Laser Treatment for Broken Capillaries (Telangiectasia)
Broken capillaries and spider veins on the face are often the result of cumulative sun exposure and damage, genes, or other factors such as liver disease or trauma. Commonly found on the nose and cheek area, these fine blood vessels sit just below the surface of the skin and resemble spider webs, or in the case of broken capillaries, distinct red dots.
Your capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in your body that connect arteries to veins. When these capillaries narrow or widen to quickly, the thin capillary walls can tear, and blood can seep out, giving your skin the appearance of thin red or purple lines. While these lines often are not painful, they can be displeasing in appearance, which is why treatments, such as laser treatments are used to remove them.
Broken Capillary Causes
Broken capillaries occur where the skin is the most thin or sensitive, such as the face–especially the cheeks and nose. Events such as hot weather, strong winds, a sunburn, pressure or trauma to the face or other conditions, such as rosacea, can cause broken capillaries. Dry skin also is considered more at risk for broken capillaries.
Lasers and Capillaries
For those who suffer from broken capillaries, lasers are used to deliver targeted treatment to the skin. Laser light energy is concentrated on the targeted vein. Energy is then transferred from the laser to the vein and absorbed by the blood vessels, which causes the vessel to clog. Because the vessel no longer transports blood, it is then absorbed by the body, eliminating the appearance of broken capillaries.
Treatments Required
The number of treatments needed to fully eliminate broken capillaries varies based on the number and appearance of broken capillaries. A large network of capillaries may take several treatments, while smaller capillaries may disappear after one treatment. Treatments typically last for 30 minutes or less.