Broken blood vessels, also known as telangiectasia or broken capillaries, are permanently enlarged or dilated small blood vessels near the surface of the skin. They are most commonly seen on the face, chest, breasts, arms, and legs, and can sometimes cause a burning or stinging sensation, especially when associated with rosacea.
For those wanting to reduce the visibility of broken blood vessels, Advanced Dermatology offers several non-invasive treatment options for broken blood vessels.
What Are Broken Blood Vessels?
Broken blood vessels usually look like fine red, blue or purple lines and can resemble a web or tree branch. They can also be referred to as spider veins. These enlarged or dilated small blood vessels can be found on any part of the body, but are most commonly located on the face (especially around the nose, legs, chest, breasts, and hands.
What Causes Broken Blood Vessels?
Broken blood vessels are caused by several different things, including sun damage, aging, genetics, and a skin condition called rosacea. They develop when the walls of small blood vessels become weakened and dilated, allowing them to become visible through the surface of the skin. Broken blood vessels are generally considered a harmless, cosmetic issue.
Can You Prevent Spider Veins (Broken Blood Vessels)?
While broken blood vessels can’t always be prevented, there are steps you can take to help minimize your risk and protect your skin. It’s important to use sunscreen daily, which helps prevent sun-induced damage that can weaken blood vessels. It’s also important to be gentle with your skin and avoid excessive rubbing and harsh exfoliants, especially on the face.
Limiting alcohol consumption can also help in preventing broken blood vessels as alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate. In general, a healthy lifestyle, including keeping blood pressure under control, staying hydrated, and maintaining good skin health may help lower your risk over time.
Telangiectasia (Broken Blood Vessels) Treatment Options
Telangiectasia (broken blood vessels) doesn’t usually resolve on its own, but can be removed with laser therapy. At Advanced Dermatology, we offer non-invasive options tailored to your skin type and needs.
Vascular Lasers For Broken Blood Vessel Removal
The VBeam, also known as pulsed dye laser, was initially used to treat redness of the skin including port wine stains or vascular birthmarks. It delivers laser energy in short pulses and uses a dye to produce a specific wavelength of light, which is absorbed by hemoglobin, the red pigment in blood. This allows the laser to selectively target and destroy visible blood vessels while leaving the surrounding skin largely unaffected.
The VBeam requires minimal downtime.
Another laser available at Advanced Dermatology for rosacea is the elight with the SRA handpiece (SRA = skin rejuvenation advanced). This not only treats redness, but also brown pigment from sun damage.
Although most people will benefit from either of these lasers, some seem to do better with one versus another, or we can combine them to get the best of each one.
Topical Treatments for Broken Blood Vessels
Topical treatments like gels, creams, lotions, and serums can also help treat broken blood vessels. These treatments will help reduce the appearance of broken blood vessels by reducing redness, but won’t eliminate them entirely.
It’s important to talk with your provider to decide the best way to effectively treat rosacea or broken blood vessels.
Benefits of Broken Blood Vessel Treatments
Treating broken blood vessels, or telangiectasia, offer cosmetic benefits as well as medical benefits for some. Advantages include reducing redness and a clearer, more even skin tone. This can lead to a boost in self-confidence for many patients.
Some people may experience minor discomfort caused by broken blood vessels. If the broken vessels are associated with rosacea, you might experience burning, stinging, or skin sensitivity, especially during a flare-up. Treatments like topical creams can help manage these symptoms.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re concerned about broken capillaries on your chest, breasts, legs, face, arms, or other body parts, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation with Advanced Dermatology today to explore the best treatment options for your skin. Contact us to book your appointment in Lincolnshire or Glencoe.
