Do you have prominent facial broken capillaries? Laser therapy offers an effective non-invasive treatment option. This article delves into the science behind laser therapy and details how judicious use of focused light wavelengths can rupture and remove red spider veins through controlled thermal impact. It explains how laser depth precision makes it an optimal method for eliminating capillaries without damaging surrounding tissue.
What are broken capillaries?Â
Broken capillaries, sometimes called burst capillaries or spider veins, are very small blood vessels just under the skin that have become damaged or dilated. A capillary is the tiniest type of blood vessel, only about the width of a single red blood cell. When capillaries are broken or stretched, blood can pool inside them near the surface of the skin. This causes the familiar reddish or purple lines we associate with broken capillaries.
Where they appear? Â
Broken capillaries are commonly found on the face, legs, and chest. The face, especially around the nose and cheeks, is the most prevalent location. They may also rarely appear on other areas like the arms and neck. They present as red or purple spider-like lines or clusters on the skin.
What causes broken capillaries?Â
There are several primary causes that can damage delicate capillaries:
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are a major culprit. Sun damage weaken blood vessels over time.
Frequent rubbing, scratching or squeezing of pimples stresses capillaries and leads to breaks. Muscle movement from smiling or frowning does the same on the face.
As we age, skin thins and loses elasticity. This causes vessels closer to the surface to stretch and dilate more easily.
Some families have naturally finer or more fragile capillaries. Broken ones may show up even without other triggers.
Fluctuations during pregnancy or menopause alter skin needs and elasticity.
Rosacea, eczema or lupus involve chronic inflammation which damages vessels.
Understanding causes empowers you to modify behaviors like protecting skin from UV exposure and being gentle with facial expressions. This can help prevent future broken capillaries when combined with treatment of existing ones.
Are they really a skin concern?
While harmless to health, broken capillaries are a common cosmetic issue that many want addressed for confident skin. They can distract from an otherwise clear complexion. Individuals may be especially self-conscious of broken capillaries if they:
Appear on the face, where they are most visible to others.
Are numerous or clustered together, looking like permanent red marks.
Are prominent on light or thin skin where they stand out more.
Interfere with full coverage from makeup or sun protection products.
Are in high visibility areas like the cheeks or nose.
Fortunately, laser skin treatments offer a highly effective solution with minimal downtime. By removing broken capillaries, laser allows natural looking skin to shine through for an even-toned appearance.
Laser treatment for broken capillariesÂ
Laser therapy for broken blood vessels uses regulated pulses of light to target specific pigments in the skin. Lasers absorb strongly to dark-colored pigments like hemoglobin in dilated blood vessels, but not surrounding lighter tissues. This allows broken capillaries and other kinds of redness to be removed with pinpoint accuracy and minimal discomfort. Most procedures take 30 minutes or less in a medical spa.
 How does laser therapy work?
During your treatment at Vibrant Salon and Spa, a very targeted beam of (Alexandrite laser) photothermal light energy is applied to the skin using a handheld applicator. The light is rapidly pulsed and guided by the practitioner to broken capillaries and telangiectasias (dilated vessels near the surface).
The hemoglobin in the blood absorbs this light energy, which heats it rapidly inside the vessels. This causes a controlled rupture of the targeted capillaries without harming surrounding healthy skin tissue. As the body's natural healing process kicks in, it safely removes the broken vessel remnants over time.
Multiple, spaced-out treatments may be needed to thoroughly remove all existing capillaries depending on severity and quality of new vessel formation is prevented. Research supports laser therapy as an effective and preferred option.
Process of laser treatment for broken capillariesÂ
Now that you understand how broken capillaries form and laser therapy's mechanism, let's review what to expect during each step of the treatment process. Proper preparation and follow-through optimize results.
Initial consultationÂ
During your first visit, technician will perform a full skin exam and ask about your concerns, medical history, and goals. Digital photos may be taken as a treatment before-and-after comparison.
Anesthetic creams can reduce sensitivity if desired, especially for larger areas. Your service provider will outline how many sessions are usually needed given the extent of your facial capillaries and individual factors.Â
How to get ready for your first laser session?
Preparation enhances safety and outcomes:
Avoid sun exposure/tanning 1-2 weeks prior for stronger results.
Remove any makeup or creams from treatment areas before arriving.
Wear comfortable, loose clothing that's cool for treated zones.
Plan for minimal activity or makeup use immediately after.
Proper steps pre and post each session sets the process up for maximum success. Listen closely to all laser technician instructions.
What happens during session?
At your appointment:
A topical numbing cream may be applied.
The treatment area will be cleaned and a chilled gel applied to soothe the skin.
Using eyewear, the technician administers laser pulses targeted to the broken capillaries via a handpiece.
You will feel mild pinpricks or stinging sensations from the light energy.
The whole face typically takes 30 minutes depending on coverage needed.
Redness, swelling or bruising is common right after but fades quickly.
Precise laser technology allows removal of dilated vessels while minimizing discomfort and risks to surrounding tissues. Most feel only moderate heat or pressure during.
What are the do's and don'ts after treatment?
Proper healing optimizes results:
Use a gentle cleanser and apply a cooling serum or gel as suggested.
Avoid sun exposure, extreme heat/cold, and trauma to the area.
It's okay to apply light makeup after 24 hours but best to skip for a few days.
Expect slight scabbing, flaking or purpura that fades on its own within the week.
Following these basic aftercare steps helps your skin recover fully from treatment so you get the best long-term outcome.
How effective is laser therapy in removing broken capillaries?
Laser therapy reduces the appearance of broken capillaries by approximately 70-90% after a couple of sessions. Some see visible fading after just one treatment already.
While genetics and risk factors influence recurrence rates, laser therapy is considered the gold standard for visibly removing dilated and broken capillaries on all skin types. Before-and-after photos document its significant clearing ability. Patient satisfaction is consistently high too.
How many sessions are needed?
Most require 2-3 treatments for optimal results, though some mild cases see improvement after just 1 session. Each successive session builds on prior clearing.
Factors impacting number of sessions include:
Severity and extent of broken capillaries originally
Time had broken vessels
Medical history affecting healing
Individual tolerability of the laser treatments
Following all recommended treatments and preventative care maximizes the long-term clearing effects of the precision laser therapy.
Laser treatment for broken capillaries in Fredericton, NB
Vibrant Salon and Spa, located in Fredericton, New Brunswick, is a top medical spa offering laser treatment for broken capillaries and spider veins. As a leading provider of laser skin therapies in the area, we treat many patients seeking to reduce the appearance of unsightly veins. We are equipped with the advanced Elite iQ+ laser, which combines laser Alexandrite and Nd:YAGÂ technologies for safe and effective treatment of broken capillaries.
The iQ laser allows our practitioners to personalize treatment plans to address each patient's individual skin concerns. Those seeking discreet relief from broken capillaries and spider veins can book a consultation at our medical spa to learn more about how our specialized Elite iQ laser can improve the look and feel of their skin.
SummaryÂ
Broken capillaries are a common cosmetic issue caused by daily skin wear
Laser therapy provides an extremely effective solution, removing 90% of dilated capillaries in most cases
Multiple treatments may be needed depending on severity of capillaries
Patients routinely see significant improvement after laser therapy
Choosing a medical spa and protecting skin health long-term helps broken capillaries no longer impact confidence
The goal is even, bright looking skin
FAQ about laser therapy for broken capillariesÂ
Can laser therapy prevent future broken capillaries?
Laser therapy effectively removes existing broken capillaries but does not prevent new ones from forming due to aging, sun exposure, or skin trauma. Maintaining sun protection after treatment can help reduce risks of future broken capillaries. Laser may need supplementing with skin protections or lifestyle changes for some prone to recurrences. It provides visible removal of current redness when performed by an experienced laser technician.
Unsure if you have broken capillaries or something else?
Look for tiny red lines, dots or spider-like veins. Rosacea and sun damage may also cause redness. Seeking skincare specialist advice can confirm diagnosis, as appearance differs from other conditions like thread veins or rashes. Remember that prompt treatment has best outcomes.
What are the side effects of laser treatment for broken capillaries?
Laser treatment for broken capillaries is typically well-tolerated. Common transient side effects include redness, swelling and mild discomfort around the treated areas, clearing within days. Rarely, bruising may occur. Possibility of temporary lightening or darkening of skin color exists, especially in darker skin tones. Side effects are mild and temporary for most patients.
Do broken capillaries ever go away?
While lifestyle modifications, laser therapy and other treatments cannot prevent all broken capillaries from occurring due to general skin aging or heredity factors, they can successfully remove existing ones in the majority of cases. However, new vessels may still form depending on underlying risks like sun exposure habits. Maintenance care helps prolong clearing effects.