Facial VEINs

Broken veins (telangiectasia) of the face and vascular birthmarks can be unsightly and difficult to conceal. Facial veins are a common dermatological condition that increases with age. Conditions such as rosacea and chronic UV exposure are causative factors.

The Science

The causes of broken veins:

Age, Genetics, and Sun Exposure: Good sun protection can decrease collagen breakdown secondary to UV radiation
Genetics: Fair-skinned patients are more prone to rosacea. UV radiation, especially UVA, penetrates into the dermal layer of the skin, breaking down collagen around blood vessels. This leads to weakening of the vessel walls, resulting in leaky capillaries

Clinical Features

Facial veins can present as:
Telangiectasia (Broken Veins): Visible red or purple veins on the face and other areas of the body.
Vascular Birthmarks: Congenital vascular malformations that can vary in size and appearance.
Rosacea-Associated Redness: Persistent facial redness due to dilated blood vessels

Do Facial Veins Recur?
They can, especially in erythrotelangiectatic rosacea and chronic sun damage. Recurrence rate is determined by genetics and modulated by lifestyle factors. The following will reduce recurrence:

Sun Protection: Reduces collagen breakdown of the walls of blood vessels
Reducing Inflammation: Reduces the dilation of vessels
Controlling Conditions: Managing flushing, blushing, and rosacea

Rare genetic skin conditions, including hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and essential/generalized essential telangiectasia, may have a recurrence.

Dr May's Opinion

Treating facial veins requires a comprehensive approach that includes preventive measures, skin care, and in-clinic treatments. Specific vascular lasers provide effective solutions for visible veins and redness. Early intervention and consistent skin care can help manage and reduce the risk of recurrence of facial veins, improving overall skin health and appearance.

Solutions

Vscular Lasers (V Lasers) are the best in-clinic treatment for facial veins: 532 nm setting for small veins and 1064 NdYAG for bigger veins. Small red spots like cherry angiomas usually disappear with one treatment. More extensive veins on the face may require additional treatments spaced a month or so apart. Blue vessels are more challenging to treat with light or laser treatment due to their colour, larger diameter, and deeper location in the skin. These may be better dealt with by sclerotherapy. Suitable lesions for treatment using V Laser

Facial telangiectasia (red veins)
Spider telangiectasis
Rosacea
Cherry angiomas
Port wine stains
Essential telangiectasia
Hereditary telangiectasia

Other Treatments and Strategies

Strategies to address facial veins include:

Wearing Sunscreen: Capillary walls weaken with UV exposure, so wearing a good sunscreen can potentially prevent the development of some broken capillaries.
Using Antioxidants: Vitamin C and E, and green tea can reduce UV damage. They should be incorporated into your morning routine.
Strengthening Blood Vessel Walls: Vitamin A or retinol/retinoids can increase collagen production in the dermal layer and provide support for leaky blood vessels.
Reducing Inflammation: Especially important for patients with rosacea. Ingredients to consider include niacinamide and green tea. Prescription topicals include Ivermectin, Azelaic Acid, Metronidazole and Brominidine.
Having Tepid Washes: Hot water on your face increases blood flow, dilating capillaries and causing them to break.

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