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Understanding
Redness & Broken Capillaries
Persistent facial redness and visible broken capillaries are common skin concerns that can affect confidence and overall skin appearance. While redness may simply be cosmetic, it can also be associated with underlying conditions such as rosacea, sun damage or skin sensitivity. Identifying the cause is essential to choosing the most appropriate treatment.
What are Broken Capillaries?
Broken capillaries, also known as telangiectasia or thread veins, are small dilated blood vessels visible beneath the skin's surface. They commonly appear on the cheeks, nose and chin and often become more noticeable with age or prolonged sun exposure.
Although harmless, they do not usually disappear without treatment.
What Causes Facial Redness?
Facial redness occurs when blood vessels close to the surface of the skin become enlarged or more visible. This may happen temporarily, such as after exercise or exposure to heat, or become persistent over time.
Common causes include:
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Rosacea
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Sun damage
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Genetics
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Fair skin
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Ageing
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Environmental exposure
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Sensitive skin
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Hormonal changes
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Certain medications
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Frequent flushing
Signs & Symptoms
You may notice:
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Persistent facial redness
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Frequent flushing
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Visible red or purple thread veins
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Red cheeks or nose
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Sensitive or easily irritated skin
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Burning or stinging sensations
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Uneven skin tone
How is Facial Redness Diagnosed?
A thorough consultation allows your clinician to determine whether redness is cosmetic or associated with an underlying medical condition such as rosacea.
At CUC Medical & Aesthetics, an OBSERV 520x Skin Analysis may be recommended to assess underlying vascular changes, skin health and inflammation, helping to guide the most appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of redness and may include:
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Prescription treatment where clinically appropriate
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Daily SPF protection
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Lifestyle and trigger management
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Personalised combination treatment plans
Why Sciton BBL HERO® is Effective
Sciton BBL HERO® uses advanced BroadBand Light technology to selectively target visible blood vessels beneath the skin while protecting the surrounding healthy tissue.
The light energy is absorbed by the unwanted vessels, causing them to gradually break down and be naturally removed by the body. As the treated vessels fade, redness is reduced and the complexion appears clearer and more even.
Benefits may include:
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Reduction in persistent redness
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Improvement in broken capillaries
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Reduced facial flushing
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More even skin tone
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Minimal downtime
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Comfortable treatment with integrated cooling technology
Why Medical Skincare is Important
Medical-grade skincare supports skin barrier function and helps reduce irritation that may contribute to redness. Gentle skincare, appropriate moisturisers and daily sun protection all play an important role in maintaining healthy skin and prolonging treatment results.
Not All Facial Redness Has the Same Cause
Persistent redness is not always caused by rosacea or broken capillaries. It may be related to skin sensitivity, inflammation, eczema, dermatitis or other medical skin conditions.
Before recommending treatment, our doctor-led team carries out a comprehensive assessment to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and ensure the most appropriate treatment is selected.
Where necessary, further medical investigation or referral may be recommended before cosmetic treatment is considered.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Arrange a medical assessment if you experience:
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Persistent facial redness
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Frequent flushing
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Visible broken capillaries
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Burning or stinging skin
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Redness associated with pain or swelling
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Sudden changes in your skin
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Symptoms that do not improve with skincare
Related Treatments
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SkinPen Elite® Microneedling (selected patients)
Related Conditions
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Sun Damage
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Ageing Skin
Book a Consultation
If you are concerned about facial redness or broken capillaries, our doctor-led team will assess your skin, identify the underlying cause and recommend a personalised treatment plan tailored to your individual concerns.