Dilated or broken capillaries are tiny dilated blood vessels (telangiectasia) that are visible through the skin. Most commonly they are found on the sides of the nose, cheeks, chin, and often on the body. Once removed, the skin looks much more youthful. Broken capillaries become more common as we age and our skin loses its elasticity.
The factors that can promote their formation are: heredity, excess exposure to the sun, drastic change in temperature, alcoholic beverages, hot and spicy foods, menopause, and hormonal changes.
Once they form, broken capillaries will not disappear on their own. They can be permanently removed by laser or IPL (intense pulsed light) treatments. The light energy is used to induce coagulation within the distended capillary, a process known as Capillary Coalysis. The body then absorbs the unused capillary.
