Capillaries – Rosacea – Spider Vein Treatments

What are Facial Telangiectasia?

Unlike leg veins, which are induced and aggravated by gravity, facial Telangiectasia are usually capillaries or small arteries (arterioles) in the second layer of skin which have dilated and become visible because of weakened elastic fibres in the skin’s walls. Despite their common name, they are not true ‘veins’. They occur most commonly around the nose and on the cheeks.

No anaesthesia is needed for treatment of facial Telangiectasia – the laser pulses feel like little ‘snaps’, and can be easily tolerated by most patients. In most cases a transparent cooling gel is used on the skin to increase comfort and decrease superficial blistering. You may be red for 24-48 hours after the treatment however you can apply make up during this time.

In some cases (especially in larger, high flow telangiectasia around the nose) there may be an improvement instead of complete resolution after the initial treatment. It is much safer to re-treat than to run the risk of scarring – anticipate a re-treatment about a month after the initial treatment for best results. You may need 3-4 treatments (a month apart) for best results. To maintain the results a sunscreen needs to be applied daily.

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