Broken Capillaries

Small red lines around the nose or cheeks are often called broken capillaries, although the blood vessels themselves aren't actually broken.

These tiny visible blood vessels become more noticeable when they remain permanently enlarged near the surface of the skin. While they are harmless, many people choose treatment because they create the appearance of persistent redness or make the complexion look uneven.

Understanding why they develop can help you choose the most appropriate treatment.

At a Glance

Broken capillaries:

Appear as fine red, pink or purple lines near the skin's surface
Commonly develop on the cheeks and around the nose
Become more common with age and sun exposure
Are harmless but usually don't disappear on their own
May often be improved with vascular laser treatments

What Are Broken Capillaries?

Despite the common name, broken capillaries are not actually broken.

They're tiny blood vessels that have become enlarged or permanently visible beneath the skin.

Because they're so close to the surface, they create the appearance of fine red lines or small web-like patterns.

What Causes Broken Capillaries?

Several factors can contribute.

Sun Exposure

Years of ultraviolet exposure can weaken the skin and contribute to visible blood vessels.

Rosacea

Rosacea commonly causes enlarged facial blood vessels, especially on the cheeks and nose.

Aging

As skin becomes thinner over time, blood vessels may become easier to see.

Genetics

Some people naturally have more delicate blood vessels and are more prone to developing them.

Repeated Flushing

Frequent flushing from heat, exercise or other triggers may contribute to persistent enlargement of superficial blood vessels.

Where Do Broken Capillaries Usually Appear?

They most commonly develop on:

Cheeks
Around the nose
Chin
Occasionally the forehead

These are areas that experience frequent sun exposure and repeated flushing.

Broken Capillaries vs. Rosacea

These concerns often occur together but aren't the same.

Broken Capillaries	Rosacea
Visible enlarged blood vessels	A chronic inflammatory skin condition
One visible sign	May include redness, flushing, bumps and sensitivity
May occur without rosacea	Often includes visible capillaries

What Makes Broken Capillaries Different?

Broken capillaries are a visible change in the blood vessels themselves.

Unlike temporary flushing, they usually remain visible even when your skin feels calm.

Can Broken Capillaries Be Improved?

Yes.

Visible facial blood vessels often respond well to vascular laser treatments that selectively target the affected vessels while leaving the surrounding skin largely unaffected.

The most appropriate treatment depends on the size, location and number of visible vessels, along with your skin type and overall skin health.

Our Philosophy

Many people assume visible blood vessels are simply something they have to live with.

While they are completely harmless, they don't have to become a permanent source of frustration.

Our role is to assess what's contributing to your redness, explain your options and recommend treatment only if it's likely to provide meaningful benefit.

When Should Visible Blood Vessels Be Assessed?

Facial capillaries are usually a cosmetic concern.

However, if you notice a rapidly changing vascular lesion, unexplained bleeding, persistent sores or a new lesion that doesn't resemble typical facial capillaries, it should be assessed by your family physician or dermatologist before cosmetic treatment.

If we have any concerns about what we're seeing, we'll always recommend medical evaluation first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are broken capillaries really broken?

No. The name is misleading. These are tiny blood vessels that have become enlarged or permanently visible beneath the skin.

Will broken capillaries disappear on their own?

Once they become permanently visible, they usually do not fade without treatment.

What causes broken capillaries on the face?

Common contributors include sun exposure, rosacea, genetics, aging and repeated flushing.

Can I prevent new broken capillaries?

Daily sunscreen, gentle skincare and managing rosacea or frequent flushing may help reduce the development of new visible vessels.

Which treatment is best?

The most appropriate treatment depends on your skin, the size of the vessels and your goals. A consultation allows us to recommend options tailored to your individual needs.

Not Sure Where to Start?

If you're noticing visible blood vessels, persistent redness or aren't sure what's causing changes in your skin, we're here to help.

A personalized consultation allows us to evaluate your skin, explain what we're seeing and recommend treatment options that fit your goals—without pressure.

Book a Skin Consultation