What Are Broken Capillaries & Spider Veins?

Broken capillaries are small blood vessels visible at the skin’s surface, while spider veins are fine superficial veins. They often appear on the nose, cheeks, chin, and can also be seen on the neck and chest.

These visible vessels are typically caused by weakened collagen and elastin in the skin and capillary walls—most commonly from sun exposure. Other contributing factors include rosacea, hormonal changes, and skin trauma.

Who’s at Risk?

You’re more likely to develop spider veins and broken capillaries if you:

• Have a fair complexion and are sensitive to UV damage

• Are frequently exposed to sunlight without SPF

• Experience hormonal fluctuations (e.g. pregnancy, birth control use)

• Suffer from rosacea, which can progress to visible capillaries

• Have had skin trauma or damage

In women, these veins are more likely to extend to the neck and chest, while men commonly see them around the nose, cheeks, and chin. They’re often accompanied by other signs of sun damage, such as pigmentation, fine lines, and texture changes.

Treatment Options for Facial Spider Veins & Capillaries

Common treatments include IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), laser therapy, diathermy, and injections. At PRISM Med Spa, we often recommend IPL for:

• Facial capillaries and diffuse redness

• Capillaries on the neck and décolletage

• Isolated vessels up to 2mm in diameter

While IPL can be used on other areas of the body, larger veins (over 2mm) or leg veins typically respond better to:

• Laser treatments

• Diathermy

• Sclerotherapy (injections)

Why We Prefer IPL for Facial Capillaries

IPL is non-invasive, has minimal discomfort, and effectively treats redness and superficial vessels without damaging surrounding skin. It’s an ideal choice for sensitive facial areas with fine, visible capillaries—offering impressive results and a quick recovery.

Custom Vascular Treatments at PRISM

At PRISM Med Spa, we offer both Venus Versa™ IPL and Aerolase® laser to treat vascular damage on the face and body. Our specialists select the most effective option—or a combination—for your unique needs.

IPL vs. Laser: What’s the Difference?

• IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses a broad spectrum of visible light to target:

  • Red/blue tones in blood vessels

  • Brown pigmentation

  • Water in the skin for texture improvement

This makes IPL ideal for treating diffuse redness, sun damage, facial capillaries, and overall skin quality in a single session.

• Laser treatments, such as Aerolase®, use a single, precise wavelength, making them better suited for:

  • Larger, isolated capillaries

  • Broken vessels around the nose and chin

  • Spider veins on the legs

Targeting Nose & Chin Capillaries

Capillaries on the nose and chin often appear as:

• Fine streaks extending to the cheeks

• Web-like clusters on the nose, creating a red hue

We typically use:

• IPL for vessels up to 2mm

• Laser for vessels over 2mm and for leg spider veins

Combining IPL and laser offers a comprehensive solution for facial and body vascular concerns.

Rosacea Treatment at PRISM

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that typically begins with facial flushing and progresses to permanent redness and visible capillaries. Over time, repeated flare-ups can lead to dilated blood vessels, giving the skin a persistently rosy or red appearance.

Comprehensive Care for Rosacea

At PRISM, we take a holistic approach to treating rosacea. Our team—including our in-house Naturopath, skilled therapists, and medical professionals—works together to address both the visible symptoms and underlying inflammation.

Our treatment protocol includes:

• IPL therapy (such as Sciton BBL) to reduce facial capillaries and redness

• Anti-inflammatory diet support (e.g., the rosacea/Mediterranean diet)

• Gut-healing protocols to support internal health and reduce inflammation

• Naturopathy consultations to help manage triggers and prevent progression

What to Expect

• IPL becomes most effective once redness and visible capillaries are established

• Typically, up to 4 sessions are recommended to restore a more even, balanced complexion

• Lifestyle and dietary changes can help slow rosacea progression when started early

Early intervention matters. If you’re experiencing flushing, redness, or visible capillaries, our team can help develop a personalized rosacea treatment plan that addresses both the skin and the root causes.

Skincare Support for Facial Capillaries

While skincare can’t eliminate facial capillaries, it can help calm inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier. At PRISM, we recommend the Proparia range—an Australian-made skincare line designed for sensitive and problem-prone skin.

One of its key ingredients, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), is a powerful anti-inflammatory that:

• Reduces redness

• Supports skin repair

• Improves resilience and barrier function

Keeping your skin calm and content starts with the right ingredients—niacinamide is a standout for soothing stressed, reactive skin.