What Causes Broken Capillaries on the Face?
Dr. Robert Nossa | 07/05/2022
Capillaries are thin blood vessels that can become visible through the skin when broken. The appearance of broken capillaries can make some people self-conscious, but there may be a solution. A skin assessment from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Robert Nossa at Contemporary Dermatology is the first step toward improving your self-esteem.
These small, blue, red, or purple lines (also called "spider veins") can be treated in many cases. Below we'll discuss what causes them and how Dr. Nossa can treat patients near Cape Cod, MA, and Southern Massachusetts areas – from Falmouth to Provincetown and anywhere in-between.
Why do broken capillaries appear on the face?
Some broken capillaries simply appear as a sign of aging, becoming more visible as our skin gets thinner. Another major cause is exposure to the sun. Sun damage also damages the dermis and epidermis (the outer layers of skin) and causes these little veins to malfunction and emerge closer to the surface.
Regardless of the cause, when blood vessels – or capillaries – are affected, they dilate and appear as tiny lines beneath the skin. They're most commonly seen on the face and legs.
When you see broken capillaries on your face, these may be treatable by a dermatologist. For example, at Contemporary Dermatology, Dr. Nossa offers a nonsurgical laser vessel removal to decrease the visibility of these broken capillaries. This procedure uses pulsed dye laser technology with the Vbeam Perfecta® by Candela®.
Preventing broken capillaries on the face
We can't stop the hands of time, but wearing SPF is an excellent way to help prevent the kind of skin damage that causes capillaries to become visible.
It's also important to remember that patients with skin conditions like rosacea may be more prone to broken capillaries. But this is not inevitable.
Even if age or sun exposure causes a few broken capillaries on the face, it's no reason to give up using SPF since that can only worsen things. The fewer you have, the easier they may be to treat.
Decreasing the appearance of broken capillaries on the face
Broken capillaries can become worse over time, so it's crucial to talk to Dr. Nossa about treatment as soon as they become visible.
To decrease the appearance of these capillaries, patients at Contemporary Dermatology opt for a 20 – 40 minute Vbeam Perfecta treatment. The length of the treatment will depend on the number of areas being addressed and Dr. Nossa's customized recommendations for your unique skin condition.
Get laser vessel removal to remove broken capillaries
During Vbeam Perfecta treatment, a laser is passed over the skin. This laser sends gentle light pulses into the skin to collapse the walls of the blood vessels troubling individuals.
Patients describe the feeling as similar to a small rubber band snapping against the skin, but it is rarely described as painful. The procedure is outpatient so you can go home right after your treatment. In some cases, results will be visible almost immediately.
Some patients experience bruising, swelling, or redness after the treatment, but typically these subside in 7 -– 10 days. It may take multiple treatments to achieve your optimal results.
Treat the appearance of broken capillaries in Cape Cod, MA
If broken capillaries on your face are troubling you, laser vessel removal may be an excellent way to help you regain your self-esteem. Patients near the Cape Cod and Southern Massachusetts areas, from Falmouth to Provincetown and locations in-between, can contact Contemporary Dermatology to learn more about treating broken capillaries in the face.
Schedule a consultation with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Robert Nossa today to find out if you're a good candidate for Vbeam Perfecta treatment.