Broken blood vessels, also known as spider veins or telangiectasias, are small, visible capillaries that appear just under the skin. These red, blue, or purple veins commonly develop on the face, particularly around the nose, cheeks, and chin, as well as on the legs and other body areas. While they are not harmful, they can cause cosmetic concerns and persistent redness.
At Metropolis Dermatology in Costa Mesa, CA, we offer advanced laser treatments to effectively reduce the appearance of broken blood vessels and restore a more even skin tone.
What Are Broken Blood Vessels?
Broken blood vessels are capillaries that have become enlarged or damaged, making them visible through the skin. Over time, these tiny veins may not constrict properly, leading to persistent redness or discoloration. They are often associated with rosacea but can also occur independently due to environmental or lifestyle factors.
What Causes Broken Blood Vessels?
Multiple factors contribute to the development of broken blood vessels, including:
- Sun Exposure: UV rays weaken blood vessel walls, leading to permanent dilation and visibility.
- Genetics: Individuals with a family history of rosacea or spider veins may be more prone to developing broken blood vessels.
- Skin Trauma: Aggressive skincare treatments, injuries, or irritation can cause capillaries to break.
- Extreme Weather: Cold, heat, and wind can trigger blood vessel dilation, especially in individuals with sensitive skin.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and spicy foods can increase blood flow and contribute to broken vessels.
- Aging: As skin thins with age, blood vessels become more fragile and visible.
What Are the Symptoms of Broken Blood Vessels?
Broken blood vessels are easily recognizable and commonly appear as:
- Thin, red, blue, or purple veins visible beneath the skin.
- Clusters of tiny capillaries forming spider vein” patterns.
- Persistent redness, particularly around the nose, cheeks, and chin.
- Mild skin sensitivity or irritation in affected areas.
While they do not cause pain, some individuals experience redness and flushing that worsens over time.
Laser Treatments for Broken Blood Vessels
Laser therapy is the gold standard for reducing the appearance of broken blood vessels and restoring an even skin tone. At Metropolis Dermatology, we use two state-of-the-art vascular lasers:
DermaV Laser for Vascular Concerns
DermaV is a next-generation vascular laser specifically designed to treat redness, facial veins, and broken capillaries with exceptional precision.
DermaV benefits include:
- Highly targeted treatment for facial veins, redness, and spider veins
- Fast, effective sessions with minimal downtime
- Cooling technology for a comfortable treatment experience
- Long-lasting results with minimal side effects
DermaV is especially beneficial for patients with rosacea, persistent redness, and vascular lesions on the face and neck.
Clarity II Laser for Broken Capillaries
Clarity II is a dual-wavelength laser that effectively treats spider veins, vascular lesions, and pigmentation concerns.
Clarity II benefits include:
- 755nm Alexandrite wavelength – Best for treating red and purple vessels on lighter skin tones.
- 1064nm Nd:YAG wavelength – Ideal for deeper, larger vessels and safe for all skin tones.
- Fast, powerful treatments for quick and visible improvement.
Both DermaV and Clarity II use precise laser energy to target and collapse broken blood vessels, allowing the body to naturally absorb them over time.
How Laser Therapy Works
Step 1: Precision Targeting
The laser emits a specific wavelength of light that is absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood vessels. This energy causes the capillaries to collapse and fade, reducing visible redness and spider veins.
Step 2: Non-Invasive Treatment
Both DermaV and Clarity II selectively treat broken capillaries without harming the surrounding skin, ensuring a safe, effective treatment with minimal downtime.
Step 3: Minimal Discomfort & Downtime
Most patients experience a mild warming sensation during treatment. Both lasers feature built-in cooling systems to maximize comfort.
Step 4: Gradual, Long-Lasting Results
Over the following weeks to months, the treated blood vessels gradually fade as the body absorbs them. While new blood vessels may form due to genetics or environmental triggers, maintenance treatments can help prolong results.
FAQs
Is laser treatment painful?
Most patients report a mild snapping sensation, similar to a rubber band against the skin. Both DermaV and Clarity II feature cooling technology to ensure comfort.
How many sessions are needed?
Most patients see improvement after one to two sessions, but multiple treatments may be needed for optimal results, depending on the severity of the blood vessels.
Are the results permanent?
Treated blood vessels do not return, but new ones can develop over time due to sun exposure, aging, or genetics. Periodic maintenance treatments can help maintain clear skin.
Is there downtime after laser treatment?
Downtime is minimal, with most patients experiencing mild redness or swelling that resolves within a few hours to a day.
How can I prevent new broken blood vessels?
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Wear sunscreen daily to protect against UV damage.
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Avoid excessive heat, alcohol, and spicy foods that can trigger flare-ups.
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Use gentle skincare products to prevent irritation and inflammation.
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Consider periodic maintenance treatments for long-term results.
Hear from
Real Patients
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
If broken blood vessels are affecting your confidence or causing persistent redness, professional laser treatment can significantly improve your complexion. At Metropolis Dermatology in Costa Mesa, CA, we provide state-of-the-art laser therapy to help restore an even, healthy skin tone. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about your treatment options!