Practitioner (Doctor Category) at the Aesthetic Medicine Awards 2025, and Best Injectable Results at the Aesthetics Awards 2025.
  • Recognised as Best Clinic South 2024 at the Safety in Beauty Awards

Dr Hemming has personal experience managing rosacea herself, which gives her a genuine understanding of what patients are going through. 

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Every new rosacea patient at Thames Skin Clinic starts with a detailed consultation. Dr Hemming and her team assess your skin, identify your rosacea phenotype and discuss your goals before recommending any treatment.

Before your laser session:

  • Avoid sun exposure and fake tan for 2 to 4 weeks beforehand.
  • Do not use retinols or retinoids in the days leading up to treatment.
  • Avoid chemical peels or skin resurfacing treatments in the same window

During treatment:

  • A patch test is carried out at least 24 to 48 hours before your first session.
  • Treatment feels like a warm elastic band sensation on the skin.
  • The sapphire cooling system keeps the skin comfortable throughout

After your laser session:

  • Some redness and warmth are normal and usually settle within hours
  • Avoid heavy makeup for 24 to 48 hours.
  • Apply a high-quality SPF; at Thames, we recommend ZO Skin Health SPF.
  • Avoid direct sunlight on the area for 7 to 14 days post treatment

With laser-based rosacea treatments, we recommend a course of three to six treatments for the best long-term results. 

Book your consultation today and we can assess your rosacea type and create a treatment pathway for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Laser Treatment Cure Rosacea?

Laser treatment cannot cure rosacea, as it is a chronic condition with no permanent cure. However, it can significantly reduce visible redness, collapse broken veins and calm flare-ups for long periods. With the right maintenance plan, many patients achieve clear, calm skin that they are able to manage effectively long-term. At Thames Skin Clinic, Dr Anna Hemming will advise on a realistic treatment pathway and maintenance schedule at your consultation.

How Many Laser Sessions Will I Need for Rosacea? 

Most patients need three to six laser sessions to significantly reduce facial redness. The exact number depends on the severity of your redness, the type of rosacea you have and how your skin responds to treatment. Your treatment plan will be discussed in full at your consultation with Dr Hemming.

Is Laser Treatment for Rosacea Painful? 

The Excel V+ is equipped with a sapphire cooling system to keep the skin comfortable during your rosacea treatment. Most patients describe the sensation as a warm flick on the skin. It is well tolerated and does not require any numbing cream for most treatments.

Can Laser Treatment Make Rosacea Worse? 

When carried out by a qualified medical professional using appropriate settings, laser treatment does not make rosacea worse. This is why it is important to choose a medically regulated clinic. At Thames Skin Clinic, we are a CQC-registered practice, and all our laser treatments are delivered by highly trained doctors and medical professionals.