Broken Capillaries Treatment San Diego

Home > Broken Capillaries

Reduce Visible Red Veins and Restore Even Skin Tone

Broken capillaries, also known as visible blood vessels, can appear as red, spider-like lines on the face or body. They’re most common around the nose and cheeks, but can also develop on the legs.

While harmless, they can make your skin look red, uneven, or prematurely aged.

At True Beauty San Diego Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine, we offer advanced treatments to reduce visible vessels and restore clearer, more even-looking skin.

What Are Broken Capillaries?

broken capillaries treatment in san diego

Broken capillaries (telangiectasia) are tiny blood vessels that become enlarged and visible near the surface of the skin. They often appear as:

Thin red lines
Spider-like patterns
Clusters of visible vessels

What Causes Broken Capillaries?

There are several factors that can lead to visible capillaries over time. While some people are more prone due to genetics, environmental and lifestyle factors often play a role. Understanding the cause can help prevent new ones from forming. Common causes include:

Sun exposure
Aging
Genetics
Skin irritation or trauma
Alcohol consumption
Heat exposure

In some cases, they may also be associated with conditions like rosacea.

Where Do They Appear?

Broken capillaries can show up in different areas of the face and body, depending on your skin and lifestyle. Broken capillaries are commonly found on:

Nose and cheeks
Chin
Around the mouth
Legs (spider veins)

How We Treat Broken Capillaries

Topical skincare cannot remove visible capillaries, but advanced treatments can.

IPL Photofacial

IPL uses light energy to:

Target and reduce visible vessels
Improve redness and skin tone
Restore clearer-looking skin

LED Therapy

LED can help calm inflammation and support overall skin health, especially for sensitive skin.

Why Choose True Beauty?

Treating visible vessels requires precision and the right technology.

At True Beauty, you’re treated by a team with 25+ years of aesthetic experience, led by Castle Connolly Top Doctor Dr. Brian Reagan. Every treatment is customized based on your skin and the location of the vessels. Patients choose True Beauty because of:

A medically-led, safety-first approach
Experience treating both face and body areas
Customized treatment plans
Natural-looking, even results

Plastic Surgeon Dr. Brian Reagan in La Jolla and San Diego

Brian Reagan, MD, FACS

Dr. Brian Reagan is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of True Beauty San Diego Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine. Dr. Reagan is renowned for his surgical skills and commitment to patient satisfaction. Dr. Reagan has been featured on local media outlets, including ABC 10, and recognized as one of the “Best Plastic Surgeons in San Diego” by San Diego Magazine, and “Best Plastic Surgeons in La Jolla” by La Jolla Light Newspaper.

Request a Consultation

Plastic Surgeon Dr. Brian Reagan Media Affiliations and appearances

What to Expect

Quick, in-office treatments
Minimal discomfort
Little to no downtime

Some vessels may darken temporarily before fading.

Results

With the right treatment, broken capillaries can be significantly reduced or even cleared. Results develop gradually as the treated vessels fade and your skin tone becomes more even. Most patients notice continued improvement with each session.

A series of treatments may be recommended for best results.

Broken Capillary Treatment Before & After Photos

Broken Capillaries FAQs

Can broken capillaries go away on their own?

No. Once capillaries become visible, they typically don’t go away without treatment. Skincare products may help prevent new ones, but they won’t remove existing vessels.

What’s the best treatment for broken capillaries?

Light-based treatments like IPL are one of the most effective ways to reduce visible capillaries. They target the blood vessels directly, causing them to fade over time.

How many treatments will I need?

It depends on the number and size of the vessels. Some of our patients see improvement after one session, but most benefit from a series of treatments for the best results.

Do broken capillaries come back after treatment?

Treated vessels usually don’t return, but new ones can form over time, especially with sun exposure or certain lifestyle factors. Maintenance treatments may be recommended.

Can broken capillaries be treated on the legs as well as the face?

Yes. Treatments can be used on both the face and body, including the legs, although larger leg veins may require different approaches.

Is the treatment painful?

Most patients tolerate it well. You may feel a quick snapping sensation during treatment, but it’s brief and manageable.

Will my skin look worse before it gets better?

Sometimes. Treated vessels may temporarily darken or become more noticeable before fading. This is a normal part of the process.

Is there downtime after treatment?

There is little to no downtime. You may have mild redness or sensitivity, but most of our patients return to normal activities the same day.

What can I do to prevent new broken capillaries?

Wearing sunscreen, avoiding excessive heat exposure, limiting alcohol, and being gentle with your skin can help reduce the risk of new capillaries forming.

What makes True Beauty different for treating capillaries?

At True Beauty, we customize every treatment based on the location and severity of the vessels. Whether on the face or body, our goal is to deliver natural, even results, not over-treat the skin.