Broken blood vessels to the face and other areas of the body can be distressing to people as they become a distraction when looking at the face / area. Clear skin is associated with youth therefore they can be frustrating and difficult to cover.
What causes broken vessels?
- Pressure from pregnancy , weight gain , vomiting etc
- Associated conditions such as rosacea
- Drinking alcohol excessively
- Smoking, or sun damage
- Trauma to the skin or extremities
- Excessive temperature changes
- Hormonal changes due to pregnancy or menopause
- Normal ageing
- Genetic predisposition
- Weight gain, prolonged sitting or standing
- Medications such as topical or systemic steroids
Broken vessels, thread veins or spider veins can be caused by a number of issues such as
As Always we advocate preventative measures by reducing the most likely causal factor where possible.
The good news is there is a range of treatments that can be used to treat them!
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
Using the world renowned Lynton Lumina – Insense Pulsed light (ipl) is emitted by the device and is absorbed by the red colour in the vessels. This is then converted into heat energy damaging the offending vessels. Over the follow couple of months the body gets to work clearing the debris. This is particularly useful for
red vessels associated with inflammation (such as rosacea) as it further serves to reduce inflammation.
Large areas of very fine red veins to the legs (matting). It will only treat red vessels.
Not everybody is suitable for this treatment; nor are all vessels – A consultation and a patch test is necessary.
Microsclerotherapy
What is Micro Sclerotherapy? Micro sclerotherapy is a popular and safe, well established technique used to treat thread veins on the legs. It is a relatively straightforward procedure which involves injecting a solution with a very tiny needle into the veins which causes the lining of the vein to breakdown, triggering a healing response which will cause the vein to disappear over time. Compression stockings are required for a short while post treatment to facilitate success.
The results are not immediate.
The veins look worse before they look better
treatment may need to be repeated at 6 -12 week intervals.
Usually 2 treatments are required – though in some instances this may be more.
This is a prescription only treatment and therefore a face-to-face consultation would be necessary.
Only to be used on the legs
Helpful for blue thread veins (spider veins) -which can not be treated by IPL or for patients where electrolysis may be unsuitable
Electrolysis
Diathermy uses an electrical current to produce heat, causing the vessel to seal (cauterise). One this occurs the body will generate a healing response and “clear up the debris” at with other the other treatments.
This is a preferred treatment for treating Vessels that do not have an underlying disorder such as rosacea. Smaller vessels than can be treated by Microscleratherapy. It is particularly useful for stubborn vessels.
again – it can work well as a combination treatment.
A consultation and patch test is necessary (see Blemish Removal)