Medical Dermatology• Talangietasias
(Visible broken blood vessels and facial capillaries)
What Are Telangiectasias?
Telangiectasias are small, visible enlarged blood vessels near the surface of the skin. They are often called:
- Broken capillaries
- Facial veins
- Spider veins on the face
They commonly appear as:
- Thin red lines
- Tiny web-like vessels
- Persistent redness
Telangiectasias most often occur on:
- Nose
- Cheeks
- Chin
- Around the nostrils
They are very common and are usually harmless, though many patients seek treatment for cosmetic reasons.
What Causes Telangiectasias?
Several factors may contribute, including:
- Sun damage
- Rosacea
- Fair skin
- Aging
- Genetics
- Chronic sun exposure
- Steroid overuse on the face
- Repeated flushing or irritation
Sometimes they occur without a clear cause.
How Are Telangiectasias Treated?
Common treatment options:
- Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL)
- Vascular laser treatments
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) in selected patients
- Treatment of underlying rosacea if present
Laser and light treatments target the blood vessels while minimizing damage to surrounding skin.
What to Expect During Laser Treatment
- The skin is cleansed
- Protective eyewear is provided
- Laser or light pulses are applied to the vessels
- Cooling may be used for comfort
- Treatment usually takes 15–30 minutes
Most patients describe the sensation as:
- A warm snap
- Mild stinging
- Similar to a rubber band flick
When Will I See Results?
- Some vessels improve immediately
- Others gradually fade over 2–6 weeks
- Multiple sessions are often needed for best results
Smaller vessels often respond faster than larger or deeper vessels.
Pre-Op Instructions (Before Treatment)
2–4 weeks before
- Avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily
- Avoid tanning beds and self-tanner
1 week before
- Avoid harsh exfoliants and irritating skincare products
- Tell us if you:
- Bruise easily
- Take blood thinners
- Have active skin infection or rash
- Have a history of pigment changes
Day of treatment
- Arrive with clean skin
- Avoid makeup, lotion, or sunscreen on the treatment area
Post-Op Instructions (After Treatment)
What’s normal
- Mild redness
- Slight swelling
- Temporary darkening of vessels
- Mild warmth or sensitivity
Some treatments may cause temporary bruising.
Aftercare
- Use gentle skincare products
- Apply sunscreen daily
- Avoid excessive heat, hot tubs, saunas, and strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours
- Avoid picking or scrubbing the area
Call the office if
- You develop blistering
- Significant swelling occurs
- You notice worsening discoloration or signs of infection
Can Telangiectasias Return?
Treated vessels usually do not return, but new vessels can form over time, especially with:
- Continued sun exposure
- Rosacea
- Chronic flushing
Maintenance treatments may sometimes be recommended.