How to get rid of facial spider veins?

Broken capillaries, also known as facial spider veins, telangiectasia, or enlarged blood vessels, are small dilated veins that become visible near the surface of the skin. They often appear on the nose, cheeks, and chin as fine red or purple lines and can be caused by several factors: genetics, sun damage, aging, hormonal changes, or chronic skin conditions like rosacea or atopic dermatitis.

At Metodica, we use IPL therapy that works in three directions to help clients achieve an even skin tone free from redness: it eliminates visible vessels, reduces inflammation, and improves overall skin tone.

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light, a cutting-edge cosmetic treatment that uses broad-spectrum light energy to target skin imperfections. Unlike lasers, which use a single wavelength, IPL delivers a range of light wavelengths. This allows it to treat various skin conditions at multiple depths—especially vascular lesions.

When used for vascular treatments, IPL light targets hemoglobin (the pigment in blood). The heat from the light causes the vessel wall to collapse and seal shut. Over time, the body naturally removes the destroyed vessel through the lymphatic system. The result is smoother, clearer skin with reduced redness and fewer visible veins.

IPL is considered a gold standard for non-invasive treatment of vascular lesions and facial spider veins. Here’s why:

• It selectively targets only the affected areas without harming surrounding skin
• It minimizes redness by coagulating visible vessels with heat
• It’s safe for a wide range of skin types
• There’s minimal discomfort
• It also treats additional concerns like sun damage, uneven tone, and fine lines

IPL therapy is especially effective for those suffering from persistent redness, facial veins, or post-inflammatory marks due to past skin damage or high sun exposure.

At Metodica Med Spa, we perform all IPL vascular treatments using the M22 IPL system by Lumenis. This state-of-the-art device is specifically designed to treat vascular lesions, broken capillaries, and facial redness with superior precision and safety. The M22 is also FDA-approved, ensuring a high standard of safety and efficacy.

Advantages of the M22 IPL System:

• Optimal Pulse Technology (OPT™) ensures consistent light energy for safer, more efficient treatments
• A sapphire cooling tip and cool gel keep the skin comfortable during each pulse
• Multiple filters allow us to customize wavelengths for different vessel sizes and skin tones
• Proven results on even delicate areas like the nose, cheeks, and chin

Each session at Metodica is designed with your comfort and safety in mind. Here’s what to expect:

1. Consultation. Your skin is assessed by a certified specialist to ensure IPL is right for your needs, and we also perform a painless hardware-based skin analysis using the VISIA system to evaluate skin condition in detail.

2. Preparation. We cleanse the skin and apply a cooling conductive gel to protect the surface and ensure optimal light delivery.

3. Treatment. The IPL handpiece delivers pulsed light therapy evenly across the treatment area. We use a variety of wavelength filters to effectively target vessels of different sizes and depths, ensuring optimal results for each skin type and condition.

4. Aftercare. We apply a soothing cream and provide post-treatment instructions. If your session takes place during the daytime, we can also apply a protective SPF cream to shield your skin from UV exposure.

The full procedure takes about 20–30 minutes, depending on the size and location of the affected areas.

Some individual vessels disappear after a single session, but more complex or extensive vascular patterns may require up to 3 sessions. Sessions are spaced one month apart to allow the skin to heal and vessels to fade.

Our specialists will tailor your plan based on the number, size, and location of the vessels being treated.

Immediately after IPL, you may experience mild redness or warmth, similar to a mild sunburn. This typically subsides within 3 to 4 hours. Treated vessels may darken slightly before fading away - a sign that the light energy has reached its target.

You can resume most activities right after treatment. Just be sure to avoid hot showers, sun exposure, and vigorous exercise for the first day. And don’t forget: SPF is a must to protect your skin and prevent future damage.