Can Broken Capillaries Be Removed, and How?
Broken capillaries are unpleasant to see on any part of the body, and unfortunately, the face is particularly susceptible to them. There is little that can be done to prevent capillaries from appearing, but much can be achieved by choosing the right treatment.
For skin to look beautiful on the outside, it must be healthy on the inside. The same applies to people. Facial capillaries are harmless, but they can be very bothersome from an aesthetic point of view. They most often appear on the face and legs, two “extreme” parts of the body. This is no coincidence. These areas are exposed to the greatest physical stress. By this, we mean changes in blood vessel pressure that occur constantly, without prior preparation or regular training.
Why do capillaries become damaged?
Capillaries are the most delicate part of the circulatory system, measuring only a few microns. Very little is needed for them to become damaged and consequently burst.
Several factors affect their condition:
- age – they can appear as early as your twenties, although they are more common in your forties,
- genetics,
- pregnancy,
- rosacea – a common condition characterised by increased skin redness,
- exposure to UV radiation,
- weather changes,
- environmental factors or chemical irritants,
- alcohol consumption,
- injuries,
- vomiting or sneezing,
- obesity, which can also increase the tendency to develop visible capillaries.
Broken capillaries are unpleasant to see on any part of the body, and unfortunately, the face is particularly susceptible to them. It is important to understand that they are not located within the skin itself, but in the layer beneath this otherwise “three-layered” organ. They simply show through the thin layer of skin, creating the impression that they are within it.
There is little you can do to prevent facial capillaries, but much can be achieved by choosing the right treatment that targets the appropriate “layer”.
How can they be removed?
The first thing women usually reach for when trying to conceal broken capillaries is facial concealer. But do you have time to apply it every day and make sure it does not rub off? Eventually, covering up the same imperfections every morning becomes tiresome. Imagine waking up one morning and no longer having to do that.
There are also numerous creams containing retinoids, but they cannot reach the capillaries and are not strong enough to remove them. They act on the superficial layer of the skin, where capillaries are not present.
Laser treatment is already a well-known method of treating these concerns. Almost every dermatologist will recommend it. Its advantages are that it is non-invasive and precise. Its disadvantage is its moderate effectiveness. It acts on the layer beneath the skin’s surface, causing the capillaries to recede, but they may reappear after some time. The treatment itself is not painless, although ice packs can help relieve discomfort. Several sessions are also needed to achieve the desired result.
Radiofrequency is another precise method. It is slightly more invasive, but considerably more effective and long-lasting. It is the only method that directly targets the correct layer, namely the capillaries, by reaching them with a fine, thin needle. It is generally well tolerated because the needles used are only one-tenth of a millimetre thick, and the sensation is similar to a mosquito bite. These fine needles reach the capillaries, which disappear immediately. Radiofrequency could therefore be described as a somewhat more invasive method, but one that is far more effective than other options.
Radiofrequency is a highly sophisticated technology that uses low-frequency radio waves to remove capillaries as well as other skin growths that cause aesthetic concerns. Like laser treatment, it is extremely precise, which is essential for protecting the surrounding tissue and leaving it intact. It causes coagulation (stopping bleeding), but when treating capillaries that are so tiny and delicate, it actually makes them disappear, which is precisely the goal.
A gentle, fast and safe treatment in expert hands
Radiofrequency treatment does not require any special preparation. A local anaesthetic may or may not be used, as patients generally tolerate the procedure very well without it. After treatment, areas of redness may appear around the treated capillaries, but these usually disappear within a few hours.
The device used must be licensed and verified, and the doctor performing the procedure must be appropriately qualified. For this reason, such treatment cannot be inexpensive. The best thing you can do for facial capillaries is to consult an experienced doctor at a reputable clinic.
For more expert advice, contact Alba Rubra Polyclinic, which specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose and throat conditions, as well as minimally invasive aesthetic surgery of the head and neck.
Skin Imperfections: Not a Medical Problem, but Still a Concern
Unlike skin diseases, which certainly require treatment, skin imperfections are not medical problems, but they can cause psychological distress, especially when they are visible to others.
We know quite a lot about moles, at least the “classic” ones, and they are widely discussed, especially during spring and summer. However, there are many different skin imperfections that can bother us because they affect our appearance. Here, we present the most common ones.
Haemangiomas
A haemangioma is a bright red birthmark that appears during the first or second week of life and grows until the third month. It can also appear in adulthood, usually after the age of thirty, and grows slowly. It looks like a rubbery lump in the skin. Haemangiomas consist of blood vessels and can occur anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly seen on the face, neck, scalp, back and chest. There are several types, but they are generally benign and represent primarily an aesthetic concern. Their growth is moderate, but it may increase during pregnancy due to hormonal changes in the body.
They are divided into superficial and deep haemangiomas. As the name suggests, superficial haemangiomas are located on the skin’s surface and range in colour from dark red to bright red. Deep haemangiomas are purple-blue and lie in the deeper layers of subcutaneous tissue; they can also occur in internal organs.
Superficial haemangiomas can be removed very successfully using radiofrequency with the appropriate device. The procedure needs to be repeated at intervals of four to six weeks, and the number of sessions depends on the complexity of the case.
Capillaries
As we age, capillaries also become visible on the face, most often on the cheeks and nose. There can be several causes, including sun exposure, rosacea (a skin condition associated with redness), alcohol consumption, obesity, weather changes and genetics.
They respond very well to radiofrequency treatment, often in a single session.
Warts
Warts, or round raised growths on the skin, can appear almost anywhere on the body. They are most commonly caused by a virus, namely HPV (human papillomavirus). HPV stimulates the production of keratin, a tough protein that causes warts to grow. Other possible contributing factors include deficiencies in zinc and vitamins B and D, or simply a diet lacking in green vegetables and whole grains. Environmental sources of infection may include unclean swimming pools, shared or rented footwear, beauty salons, or hairdressers who do not sterilise their equipment. In children, warts may disappear within two years, as this is approximately how long the virus may take to clear from the body.
They can be treated conservatively by applying a salicylic acid solution (alcohol-based) over several weeks. Removal by burning or freezing is often unsuccessful because the warts may return. Radiofrequency is now one of the least invasive methods and can remove them permanently.
Cysts
Cysts are sac-like structures surrounded by a membrane and filled with fluid or another substance. They can develop anywhere on the body and are usually benign. They do not disappear spontaneously and must be surgically removed.
A doctor should be consulted to determine whether removal is necessary. Cysts are not generally a health concern, but if they become inflamed, they can cause unpleasant pain and require somewhat longer treatment. It is important to know that if a cyst “bursts” on its own and releases its contents, it may grow back after some time because its capsule remains intact. Surgical removal eliminates the entire capsule, helping to prevent recurrence.
Fibromas
Fibromas are benign skin growths that resemble warts but differ in pigmentation. They are most often light brown. They can be an aesthetic concern because their stalk-like shape may disrupt the appearance of the face, neck, décolletage or back. Another problem is that they can easily be injured by jewellery or fingernails, causing bleeding and pain. They can also occur without a stalk; these are known as “hard” fibromas and are attached to the skin’s surface by a broad base. Fibromas may be hereditary or associated with medication or repeated injuries, such as foot injuries sustained while running.
Radiofrequency and electrocoagulation are not the same
All these changes are generally benign and do not pose a serious health risk unless they are repeatedly injured. They are aesthetic concerns that can be treated very successfully using radiofrequency. It is important to distinguish radiofrequency from electrocoagulation, and the device used also matters.
Electrocoagulation burns tissue and is not precise because it damages the surrounding tissue. It uses high temperatures, after which the tissue has limited capacity to recover. Radiofrequency, on the other hand, removes the lesion very precisely using low-frequency radio waves while preserving the surrounding tissue. This is particularly important when treating the face, neck, décolletage or other parts of the body where appearance matters. It is essential to emphasise that not all devices are the same or offer the same capabilities. The Ellman radiofrequency device is internationally recognised, reliable and precise, with a wide range of operating capabilities. It is considered the “gold standard” among experienced aesthetic surgeons.
For more expert advice, contact Alba Rubra Polyclinic, which specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose and throat conditions, as well as minimally invasive aesthetic surgery of the head and neck.
