What Causes Broken Capillaries?
As we age, these jagged red, purple, or blue lines can appear, most commonly on the face and legs. Healthy veins work to deliver blood to the heart with natural valves that cause the blood to flow in one direction. Certain issues lead to the valves functioning incorrectly, allowing the blood to pool, distending the capillaries. As they grow larger, they become visible. Some conditions that lead to broken capillaries include:
- Pregnancy
- Aging
- Long periods of standing (common in teachers, healthcare providers, etc.)
- Obesity
- Prior trauma (surgery or other)
- Genetic factors
Treatment for Broken Capillaries
The location of the broken capillaries will determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual situation. Many cases can be successfully treated with the Icon Aesthetic System, a 30-minute treatment. This light-based technology treats the targeted capillaries without damaging other tissue. It involves only minor discomfort, which is easily managed, and no downtime. The difference in facial appearance, once the unsightly spider veins are gone, can be significant. Our patients report feeling far more confident and attractive after the condition has been resolved.
Broken Capillaries on the Face
Broken capillaries are actually not “broken.” They are tiny blood vessels that have become permanently dilated. As they are larger and closer to the surface of the skin, they cause it to bulge outwards from the pressure of the blood -- and are visible as blue lines. They are often collected around the nose area and cheeks, but can appear in any area of the face. People who suffer from this condition are typically very unhappy with it, and may use various types of cosmetics to attempt to hide the problem. Unfortunately, it can be almost impossible to disguise broken capillaries with makeup. If you have broken capillaries on your face, we have treatments that have been proven to be effective, safe, and non-invasive.
Broken capillaries on the face can increase in size and visibility over time, marring your look. You can take steps to reduce the development and presence of these broken vessels by:
- Avoiding excessive sun exposure
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Avoiding excessive heat
- Protecting yourself from facial trauma
For visible broken capillaries, laser therapy works wonders by targeting the pigments of the blood within the broken vessel and heating it to cause minor damage. After treating the capillary, it gradually pulls away from the surface of your skin and becomes less visible.
Broken capillaries
and circles under the eyes
If you are plagued by dark circles under the eyes, at Scarpidis Aesthetics, we have the solution. As we age, the skin produces less and less collagen, with the skin around the eyes becoming thinner, making the blood vessels more visible. Undereye circles, or darkness under the eyes may be caused by broken capillaries and blood pooling in weaker vessels. Through the use of laser treatments that detect the pigment of the blood and broken capillaries below the skin, the vessels can be damaged so that blood and fluid are unable to pool in those capillaries. This may require multiple treatments, but the results are well worth it!
IPL Max G Laser
The IPL Max G Laser is an “intense pulsed light” laser that treats pigmentation problems on and beneath your skin. The laser utilizes specific wavelengths of light to accurately target and treat hyperpigmentation or conditions such as rosacea and broken capillaries. By targeting and heating the pigment in the broken capillaries, the vessels are damaged and constricted. This prevents fluid and blood from flowing through them for pooling in them. Once there is no more blood flow through these unnecessary vessels, they are no longer visible below the skin. This laser treatment is quick and simple, with minimum discomfort and no downtime.
Why should I choose treatment with the IPL Max G Laser?
This groundbreaking laser is state-of-the-art and one of the best options available for aesthetic treatments such as the treatment of broken capillaries. It works well on many areas of the body, including the face, and can target a wide array of pigmentation issues. In the hands of our highly-trained technicians, you can expect superior results.
Broken Capillaries on the Legs: Spider Veins
If the broken capillaries (which are actually just distended) appear on the legs, it can limit the types of clothing you feel comfortable wearing. If you shy away from wearing sundresses, shorts, or other revealing summer clothing due to visible spider veins, something can be done to treat the condition, giving you the freedom to wear exactly what you want.
Treatments: Spider Veins, Broken Capillaries
For broken capillaries in the face or legs, we use one of the most effective, cutting-edge laser treatments, called the Cutera Excel V Laser. This revolutionary system can treat large, twisted blue veins as well as smaller spider veins. The system is an effective treatment for broken capillaries on the face or legs, and has many other applications, including treating rosacea, brown spots, acne scars, wrinkles, and more. To resolve spider veins, the high-powered green laser light is directed into the targeted area. The treatment is fast, has no downtime, and is extremely effective. Our patients have been thrilled to finally resolve the unsightly appearance of visible veins, no matter where they appear on the body.