Redness & Vascular Laser Treatment in London
Persistent facial redness, flushing and visible thread veins (telangiectasia) are common and frustrating. At Skinhorizon Clinic we offer consultant-led care using vascular laser for red vessels and diffuse erythema, targeted CO₂ laser in selected photoaged or textural cases, and topical anti-redness regimens for day-to-day control—delivered with pigment-aware safety and clear aftercare.
Introduction
“Redness” can mean different things: persistent background colour, flushing that comes and goes, obvious thread veins, or blotchy cheeks that flare with heat, stress or certain foods. The right plan depends on your pattern. Our consultant dermatologist will map the drivers—sun-related change, rosacea, skin irritation, hormones, or photodamage—and the visibility of discrete vessels versus diffuse erythema. Expect a clear, staged strategy: device-based treatment when it adds value, paired with simple routines that keep skin calm between sessions.
We also separate redness from look-alikes: post-acne erythema after breakouts (see acne), brown pigmentation such as melasma, and photoageing texture (see Skin Texture, Pores & Tone). Getting the foundation right saves sessions and protects results.
Want calmer, clearer-looking skin with a plan that respects your skin tone?
What is facial redness & vascular skin?
Visible redness comes from blood vessels close to the skin surface and background inflammation. You may notice fixed thread veins (telangiectasia), diffuse erythema (a constant flush), or flushing episodes triggered by heat, alcohol, spicy foods, stress or exercise. Chronic sun exposure and genetics play a role. Redness also overlaps with rosacea, which can add sensitivity and bumps.
Our goal is practical, durable control. Vascular lasers target haemoglobin to reduce visible vessels and background redness. Targeted CO₂ is not a first-line vascular device, but in selected photoaged skins it can help blend textural change that makes redness more obvious, and it can precisely ablate tiny angiomas in expert hands. Day-to-day anti-redness regimens keep the barrier steady, which means less flare and better response to treatment.
We treat faces, necks and chests (poikiloderma) where appropriate, and can advise on body sites if prominent veins or angiomas are the concern. True leg varicose veins require vascular assessment; we’ll signpost if needed.
Diagnosis & Assessment at Skinhorizon
- Consultant history: onset/tempo; triggers (heat, alcohol, spicy foods); skincare actives; sun exposure; medications (e.g., anticoagulants); previous procedures; eye symptoms (for ocular rosacea).
- Examination & mapping: discrete vessels vs diffuse erythema; distribution (cheeks, nose, chin); presence of papules/pustules; chest/neck involvement; background photoageing.
- Skin tone safety: Fitzpatrick type guides wavelength choice and density; we use test areas for higher skin tones to reduce PIH risk.
- Photography: standardised angles and macro close-ups; same lighting to track progress objectively.
- Plan selection: choose a primary modality (vascular laser), add CO₂-assisted blending/angioma ablation where clearly helpful, and design a topical regimen that calms skin daily.
Personalised Treatment Options We Offer
Vascular Laser Treatment (Thread Veins & Diffuse Redness)
Vascular lasers target the red pigment (oxy-haemoglobin) within vessels to heat and collapse them safely. Different wavelengths suit different targets: shorter wavelengths (e.g., KTP/“green”) for superficial fine vessels, pulsed-dye laser (PDL) for diffuse erythema and linear vessels, and longer wavelengths (e.g., Nd:YAG) for slightly deeper or larger vessels—especially useful in thicker skin. We tailor settings to your skin tone and vessel size, using cooling/cryogen technology and eye protection throughout.
- Ideal for: cheek/nasal telangiectasia, flushing blush, red angiomas (“cherry spots”), neck/chest poikiloderma.
- Course: often 2–4 sessions, ~4–8 weeks apart; maintenance may help if triggers persist.
- What to expect: vessels can grey/darken immediately (“vessel shut-down”), transient redness/ swelling; occasional purpura after PDL that fades over days.
Targeted CO₂ Laser (Photoageing Texture, Select Angiomas)
CO₂ is not a first-line vascular device. However, in carefully selected cases it adds value: fractional CO₂ can smooth photoaged texture that makes redness more apparent, blending tone on the chest/neck when erythema and texture co-exist; and focused ablative CO₂ can precisely vaporise tiny angiomas or stubborn superficial points in expert hands. We use conservative energy, staged passes and pigment-aware protocols—especially in Fitzpatrick IV–VI—to reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) risk.
- Indications: photoageing texture with erythema (face/neck/chest), select small angiomas; not for large/deep veins.
- Downtime: several days of redness/bronzing and micro-crusting after fractional passes; pinpoint healing after tiny ablations.
- Combination: often paired with vascular laser (separate days) for comprehensive outcomes.
Topical Anti-Redness Regimens (Calm & Maintain)
Day-to-day control matters. We build simple, barrier-friendly routines that reduce triggers and support device results. Depending on assessment, we may include azelaic acid, niacinamide, SPF 50+ with iron oxides (for visible light protection), and gentle cleansers/moisturisers. For suitable rosacea patterns, prescription options may be discussed (e.g., anti-inflammatory topicals, or alpha-agonists for transient redness). You’ll receive a written plan with what to use, when to pause around treatments, and how to reintroduce actives.
- Fragrance-aware, non-stripping cleansers and moisturisers.
- Daily broad-spectrum sun protection; reapply outdoors.
- Trigger coaching: temperature, alcohol, spicy foods; barrier first.
Complementary Support (Optional)
LED/IR photobiomodulation for post-procedure comfort, gentle chemical peels for tone (mandelic/lactic in higher skin tones), and practical lifestyle coaching (heat management, skincare simplification) can extend results. Where acne co-exists, we treat breakouts first or in parallel to prevent ongoing red marks (PIE). For pigment-dominant discoloration, see our melasma and photoageing resources.
Your Care Journey
- Map & measure: consultation, triggers, medication review; standardised photos.
- Choose your core: vascular laser for vessels/redness; add CO₂ for textural blending or select angiomas if indicated; set a simple daily regimen.
- Skin prep: SPF discipline, barrier support; pause strong actives pre-laser; avoid fake tan prior to sessions.
- Course delivery: vascular sessions typically every 4–8 weeks for 2–4 visits; CO₂ scheduled around downtime and separate from vascular days.
- Review & refine: assess progress by photos; tweak wavelength/parameters; set maintenance if triggers persist.
We aim for predictable, staged improvement matched to your calendar.
Special Situations
- Skin of colour (Fitzpatrick IV–VI): pigment-aware wavelengths and conservative densities; test areas; rigorous sun care.
- Anticoagulants/aspirin: possible higher bruise risk (e.g., after PDL); we adapt parameters and set expectations.
- Active acne or dermatitis: stabilise first or treat in parallel to reduce post-laser irritation. See acne and eczema.
- Ocular rosacea or eye symptoms: we coordinate care and adjust peri-ocular settings with strict eye protection.
- Photosensitivity or recent sun: we may defer treatment until safe; SPF is non-negotiable.
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding: we usually defer lasers; focus on comfort-first skincare and SPF.
- Keloid tendency: avoid aggressive CO₂; gentle protocols only.
Aftercare & Maintenance
After vascular laser: expect transient redness/swelling; cool packs (not ice directly) can soothe. Some vessels darken or look grey before they fade. Avoid hot yoga/sauna and high-intensity exercise for 24–48 hours. Keep products simple—gentle cleanser, moisturiser and SPF—and avoid actives (retinoids/acids) until skin feels normal. After CO₂: you’ll receive a day-by-day plan (barrier ointments, clean hands, no picking, rigorous SPF) and social downtime guidance. Maintenance varies: from annual top-ups for persistent redness to periodic skincare reviews for flare seasons.
Safety & Risks
We choose the least-burdensome effective pathway. Common, short-term effects include redness, swelling and temporary darkening of treated vessels; purpura is possible with certain vascular settings. Risks—discussed in consultation—include irritation, bruising, blistering or rare pigment change (PIH) especially without sun care; for CO₂, social downtime and rare infection/scarring. We mitigate with conservative starts, pigment-aware settings, tested protocols and clear aftercare with a direct line for advice.
Expected Outcomes
Many patients notice a more even look as discrete vessels soften and the background blush is less obvious, particularly under daylight and in photos. Typical vascular courses involve visible change after each session, with cumulative improvement over 2–4 visits. CO₂ (when used) refines texture and can help blend colour on photoaged areas; results evolve over weeks as collagen remodels. With a simple anti-redness routine and trigger coaching, improvements last longer and day-to-day comfort is better.
Patient Experience
“I always flushed on video calls and my nose veins showed through make-up. Two vascular laser sessions calmed the redness a lot, and a simple routine means fewer flare days.”
— Verified Skinhorizon redness & vascular patient
Why Choose Skinhorizon for Redness & Vascular Care?
- Consultant-led protocols: nuanced wavelength and parameter choices matched to your vessels and skin tone.
- Pigment-aware safety: test areas and staged escalation for all skin tones; rigorous SPF guidance.
- Full toolkit: vascular laser as first-line; CO₂ for textural blending/angiomas where appropriate; simple, effective anti-redness regimens.
- Clear, written plans: prep, aftercare and maintenance so results are predictable.
- Holistic approach: coordinate care for rosacea, acne and photoageing so redness work “sticks”.
Book Your Consultation
Get a personalised plan to calm redness and fade visible vessels—safely and predictably.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vascular laser sessions will I need?
Is vascular laser safe for darker skin tones?
What’s the difference between vascular laser and CO₂ laser?
Will redness come back?
What’s the downtime?
This page was reviewed by Dr Mohammad Ghazavi, Consultant Dermatologist, last updated August 2025.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results vary, and all medical and aesthetic procedures carry risks and potential complications which will be fully discussed during your consultation. Suitability for treatment can only be determined following an in-person assessment with a qualified healthcare professional at Skinhorizon Clinic.
