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Laser treatment for couperose on the cheeks

Updated: Aug 20

Close-up of a face split into two sections, showing skin before and after treatment. Goggles cover the eyes. Text: © Dr Alexander Uskov MD PhD.
After two sessions of laser removal of prominent blood vessels on the cheeks, a noticeable improvement in skin condition is observed.

Couperose on the cheeks is one of the most common aesthetic vascular issues, appearing as persistent redness, a “vascular mesh,” or individual dilated capillaries (telangiectasias).


For many patients, couperose is more than just a cosmetic concern—it can cause discomfort, insecurity, avoidance of makeup or photos, and limitations in social activities. Modern laser medicine offers a precise and safe solution that truly works—even for advanced or complicated cases.


At the clinic of international expert Dr. Uskov, a comprehensive, individualized approach is used for treating couperose, based on international protocols and employing a variety of wavelengths commonly used in vascular laser therapy.



Side-by-side comparison of a face before and after laser treatment. Redness is reduced. Text at bottom: "© Dr Alexander Uskov MD PhD."
Noticeable reduction of the vascular mesh on the cheeks and nose after two sessions.

What is couperose and why does it appear?


Couperose is a local dilation of superficial capillaries, most often on the cheeks, sides of the nose, and chin. it is usually not a "disease" in the classical sense, but a manifestation of vascular hyperreactivity and thinning of the capillary walls, which can be associated with:

  • genetic predisposition (thin, fair skin)

  • sudden temperature changes

  • chronic skin inflammation

  • hormonal changes

  • corticosteroid use

  • excessive sun exposure, saunas, or alcohol

  • age-related changes in the vascular wall


Why is it important to treat couperose?


Although couperose is not life-threatening, it significantly affects quality of life:

  • persistent redness of the cheeks can look like an "inflamed face"

  • it cannot be fully masked with makeup or washing

  • it can give the appearance of a "tired" or "unhealthy" face

  • it can progress, leading to permanent vascular deformities (rosacea)


Clinical studies confirm:

  • Laser coagulation of vessels is an effective and safe method for eliminating telangiectasias (Goldberg, 2017)

  • Nd:YAG and PDL lasers are considered the gold standard for treating facial vascular lesions (Tanzi & Alster, 2006)



Course of treatment at Dr Uskov's clinic


Diagnosis and planning

Before starting treatment, an in-person consultation is conducted, during which the doctor:

  • assesses the severity, depth, diameter, and location of the vessels

  • performs, if necessary:

    • digital dermatoscopy

    • examination with a UV lamp

    • infrared vascular imaging

    • analysis of related skin and vascular conditions

This allows precise determination of the optimal wavelength, energy, number of sessions, and the need for additional measures (anti-rosacea protocols or topical therapy).


Before and after images of a facial treatment showing reduced redness on a cheek. Text: Dr. Alexander Uskov MD PhD.
Before and after: results of a laser treatment procedure to reduce facial redness.

Which lasers do we use?


At our clinic, we have lasers covering all wavelengths used for treating vascular issues:

  • IPL (515–590 nm) — selectively coagulates vessels with minimal impact on surrounding skin

  • Nd:YAG (1064 nm) — targets deeper and larger vessels

  • KTP (532 nm) — effective for small superficial capillaries

  • Picosecond and fractional lasers — used in combined protocols, especially when pigmentation or post-inflammatory changes are present


How many sessions are needed?


Noticeable improvement often occurs after the first session, but a course of 2–3 sessions may be required for lasting results. The exact number depends on:

  • number and diameter of the vessels

  • depth of the vessels

  • age and condition of the skin

  • coexisting conditions (for example rosacea)

  • lifestyle and risk factors (alcohol, stress, climate)


How safe is it?


Laser therapy for couperose is safe if:

  • medical-grade certified equipment is used

  • an individualized protocol is followed

  • the procedure is performed under a physician trained in laser dermatology

We aim to remove vessels:

  • without scarring, burns, or hyperpigmentation when recommendations are followed

  • with minimal recovery time (1–5 days)

  • allowing a return to normal life almost immediately after the procedure



Individual results


The result of treatment depends not only on the equipment but also on:

  • the specific characteristics of your vascular network

  • hormonal balance

  • overall skin condition

  • adherence to post-procedure recommendations (avoiding saunas, alcohol, sunbathing, etc.)


For every patient we take before and after photos throughout the treatment for easy visualization of progress


Dr. Uskov’s treatment protocols


The clinic uses personalized, combined treatment plans, which may include:

  • laser coagulation

  • soothing and vessel-strengthening mesotherapy

  • topical anti-couperose products

  • consultations on skin care and prevention


© 2025 Laserkliinik OÜ, Alexander Uskov, Laura Nulk-Uskov

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