What Causes Broken Capillaries?

Broken capillaries affect many women in the UK and also many men. 

They are often associated with getting older, but they can occur at any age and there are other factors as well as age in determining how likely a person is to get broken capillaries.

Causes of Broken Capillaries

1. Ageing Process

As we age, the collagen and elastin in the skin become weaker and deplete over time as they aren’t replenished as quickly. This causes the skin to become thinner, so the veins are less hidden and become more noticeable.

2. Trauma/Injury

Any form of injury to the skin can damage the blood vessels and veins – even when the surface of the skin isn’t actually broken. Even wearing glasses can put pressure on the skin.

3. Genetics

Visible vein problems tend to run in the family, so if parents/grandparents suffered from broken capillaries, a tendency to have them could be inherited.

4. Hormones

Hormonal changes such as menopause, pregnancy or puberty can cause broken capillaries to appear.

5. Environmental Factors

Exposure to the sun, wind or cold can trigger broken capillaries, as the vessels expand and contract quickly to try to deal with the elements. Repeated dilation leaves the capillaries permanently dilated or damaged. Saunas or hot baths can also be a factor.

6. Skin Colouration

People with fair skin are more prone to having broken capillaries than those with darker or olive skin – the veins are more visible through the lighter skin.

7. Skin Condition

People with dry or sensitive skin have thinner and less protected layers of tissue. This makes the broken capillaries a greater risk as well as being more noticeable.

Laser Broken Capillaries Treatment

Broken capillaries may be small, but they can be quite difficult to treat. They are generally too small for injectable (sclerotherapy) treatment.

Laser is an excellent option.  Laser energy gets to work within the skin, targeting dilated or damaged capillaries and stimulating healing and cell renewal in the treated area too.

Before and After Results

Laser thread vein treatment results at Cosmedics' London Vein Treatment Centre

London Vein Treatment Centre

Cosmedics Skin Clinics’ main London Vein Treatment Centre has the latest Harmony XL Pro laser machine, which provides a gentle and effective treatment for visible veins on the face and body.

Harmony XL Pro Laser treatment targets problem capillaries, vessels or veins with a blast of laser energy. This damages the veins so that they shrink, shrivel up and eventually disappear.

Treatment using micro-cautery laser is also available at all of the company’s skin treatment centres.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics

Established in 2003, Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer treatment for spider veins using the latest techniques with GMC-registered doctors and surgeons. They also offer advanced laser varicose vein treatment at the London Vein Treatment Centre.For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.

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