Broken capillary treatment in Massapequa
Fine red or purple lines around your nose and across your cheeks that concealer never quite covers. At Skin Space in Massapequa, we help clients across Long Island fade broken capillaries and facial spider veins with targeted light-based treatment, usually with little to no downtime.
Also known as spider veins on the face, visible blood vessels, red veins on the nose and telangiectasia.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jimenez, Medical Director. Last reviewed September 2026.
What broken capillaries are
Small vessels that stay widened and visible.
Capillaries are the tiny blood vessels just under the surface of the skin. Despite the name, broken capillaries aren't actually broken. They're vessels that have widened and stayed that way, so they show through the skin as thin red or purple lines. The medical term is telangiectasia.
They're harmless and very common, especially on fair or sun-damaged skin. They don't fade on their own, but they respond well to light-based treatment, which targets the vessel without damaging the skin around it.
Broken capillaries
Single fine red lines, usually along the sides of the nose and across the cheeks.
Facial spider veins
Small clusters of thin vessels that spread out in a web-like pattern.
Spider angiomas
A tiny red dot with fine vessels radiating out from it. A few are common; many should be checked by a doctor.
Widespread redness without distinct lines is covered in facial redness and flushing. Visible vessels along with flushing, bumps or stinging may be rosacea-type redness.
What causes it
Mostly sun, genetics and wear on the skin.
Over time, small vessel walls can lose their ability to tighten back down after widening. A few things make that more likely.
- Sun damage, which weakens vessel walls and thins the skin over them.
- Genetics, since visible vessels often run in families and are more common on fair skin.
- Rosacea, which causes repeated flushing that can leave vessels permanently widened.
- Temperature extremes, including hot showers, saunas, cold wind and moving between them.
- Pressure and trauma, such as squeezing pimples on the nose, aggressive scrubbing or vomiting.
- Alcohol and hormones, including pregnancy, which can bring on new vessels.
Broken capillary treatments at Skin Space
Your Skin Space provider will choose the right light-based approach for your vessels and skin tone.
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IPL Spot Treatment
Intense pulsed light aimed directly at individual vessels. The light is absorbed by the blood inside, which heats and closes the vessel so the body can clear it away.
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IPL Photofacial
IPL across the whole face to treat many small vessels at once, along with general redness and sun-related pigment.
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Tribella
Combines IPL for vessels and pigment with radiofrequency and nano-fractional resurfacing, treating broken capillaries along with lines and texture in one session.
Also used alongside these
- Signature Facial for Sensitive SkinA calming facial to keep skin comfortable between light-based sessions.
- Cold Therapy FacialA cooling facial that soothes skin after treatment and calms heat-related flushing.
What to expect at Skin Space
From your first visit in Massapequa to clearer skin.
Consultation
We look at the size, color and pattern of your vessels, check your skin tone and recent sun exposure, and ask about rosacea or flushing.
Treatment
A cooling gel is applied, and short pulses of light are delivered to the vessels. Most clients describe a quick snapping feeling.
Healing
Treated vessels may look darker or slightly swollen at first, then fade over one to three weeks.
Follow-up
Some vessels clear in one session; others need two or three. New vessels can form over time, so occasional touch-ups help.
Preventing new broken capillaries
Protect vessels from sun, heat and pressure.
- Wear sunscreen every day. Sun damage is the leading cause of new visible vessels.
- Use lukewarm water on your face, and skip very hot showers, saunas and steam.
- Be gentle. Don't scrub hard or squeeze pimples, especially around the nose.
- Limit alcohol if you notice it makes you flush.
- Plan for Long Island winters. Cold, windy days followed by dry indoor heat stress small vessels, so cover your face outdoors, moisturize well, and book IPL in the cooler months when your skin isn't tanned.
When to see a dermatologist
Most visible vessels are harmless, but a few patterns need a doctor.
See a dermatologist or your doctor if you notice:
- Many new spider angiomas appearing in a short time, especially on the chest, neck or face
- Visible vessels along with yellowing skin or eyes, swelling or unusual tiredness
- Visible vessels with flushing, bumps or burning, which may be rosacea
- A spot that bleeds easily, grows or doesn't heal
- Many spider veins on the legs, which need a vein specialist rather than facial treatment
The Skin Space team is glad to coordinate with your dermatologist, and we'll refer you if something needs medical care first.
Common questions
Do broken capillaries go away on their own?
Usually not. Once a capillary stays widened, it tends to remain visible. Light-based treatment can close it so the body clears it away.
How many IPL sessions will I need?
Small, isolated capillaries can clear in one session. Larger or more widespread vessels usually need two or three, spaced about a month apart.
Will they come back after treatment?
Treated vessels usually stay gone, but new ones can form over time, especially with sun exposure, rosacea or genetics. Sunscreen and occasional touch-ups help.
Does IPL for broken capillaries hurt?
Most people describe a quick snap, like a rubber band, with a moment of warmth. A cooling gel helps keep it comfortable.
Can you treat spider veins on my legs?
Facial treatments aren't designed for leg veins. Spider veins on the legs are usually treated by a vein specialist, often with injections.
Where can I get broken capillaries treated near Massapequa?
Skin Space is a med spa in Massapequa, NY, serving clients from across Long Island. Every plan starts with a consultation so we can look at your vessels in person.
Reviewed by Dr. Jimenez
Medical Director at Skin Space in Massapequa, NY. This page was reviewed for medical accuracy in September 2026.
