How to Get Rid of Facial Capillaries

Sun exposure is the main culprit for facial capillaries.

Capillaries are visible diluted blood vessels appearing on the forehead, nose, cheeks, neck and upper chest. Dilution occurs due to the weakening of elastic fibers in the skin. They usually occur in fair-skinned women in their 40s and 50s. While genetics and medical conditions such as rosacea can contribute to the development of facial capillaries, lifestyle habits such as overexposure to the sun, smoking, and excessive alcohol, coffee, and tea consumption are often the main reasons for noticeable capillary development. Laser treatment is a safe way to lessen the appearance of facial capillaries. However, skin type and taking care to prevent further damage are important factors in such treatments. Laser treatment involves intense, pulsating beams of light targeting affected vessels under the skin's surface and blasting them away.

Instructions

1. 

   A dermatologist will help you determine if laser treatment is right for you.

   Schedule a consultation with your dermatologist to determine if you are a good candidate for laser treatment. The dermatologist will examine your skin type and capillary distribution and will discuss your treatment expectations as well as what lifestyle choices have contributed to the noticeable facial capillaries. After talking about ways to prevent further damage and agreeing on a treatment plan, you will likely schedule a date for what will be a series of laser treatments.

2. 

   Do not apply makeup the day of treatment.

   Do not apply any makeup the day of the procedure. You also may be asked to take antiviral medication a few days prior or the day of treatment to prevent cold sores from forming. Pain during treatment is generally limited to a mild stinging sensation.

3. Tell your dermatologist immediately if you experience any intense pain during or following treatment. Post-treatment pain can be indicative of a cold sore outbreak; call your dermatologist if you are having intense pain.

4. Refrain from picking at the skin as it heals, as this can cause scarring. Skin may develop some slight redness or bruising following treatment, which can disappear in anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks. Keep skin out of the sun immediately following treatment and limit sun exposure in the weeks after treatment to prevent capillaries from returning.

Tips & Warnings

• The ideal facial capillary treatment candidate is less than 65 years old, when skin still has some elasticity. No history of skin hives, scarring and good health free of any serious medical conditions as well as skin that is not too light or too dark will result in optimal treatment. Skin that is extremely dark is often unsuitable for laser treatment as the majority of the laser light is absorbed by skin pigment. Refrain from tanning prior to treatment for the same reason.

• Your dermatologist might perform a test prior to treatment to make sure your skin reacts well to the lasers.

• Individual laser treatment sessions can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,200 depending on size of areas that need treatment.

• Tell your dermatologist if itchy, scaly patches develop on the skin following treatment as special creams must be applied to stop the itching. Do not scratch at itchy spots as this can cause scarring. Small clusters of scabs can also develop on skin depending on skin type and sun exposure. Limit sun exposure and other habits listed above that contribute to facial capillaries; otherwise treatment is virtually ineffective.

References

• eBody: Facial Capillaries
• Genius Beauty: Broken Capillaries Treatment

Resources

• Bukisa: Make Your Own Broken Capillaries Treatment