Broken Capillaries (Facial Thread Veins) – Laser Treatment in London
Broken capillaries are small, visible blood vessels that appear as fine red, purple, or blue lines on the skin, commonly on the face around the nose, cheeks, and chin. Though harmless, they can be cosmetically distressing. At Skinhorizon, we provide high-quality advanced dermatology and aesthetic services to accurately assess and treat broken capillaries using safe, effective methods.
What are broken capillaries?
Broken capillaries, also known as telangiectasia or spider veins, are dilated small blood vessels close to the surface of the skin. They are especially common on the face and can give the skin a flushed or uneven appearance. While medically harmless, they are a frequent cosmetic concern and can be associated with other skin conditions such as rosacea.
Causes and risk factors
Broken capillaries occur when small blood vessels dilate and become visible through the skin. Common contributing factors include:
- Chronic sun exposure and UV damage
- Rosacea or skin inflammation
- Alcohol intake and smoking
- Extreme heat, cold, or wind exposure
- Hormonal changes and ageing skin
- Genetic predisposition to fragile capillaries
- Trauma or frequent rubbing of the skin
Who is most affected by Broken Capillaries?
Broken capillaries are more common in adults over 30, particularly in fair-skinned individuals and those with a family history of rosacea or vascular skin issues. They are also common in people who work outdoors, have repeated sunburns, or frequently use saunas and hot baths.
Broken Capillaries Diagnosis
Diagnosis is clinical, based on visible red, blue, or purple vessels on the skin. A dermatologist can confirm that they are benign broken capillaries and not another vascular condition. In some cases, dermoscopy may be used to assess the vascular pattern more closely.
Laser Removal of Broken Capillaries in Central London
Treat facial thread veins safely with advanced vascular laser at our Maida Vale clinic. Consultant-led care for red veins, rosacea, and telangiectasia.
Call Us Book ConsultationBroken Capillaries Treatment options
While topical creams may reduce redness, they cannot eliminate visible blood vessels. Effective treatments include:
- Laser therapy: vascular lasers (such as Nd:YAG or pulsed dye lasers) selectively target and collapse the vessels.
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): broad-spectrum light that reduces diffuse redness and broken vessels, particularly useful in rosacea.
- Skincare support: using gentle cleansers, avoiding harsh exfoliants, and applying daily SPF.
- Lifestyle adjustments: reducing alcohol, smoking, and avoiding extreme temperature changes.
Multiple sessions may be needed for optimal clearance, and results are long-lasting, although new vessels may form over time.
Aftercare and recovery
After laser or IPL, mild redness and swelling are common but usually settle within a few hours to days. Strict sun protection and gentle skincare are essential. Avoiding heat, alcohol, and vigorous exercise for 24–48 hours after treatment helps optimise results and healing.
Prevention
Prevention focuses on protecting skin from UV damage, avoiding harsh weather exposure, and managing triggers such as rosacea and alcohol intake. Regular use of broad-spectrum SPF is crucial, even on cloudy days. Strengthening the skin barrier with supportive skincare may also help reduce future occurrences.
Impact on confidence
Although harmless, broken capillaries can have a disproportionate effect on self-esteem. Many patients seek treatment to restore a clearer, more even complexion. Effective removal techniques offer a confidence boost and a fresher skin appearance.
Why choose Skinhorizon?
At Skinhorizon, our dermatology specialists use advanced diagnostic and treatment tools for vascular skin concerns. We provide high-quality care with access to proven technologies such as vascular lasers and IPL. We combine clinical expertise with a patient-centred approach, ensuring safe, tailored solutions with natural-looking results.
Your first visit — what to expect
- Consultation: full skin assessment and discussion of concerns.
- Diagnosis: confirmation of broken capillaries and identification of underlying triggers.
- Treatment plan: explanation of suitable laser or IPL options.
- Procedure: non-invasive laser or light therapy delivered in clinic.
- Aftercare guidance: sun protection and skincare recommendations.
- Follow-up: review of results and planning of further sessions if required.
Reviewed by: Dr Mohammad Ghazavi, Consultant Dermatologist
Skinhorizon Clinic, 4 Clarendon Terrace, Maida Vale, London W9 1BZ
Last reviewed:
Discuss candidacy and a tailored plan to reduce broken capillaries using advanced vascular treatments.
Call Us Book ConsultationBroken capillaries FAQs
Are broken capillaries dangerous?
No. They are harmless blood vessels but may cause cosmetic concern and signal fragile skin or sun damage.
Can broken capillaries go away on their own?
No, once vessels are dilated, they rarely disappear without treatment. Laser or IPL is usually needed for clearance.
Which treatments are most effective?
Laser and IPL treatments are the most effective, targeting and collapsing visible vessels with minimal downtime.
How many sessions will I need?
Many patients see improvement after 1–2 sessions, though larger areas or stubborn vessels may need additional treatments.
Will new broken capillaries form?
Yes, new vessels may appear over time, especially with ongoing sun exposure or rosacea. Maintenance treatments may be helpful.
Does treatment hurt?
Laser and IPL cause mild stinging, often compared to a rubber band snap. Discomfort is brief and well tolerated.
