Facial Veins / Broken Capillaries

Visible Facial Blood Vessels

Facial blood vessels very commonly become dilated and visible. In childhood, single dilated point vessels are often seen, called spider naevi. In adults, they are very common in both men and women, but tend to be worse in males. They are much more common in lighter skin types and are strongly associated with rosacea and the tendency to blush or flush with environmental triggers. The most effective treatment in our experience is Intense Pulsed Light. This results in clearance in many cases after two to three treatment sessions.

Condition: Facial Veins / Broken Capillaries
Treatments: IPL Skin Rejuvenation

Treatments for Facial Veins / Broken Capillaries

IPL
Vascular Laser (YAG laser)

Intense Pulsed Light

Broken Capillaries and Redness

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment is very effective in treating visible facial capillaries, rosacea and general redness. IPL works by producing short pulses of light of a colour or wavelength which specifically targets, heats and damages the dilated vascular elements. In many cases the treated vessels will disappear immediately. At other times they can shrink and go slightly dusky in colour. These will then fade over the next 4 – 5 days. Occasionally, a bruise can occur at the site. This is a favorable endpoint which signals a good final result. While many broken capillaries will respond to a single IPL treatment, rosacea and general redness will always require a course of treatments to achieve the desired result. As with all treatments for rosacea, the aim of IPL Rejuvenation is to manage rather than cure, and some maintenance treatment is always required.

Collagen Stimulation

In addition to eliminating blemishes, IPL acts on the skin’s dermis to stimulate collagen production. The result is a reduction in fine lines and long-term improvements to the tone and texture of your skin. It’s not a face-lift, but your friends will definitely notice that your skin is looking lovely and fresh. There is also very good evidence to show that regular IPL rejuvenation (2 – 3 per year) can reduce and delay skin ageing by reducing pigmentation, lines and wrinkles and skin laxity.

Vascular Laser (YAG laser)

Vascular laser is often used for the treatment of single vascular spots such as spider naevi or angiomas (Campbell de Morgan spots). In these cases a single quick zap with the laser will result in resolution of the spot. The YAG laser is also used in combination with IPL treatment for rosacea and for stubborn or resistant vessels on the face.

Other Information

Are all IPL Treatments the same?

In a word, no. There is a huge difference in the strength, effectiveness and safety of IPL machines on the market, and in the knowledge and experience of the operators. In our Perth clinics we use the medical strength Cynosure Icon and Palomar Starlux 500 IPL machines, which are medical strength machines and give great results. In Perth, and Western Australia, all IPL treatments are completely unregulated, meaning anyone can buy a machine and start doing treatments. At Skin Resus we have been successfully performing IPL treatments for 20 years – you can feel confident knowing that all IPL treatments are done by one of our fully qualified and very experienced Doctors and Registered Nurses.

What is an IPL Treatment like?

The treatment begins with eye protection and then a thin layer of gel is spread over the area to be treated. The handpiece will then be moved over the skin. Each pulse of light feels the flick of an elastic band. It’s best described as uncomfortable, but fast. Most IPL treatments take between 15 and 25 minutes.

After the treatment, your skin may be quite pink and will feel warm, like mild sunburn, usually for about an hour. Swelling can sometimes be seen, but is usually mild, although is more notable where a lot of freckling is present. Any redness and swelling should resolve in 2 – 3 days. Makeup can be worn throughout the entire recovery. We use and recommend Jane Iredale mineral makeup, which is safe to apply after IPL skin treatments, contains a physical SPF 20 and gives great coverage. Sunscreen and sun protection is very important. We recommend the daily use of an SPF 50+ sunscreen.