If you’ve noticed tiny red, purple, or blue lines around your nose, cheeks, or chin that never seem to disappear, you’re not alone. Broken capillaries—also called facial telangiectasia—are one of the most common skin concerns we treat at BodyLase. While they aren’t usually harmful, they can make your complexion appear flushed, uneven, or prematurely aged.
The good news? You don’t have to cover them with makeup or accept them as part of getting older. Today’s advanced laser and light-based treatments safely target visible blood vessels across skin tones while leaving the surrounding skin untouched, helping you achieve a clearer, more even complexion.
“Broken capillaries are incredibly common, especially around the nose and cheeks, but many people assume they simply have to live with them. The good news is that professional treatments can safely target visible vessels and redness, helping restore a more even-looking complexion. The key is choosing the right treatment based on your skin type, concerns, and long-term goals.”
Abby Whitescarver, Aesthetician at BodyLase Med Spa Cary
Key Takeaway
Once a facial capillary becomes permanently dilated, skincare products generally cannot remove it. IPL and laser vein treatments are the most effective professional options for visibly clearing these vessels.
What Are Broken Capillaries?
Broken capillaries are tiny blood vessels that have become enlarged or permanently dilated near the surface of the skin. Although they’re often described as “broken,” they haven’t actually ruptured. Instead, their vessel walls lose elasticity, making them more visible through the skin.
They most commonly develop on the nose, cheeks, chin, and around the nostrils. Because facial skin is naturally thin, these small vessels can become increasingly noticeable over time.
What Causes Broken Capillaries?
The most common causes of broken facial capillaries include sun damage, genetics, rosacea, aging and collagen loss, frequent heat exposure, harsh weather, hormonal changes, repeated facial flushing, trauma, and aggressive skin treatments.
Sun & Environment
Sun damage, harsh weather, and frequent exposure to extreme heat or cold can weaken visible vessels.
Skin & Genetics
Genetics, rosacea, aging, collagen loss, and repeated facial flushing can make capillaries more noticeable.
Hormones & Trauma
Hormonal changes, skin trauma, and aggressive treatments or exfoliation may also contribute.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, telangiectasias are common and may develop as skin and blood vessels naturally change with age.
Can Broken Capillaries Go Away on Their Own?
Unfortunately, no.
Once a facial capillary has become permanently dilated, topical creams and skincare products usually won’t make it disappear. Anti-redness products may temporarily reduce flushing, but they don’t eliminate the underlying blood vessel.
Professional treatment is the most effective option for clearing visible capillaries.
How to Fix Broken Capillaries on Your Face
At BodyLase, treatment begins with a personalized consultation to determine what’s causing your redness and which technology is most likely to produce the best results for your skin.
IPL Photofacial
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) uses controlled pulses of light absorbed by visible blood vessels. It is often ideal for diffuse redness, sun damage, rosacea-related redness, multiple small facial capillaries, and uneven skin tone.
Laser Vein Treatment
Laser vein treatment delivers highly targeted energy to seal visible capillaries without damaging surrounding tissue. It is often better suited to larger, isolated, or stubborn vessels.
Customized Approach
Your provider may recommend IPL, laser treatment, or a combination approach based on vessel size, distribution, skin tone, redness, and long-term goals.
What Results Can You Expect?
Most clients notice gradual improvement as treated vessels are naturally absorbed by the body. Depending on the severity of your concerns, multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart may be recommended for optimal clearance.
Successfully treated vessels generally won’t return, but new capillaries can develop over time due to aging, genetics, sun exposure, or rosacea. Maintenance and good skincare habits can help preserve your results.
Can You Prevent New Broken Capillaries?
- Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.
- Protect your skin from extreme temperatures.
- Manage rosacea flare-ups.
- Avoid excessive rubbing and aggressive exfoliation.
- Maintain a professional skincare routine.
Helpful Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes broken capillaries on the face?
Broken capillaries are commonly caused by sun damage, aging, genetics, rosacea, repeated facial flushing, hormonal changes, and environmental exposure. Over time, tiny blood vessels lose elasticity and become permanently visible beneath the skin.
Can broken capillaries heal naturally?
Once a facial capillary has become permanently dilated, it typically will not disappear on its own. Professional IPL or laser treatment is the most effective way to reduce or eliminate visible vessels.
Is IPL or laser better for broken capillaries?
It depends on your skin and the vessels being treated. IPL is often ideal for widespread redness and multiple small vessels, while laser treatment may be better for larger or isolated capillaries.
How many treatments will I need?
Many clients see improvement after a single treatment, but multiple sessions may be recommended depending on the number, size, depth, and location of visible vessels.
Is there downtime after treatment?
Clients generally experience little to no downtime. Mild redness or temporary swelling may occur immediately after treatment and typically resolves within a few hours to a few days.
Can broken capillaries come back?
Successfully treated vessels generally do not return. However, new capillaries may develop over time due to natural aging, continued sun exposure, rosacea, or genetics.
Ready to Treat Broken Capillaries?
If visible facial capillaries are making your skin appear flushed or uneven, professional treatment can help restore a clearer, more balanced complexion. Schedule your complimentary consultation at BodyLase to learn whether IPL photofacials, laser vein treatments, or another customized skin rejuvenation solution is right for your skin.