Broken capillaries are tiny blood vessels that have become permanently dilated and visible through the surface of the skin. They often appear as fine red lines or small concentrated areas of redness and are particularly noticeable around the nose, cheeks and other prominent areas of the face.
At Empress Lasers, we provide professional laser treatment for suitable broken capillaries, precisely targeting the visible vessels responsible for the concern. Treatment is tailored to the size, location and extent of the affected area, helping to reduce unwanted vascular marks and create a clearer, more even-looking complexion.
Despite their name, broken capillaries are not usually vessels that have literally broken. The term is commonly used to describe tiny superficial blood vessels that have become enlarged or dilated enough to remain visible through the skin. They can appear as individual red lines, small branching vessels or concentrated areas of vascular redness.
These vessels are particularly noticeable on the face because they sit close to the skin's surface, with the nose and cheeks among the most commonly affected areas. Once a capillary remains visibly dilated, skincare alone is unlikely to make the vessel disappear. Targeted laser treatment provides an option for reducing the appearance of suitable vascular concerns.
Laser treatment directs controlled light energy towards haemoglobin within the visible blood vessel. The targeted vessel absorbs this energy and converts it into heat, causing controlled damage to the vessel walls. The treated capillary can then gradually be broken down and cleared naturally by the body, reducing its visibility through the surface of the skin.
The treatment is carefully adjusted according to the size, depth and location of the vessels present. Some small isolated capillaries may require relatively limited treatment, while larger areas containing multiple visible vessels can need additional sessions. Improvement develops as the treated vessels fade, and your practitioner will assess your skin before recommending an appropriate treatment programme.
There is rarely one single reason for visible capillaries to develop. Genetics can make some people naturally more prone to them, while cumulative sun exposure, ageing and environmental factors can gradually make superficial vessels more apparent. Repeated facial flushing and certain skin conditions can also contribute to visible vascular changes.
Broken capillaries are particularly common around the nose and cheeks, where small vessels can become prominent against the surrounding complexion. Laser treatment can address suitable existing vessels, but it cannot prevent entirely new capillaries from becoming visible in the future.
Treatment may be suitable for concerns including:
Broken capillaries are common, particularly around the nose and cheeks, but their appearance and underlying causes can vary. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about visible capillaries and professional laser treatment.
Broken capillaries are tiny superficial blood vessels that have become dilated and visible through the skin. Despite the common name, the vessel has not necessarily physically broken. They typically appear as fine red lines or small areas of visible vascular redness.
They are particularly common around the nose and across the cheeks, although small visible vessels can develop elsewhere on the face. The exact area and type of vessel will be assessed before treatment.
Several factors can contribute, including genetics, ageing, cumulative sun exposure, environmental influences and repeated facial flushing. Some skin conditions can also be associated with more visible superficial blood vessels.
Laser light is absorbed by haemoglobin within the targeted vessel. This generates heat and causes controlled damage to the capillary, allowing the body to gradually break down and clear the treated vessel.
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably because both describe small visible superficial blood vessels. Thread veins can refer more broadly to fine or branching visible vessels, while "broken capillaries" is commonly used to describe very small red vessels visible close to the surface of the skin.
You may experience a brief warm, hot or snapping sensation when the laser targets the vessel. Individual sensitivity varies, and your practitioner will explain what you can expect before treatment begins.
Ready to start your journey? Book your complimentary, no-obligation consultation today. Our practitioners will assess your skin, answer your questions, and design a personalized treatment plan tailored specifically to you.
