Broken Blood Vessels: Face and Legs

What are those small red vessels on the face, and how do you get rid of them? This commonly asked question typically refers to facial veins, which are tiny blood vessels known as capillaries. These vessels typically appear on the nose, cheeks, and chin. Though these vessels are harmless, often people do not like the red appearance. Luckily, there is a solution to get rid of these tiny vessels.

What causes facial veins? These vessels are more common to appear with age, however there are a few factors that contribute to them. Sun exposure for one is a major cause of facial veins since the vessels become dilated by exposure, therefore becoming more visible. Alcohol is another contributing factor, as it can cause inflammation in the veins temporarily, or long term depending on the frequency of consumption. Lastly, genetics can play a role in facial veins. If you have family members with apparent facial veins, there is a greater chance that you can have them as well. 

Red and purple veins can also appear on the legs. These are commonly known as spider veins, which are formed by the dilation of a small group of blood vessels located close to the surface of the skin. Spider veins are typically red, flat, and affect the capillaries. Note, these veins differ from varicose veins which typically bulge out and can include symptoms of cramping and aching. Leg vessels typically appear more frequently with age, and are more likely to occur in women than men.

What are treatment options for these veins and vessels? The Cutera ExcelV laser is the gold standard for treating veins with little to no downtime. The ExcelV laser has a unique ability to selectively target the blood vessels of a vascular lesion and reduce the redness of the skin and can effectively treat rosacea, broken capillaries, and spider veins. If you would like to know more about this treatment option for veins and vessels, you can schedule a consultation here.