Treating Broken Capillaries

Red capillaries appear mostly on the face where the skin is exposed to environmental chemicals and toxins. Although this condition isn’t necessarily harmful, it can create unattractive veins that appear on the skin.

Many factors can lead to this condition, and any individual who has suffered from it knows that red capillaries don’t disappear on their own. However, at Dr Saras & Co, we have a treatment available that corrects this condition and veins become less noticeable. It is called red capillary removal and is offers at our clinics.

They usually present themselves as small, fine pink/red spots or as visible red/purple lines that whiten (blanch) upon mild direct pressure. These telangiectasias are usually harmless and measure between 1mm and 3mm in diameter. Some patients, however, experience some itching and even tenderness in the area as a result of pressure on the small veins. The majority of these lesions occur on the face, nose, chin, and cheek, but they can also occur elsewhere on the body. Additionally, the general facial redness that some patients also experience is caused by telangiectasias, or broken blood vessels, or spider veins on the face.

In many cases, the exact cause of telangiectasia is unknown. However, there are several factors which can contribute to the development of telangiectasia, including:
- Genetics
- Ageing
- Sun and wind exposure
- Medications that widen blood vessels
- Pregnancy or the oral contraceptive pill
- Trauma to the skin
- Surgical incisions
- Rosacea
- Acne
- Prolonged use of oral or topical corticosteroids

Moreover, telangiectasia often precedes a more serious disease or medical condition, such as autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, scleroderma, and liver disease. Depending on whether your doctor suspects these conditions, further testing may be required. Telangiectasias are not curable outright since they tend to return gradually over time. They are, however, very treatable.

Laser therapy and sclerosing therapy are both highly effective treatments for the appearance of telangiectasia. These procedures are minimally invasive and are generally the most effective treatment for facial telangiectasia and broken capillaries. It is a popular treatment for the face and neck, but can also be used to treat other parts of the body. The laser targets the red blood cells within the vessel and causes thermal injury within the tiny blood vessels of the skin, thereby sealing off the widened blood vessels. It is a relatively painless procedure that requires only a short period of recovery.

In the first 24 hours following treatment, patients can resume their normal activities, although they may experience some mild increased flushed redness. You should protect the treated areas from sunlight until the skin tone has returned to normal in that area. In the case of telangiectasias caused by an underlying condition such as rosacea, you may gradually develop new vessels over time. If this occurs, they may also be treated with a subsequent laser treatment.

Despite the fact that some causes of telangiectasia cannot be cured, regular treatment will eliminate any new telangiectasias. A telangiectasia is treatable, especially if the underlying cause is addressed. Patients can lead a normal life following treatment.