Broken capillaries, also known as talengiactasias, thread veins, spider veins and broken vessels, occur when a blood vessel has become permanently enlarged from excessive vaso-dilation. If you imagine a balloon that has been inflated and deflated a few times, it will begin to look loose and saggy, never returning to its original shape and size. This is the same with blood vessels. Constant dilation of vessels will cause them to become permanently enlarged and visible on the skins surface.
There are many causes of talengiactasias, from trauma, wind exposure, cold/hot weather conditions, inflammatory disorders such as rosacea, use of harsh skincare products or just genetic disposition. They basically look like little red lines underneath the skins surface.
How do we treat Broken Capillaries?
We use Ellipse IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) to treat these visible capillaries. The light is absorbed by the haemoglobin in the vessel. This blood is then heated to a certain temperature and coagulates, thus dissipitating the vessel. The blood byproduct is removed from your body via the lymphatic system, aka your natural waste disposal.
The treatment only targets the blood inside the vessel and causes no damage to the surrounding tissue. It is non-invasive with fast, almost immediate results. It is not completely pain free, there is a sensation similar to that of a rubber band being snapped off the skin, however your therapist will help you to feel as comfortable as possible during the treatment. The sensation felt is instantaneous with no lingering pain.
A FREE consultation and patch test is required prior to your first treatment to determine your suitability.
Vitamin C
The use of a topical vitamin C product is highly effective for broken capillaries and diffuse redness in the skin. A high concentration (15%) will help to strengthen the walls of your blood vessels, reducing the appearance of enlarged capillaries and evening out overall skin tone.
Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, so it helps to protect your cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals
Our favourite topical vitamin C products include the C-Tetra serum from Medik8, the stronger version, CE-Tetra from Medik8 to follow up, and the Vital C range from Image Skincare. The oil-free Intense Lightening Serum from Image Skincare also gives good results. On consultation your skin will be analysed to confirm the best concentration and product for your needs.
To boost the effects of your topical skincare we also recommend the skin specific Skin Vit C Supplements from Advanced Nutrition. These supplements will contribute to collagen formation to help skin function normally and supports the normal function of blood capillaries.
We recommend 3-4 treatments depending on the severity of thread veins present. Treatment time takes approx 30 minutes and can be performed every 4 weeks.
Costs and Downtime
The nose area is treated for €89 per session. The cheeks are treated for €99. As several treatments are recommended we provide a course option where you can prepay for 3 sessions and receive your 4th session free.
The recovery period is relatively small. The treated area may feel sensitive and tender immediately following the treatment. Redness is superficial and can last anywhere from 30mins to a few hours. Intense heat is used during the treatment so it is normal for skin to feel warm after. A cool compress can be applied if necessary, and it is important to avoid sources of heat over the next few days such as exercising, swimming, saunas and steam rooms.
Maintaining results
Top ups may be required to treat newly formed thread veins particularly if you are prone to them. Top ups can generally be performed in 6 month intervals. This is completely dependant on your own skin type and how soon new vessels start to appear.
You can prolong your results by using a topical vitamin c product, taking skin specific vitamin c supplements internally, wearing a broad spectrum SPF every day, wearing a scarf for protection during cold weather and by avoiding the use of harsh products.