Broken capillaries, also known as telangiectasia, are tiny blood vessels that become visible just beneath the surface of the skin. They can appear as red, purple, or blue lines, often in a spider-web pattern, and are commonly found on the face, particularly around the nose, cheeks, and chin. While broken capillaries are generally harmless, they can be a cosmetic concern. At Integrated Dermatology of Fairfax, we specialize in treating broken capillaries with advanced, non-invasive procedures that help restore a clear, even complexion.
If you’re looking for an effective solution to broken capillaries, our expert dermatologists in Fairfax, VA, can help you regain smooth and youthful-looking skin.
Broken capillaries occur when the small blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface become damaged or dilated. These blood vessels can break, causing visible red, purple, or blue lines that appear on the skin. Common causes of broken capillaries include:
Broken capillaries are typically not a sign of a serious medical condition, but they can cause concern due to their appearance. Luckily, they can be treated effectively with modern dermatologic procedures.
At Integrated Dermatology of Fairfax, we offer a variety of treatment options to help reduce the appearance of broken capillaries and restore even skin tone. Our dermatologists will assess your skin and recommend the most effective solution for your specific needs.
Laser therapy is one of the most effective treatments for broken capillaries. We use Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and specialized vascular lasers to target and eliminate broken capillaries without affecting the surrounding skin.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): IPL is a non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to target the pigment in the broken capillaries, causing them to coagulate and fade. IPL is ideal for treating redness, and broken capillaries on the face.
Laser Vascular Treatments: For more stubborn or deeper capillaries, we use a specialized vascular laser that delivers precise energy to the blood vessels, causing them to collapse and be absorbed by the body over time. This treatment is highly effective for treating visible veins and capillaries on the face and other areas.
Both IPL and vascular lasers are fast, minimally invasive procedures that typically require little to no downtime. You can expect to see noticeable improvement after just one or two sessions.
Electrosurgery is another effective treatment for broken capillaries, especially those that are smaller and more superficial. During the procedure, a high-frequency electrical current is used to coagulate the blood vessels, causing them to shrink and disappear. This method is precise and can target individual capillaries with minimal discomfort.
Electrosurgery is commonly used to treat broken capillaries on the face, particularly around the nose and cheeks. Most patients experience mild redness or swelling after treatment, but this resolves within a few days.
While professional treatments like laser therapy and electrosurgery are highly effective for treating broken capillaries, there are also topical treatments that can help reduce redness and improve skin tone. These treatments can be used as part of a comprehensive approach to managing broken capillaries.
These products may not completely eliminate broken capillaries but can improve overall skin health and reduce redness associated with dilated blood vessels.
One of the most important steps in managing and preventing broken capillaries is protecting your skin from the sun. Sun exposure can weaken the skin’s blood vessels and cause new capillaries to form, exacerbating the problem. We recommend the following sun protection measures:
Incorporating sun protection into your daily routine will help prevent new broken capillaries and protect the results of your treatment.
If you're ready to treat broken capillaries and restore smoother, clearer skin, schedule a consultation with one of our experienced dermatologists. We’ll evaluate your skin and recommend the best treatment plan to help you achieve your cosmetic goals.
Call us at 703-352-2620 to book your consultation or visit our to choose a time that works best for you.
Broken capillaries are typically caused by sun exposure, aging, trauma, rosacea, or hormonal changes. Genetics and excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to their development.
Many patients notice a reduction in broken capillaries after just one treatment. However, more severe cases may require multiple sessions. Results are typically visible within a few weeks.
Most treatments, such as laser therapy and electrosurgery, cause minimal discomfort. Your dermatologist will ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure, and numbing agents may be used if necessary.
While treatments are highly effective at reducing the appearance of broken capillaries, new ones may develop over time due to sun exposure, aging, or other factors. Regular sun protection and follow-up treatments can help prevent new capillaries from forming.
To prevent the development of broken capillaries, protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen daily, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. Gentle skincare and avoiding skin trauma can also help maintain the health of your skin.
At Integrated Dermatology of Fairfax, we’re here to help you reduce the appearance of broken capillaries and achieve a more even, youthful complexion. Our team of experts is ready to create a personalized treatment plan that works for you.
Call 703-352-2620 to take the first step toward clearer, smoother skin.