Broken Blood Vessels

3 min read·Last updated: 2026-02-08·Reviewed by Dr. Julia Tzu, MD, FAAD, FACMS

At a Glance

Broken blood vessels, medically known as telangiectasias, are damaged, visible blood vessels just beneath the skin's surface. They appear as thin red, blue, or purple lines or clusters that may resemble spider webs or tree branches. On the face, they commonly develop on the nose, cheeks, and chin. While often called "broken," these blood vessels are actually dilated (widened) capillaries that have become visible through the skin. Facial telangiectasias are typically harmless and primarily a cosmetic concern. Sun damage is the most common cause, though they can also result from rosacea, aging, hormonal changes, or genetic factors.

Spider veins (telangiectasias) are damaged blood vessels just beneath the skin that appear red, blue, or purple[1]
Laser treatment for facial telangiectasias typically requires 2-4 sessions every 5 weeks[2]
Treated blood vessels can reopen, requiring maintenance treatments every 6-12 months[2]
Sun damage (photoaging) is the most common cause of facial spider veins[2]

Symptoms

Thin red, blue, or purple visible lines on skin
Spider web or tree branch-like patterns
Clusters of small visible blood vessels
Flat or slightly raised appearance
Usually painless
May become more noticeable with temperature changes
Can appear anywhere but common on face, nose, cheeks

When to Seek Professional Care

Cosmetic concerns about facial appearance
Multiple new angiomas appearing (more than three)
Associated symptoms like frequent nosebleeds
Broken blood vessels accompanied by skin changes
Desire for treatment to reduce their appearance
Uncertainty about whether the spots need evaluation

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Causes

Sun damage and UV exposure (photoaging)
Rosacea
Natural aging and skin thinning
Hormonal changes
Pregnancy
Genetic predisposition
Trauma or injury to skin
Chronic alcohol use
Connective tissue disorders
Overuse of topical steroids

How We Can Help

We offer a service to help manage this condition: Laser Treatment.

Prognosis

Telangiectasias are benign and harmless
Laser treatment typically requires 2-4 sessions
Treated vessels may reopen over time
Maintenance treatments may be needed every 6-12 months
New vessels can form without sun protection
Underlying conditions (rosacea) may require ongoing management

Frequently Asked Questions

What are broken blood vessels on the face?

Broken blood vessels, or telangiectasias, are dilated capillaries visible through the skin. They appear as thin red, blue, or purple lines, often in spider web patterns. Despite the name, the vessels aren't actually broken–they're widened and visible. They're harmless but can be cosmetically bothersome.

What causes broken blood vessels on the face?

The most common cause is sun damage. Other factors include rosacea, natural aging, hormonal changes, pregnancy, genetics, skin trauma, alcohol use, and certain medications. Fair-skinned individuals and those with chronic sun exposure are at higher risk.

When should I see a dermatologist about broken blood vessels?

See a dermatologist if broken blood vessels bother you cosmetically, if you develop more than three spider angiomas (which may signal an underlying condition), if you have associated symptoms like frequent nosebleeds, or if you're unsure whether the spots need evaluation.

How are broken blood vessels on the face treated?

Laser therapy is the primary treatment for facial telangiectasias. The laser creates heat that destroys the visible vessels. Treatment typically requires 2-4 sessions every 5 weeks, with maintenance treatments every 6-12 months as needed. Intense pulsed light (IPL) is another option.

Is treatment for broken blood vessels permanent?

Treatment closes down the visible vessels, but they can reopen over time, and new vessels can form. Most patients need maintenance treatments every 6-12 months. Consistent sun protection helps prevent new vessels from forming and extends treatment results.

Can broken blood vessels be prevented?

While not all broken blood vessels can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by protecting skin from sun exposure with SPF 30+ sunscreen and hats, limiting alcohol, avoiding harsh skin products, maintaining healthy weight, and not overusing topical steroids.

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