What are broken capillaries?
Broken capillaries, also known as spider veins or telangiectasia, are small, dilated blood vessels that appear close to the surface of the skin. They commonly present as fine red, purple, or blue lines, or as areas of persistent redness.
These vessels are most often seen on the nose, cheeks, chin, upper chest, and legs, and while they are usually harmless, many people seek treatment for cosmetic reasons or associated skin sensitivity.
What causes broken capillaries?
Several factors may contribute to the development of visible capillaries, including:
- Genetics – inherited vessel fragility can increase susceptibility
- Sun exposure – UV damage weakens vessel walls over time
- Environmental exposure – windburn, cold weather, heat, saunas, or rapid temperature changes
- Lifestyle factors – strenuous exercise, alcohol consumption, and spicy foods may temporarily dilate blood vessels
- Hormonal changes – including puberty, pregnancy, and menopause
- Skin trauma – injury, surgery, cosmetic treatments, or prolonged pressure (e.g. from glasses)
- Ageing – thinning skin and reduced collagen can make vessels more visible
- Underlying skin conditions – such as rosacea, sensitive skin, or very fair skin tones
Treatment options for broken capillaries
Treatment suitability varies depending on skin type, medical history, vessel size, and location. Following a medical consultation and skin assessment, treatment options may include:
- Sclerotherapy A solution used to treat certain leg veins by causing the vessel walls to collapse and gradually be reabsorbed by the body.
- Vascular laser treatment
Medical-grade vascular lasers deliver targeted energy to visible blood vessels, causing them to coagulate and fade over time while minimising impact on surrounding tissue. - Combination treatment approaches
In some cases, laser therapy and Sclerotherapy treatments may be used together to address different vessel sizes or treatment areas.
At HEMAC Aesthetic & Skin Clinic, all treatments are individually planned following consultation to ensure they are appropriate for your skin and clinical presentation. Multiple sessions may be recommended depending on the number, size, and depth of the vessels.
Possible risks and side effects
All medical and cosmetic procedures carry potential risks. These will be discussed during your consultation. Possible side effects may include:
- Temporary redness, swelling, or discomfort
- Bruising at the treatment site
- Temporary darkening or discolouration of treated vessels
- Localised swelling following laser treatment due to heat exposure
These effects are generally short-term and resolve with appropriate aftercare. Post-treatment recommendations may include cooling, avoiding heat and strenuous activity for 24–48 hours, and wearing compression garments for leg vein treatments if advised by your practitioner.
How many treatments are required?
The number of sessions required varies between individuals. Factors such as vessel size, location, skin type, and response to treatment all play a role. A personalised treatment plan and expected outcomes will be discussed during your consultation.
Book a consultation
If you are concerned about broken capillaries or persistent redness, a consultation with one of our qualified practitioners can help determine the most appropriate treatment options for your skin.