What causes prominent veins and capillaries?
Also known as Telangiectasias or broken capillaries, prominent veins result from broken blood vessels becoming visible on the skins surface. They are usually caused by excessive sun exposure, corticosteroid creams, and skin trauma. There are rarer causes that your Cosmetic doctor will assess you for at your complimentary consultation.
Can broken capillaries bleed?
Yes. When capillaries enlarge, they may be prone to rupturing and bleeding. Particularly when exposed to trauma such as injuries or strain at the site.
Bleeding under the skin is usually seen as bruising, but broken capillaries may also cause outright bleeding over the skin’s surface.
Can broken capillaries on the face be treated?
Yes, broken capillaries on the face can be treated. Vascular laser therapies are typically used to address visible capillaries, redness, and facial veins. These treatments work by directing targeted laser energy into the affected blood vessels, causing them to shrink and fade without affecting surrounding skin.
Commonly used laser technologies include:
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IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): Suitable for broader areas of facial redness, rosacea, and fine capillaries.
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Long-Pulse Nd:YAG Laser: Effectively targets deeper or larger capillaries, especially around the nose and cheeks.
Treatment typically involves minimal discomfort, and most patients return quickly to normal daily activities. Multiple sessions may be needed depending on the extent and depth of the capillaries.
Your cosmetic clinician will perform a detailed assessment of your skin to recommend the most suitable laser treatment for your individual concerns.
How are prominent veins and capillaries treated?
Prominent veins and visible capillaries are typically treated using vascular laser treatments. These lasers work by precisely targeting and heating the unwanted blood vessels, causing them to gently close off. Once sealed, these treated vessels are gradually absorbed and cleared naturally by the body.
Common treatment options include:
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IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): Targets diffuse redness, rosacea, and fine facial capillaries, improving overall skin tone.
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Long-Pulse Nd:YAG Laser: Ideal for larger, deeper facial veins and prominent capillaries, particularly around the nose and cheeks.
Why do broken capillaries and prominent veins on the face occur?
These capillaries and veins were always there. The reason you can now see them is because they have become enlarged.
Enlargement of capillaries and veins occurs for a variety of reasons, each require their own unique treatment regimen to ensure there is no worsening/new capillaries forming.
Some reasons capillaries slowly enlarge to become visible include:
- Skin trauma
- Sun damage
- Age related changes
What causes broken capillaries on the nose?
The area around the base of the nose where the nostril meets the cheek is a common area for broken capillaries. This is a thin area of skin where capillaries are quite close to the surface and easily visible when they enlarge.
Are broken capillaries on the face permanent?
If left untreated, broken blood vessels and capillaries are typically permanent. This is because the dilated vessels can’t restore themselves to their original appearance, leaving the skin red and covered in spider veins in the affected area.
In minor cases, the veins may fade over time. However, most cases require tailored laser therapy to reduce redness and the appearance of spider veins.
Are broken capillaries rosacea?
Broken capillaries and rosacea are related but not exactly the same.
Broken capillaries are small, visible blood vessels close to the skin’s surface, appearing as thin red lines or spider veins. They often result from sun damage, ageing, genetics, skin injury, or chronic skin inflammation.
Rosacea is a skin condition characterised by chronic facial redness, flushing, inflammation, and sometimes acne-like bumps. While rosacea often includes visible capillaries and redness, it also has additional symptoms such as sensitivity, inflammation, and flare-ups triggered by heat, stress, or certain foods.
Broken capillaries commonly occur as part of rosacea, but you can also have them without rosacea. Correct diagnosis and treatment require careful assessment, ideally by a clinician experienced in treating vascular skin concerns.
Are broken capillaries hereditary?
Some individuals’ susceptibility to broken blood vessels is hereditary. This is typically applicable to those who have inherited thinner skin and more fragile veins or capillaries.
Ultimately, though, the degree to which you have inherited the propensity to form broken capillaries varies person to person.
Are broken capillaries common?
Yes. Most people at some point in their life will have at least one visible broken capillary or prominent vein.
Are broken capillaries dangerous?
These are most often a benign cosmetic concern. Rarely are they associated with an underlying medical condition. It is important you have any skin change checked by a doctor.
At Contour Clinics, all doctors are experienced in checking prominent veins and capillaries to ensure they are safely removed and not any more than a cosmetic concern.
Are broken capillaries the same as spider veins?
Yes. Spider veins are a form of broken capillary.
Which parts of the body do we commonly see broken capillaries?
We commonly see broken capillaries on the face. This is particularly true of around the nose, chin, cheeks and forehead.
Other areas of the body include:
Are telangiectasia broken capillaries?
Yes. There are many terms to describe dilated veins and capillaries. They include:
- Spider veins
- Broken capillaries
- Telangiectasiea
- Spider Nevi (usually has a specific cause)
- Prominent veins
Does alcohol make broken capillaries worse?
Alcohol can increase the appearance of broken capillaries due to its ability to dilate blood vessels. Often, people notice their redness and capillaries appear more prominent when drinking alcohol.
