Clearer Skin Starts Here: Treat Broken Capillaries with IPL Technology
If you’ve ever caught your reflection and noticed thin red lines around your nose, cheeks, or chin that just won’t fade, those are likely broken capillaries. While they’re perfectly harmless, they can be frustrating, especially when makeup doesn’t seem to cover them quite right. These visible blood vessels can cause the skin to appear red, blotchy and aged. Left untouched, they may become more noticeable over time. The good news? They are easily and effectively treatable.
At Smooth & Tan, we use Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology, a safe and effective solution for reducing the appearance of broken capillaries and restoring your skin barrier, creating an even, radiant complexion. Our IPL treatments also target a variety of other vascular lesions for comprehensive skin care.
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What exactly are broken capillaries?
Broken capillaries are visible, enlarged blood vessels beneath the skin. Medically known as telangiectasia, these vascular lesions appear as fine red, purple or blue lines that can resemble spider webs or threads. They commonly appear on the face and legs, but can appear on other parts of the body.
IPL is particularly effective for reducing the appearance of broken capillaries on the face where the vessels are closer to the skin’s surface.
What causes telangiectasia?
Understanding what causes broken capillaries can help you prevent new ones from forming and protect your skin going forward. The most common causes are:
- Sun damage: UV rays damage the skin and blood vessels over time, causing capillaries to become more visible
- Genetics: Some people are naturally predisposed to developing broken capillaries
- Rosacea: A chronic skin condition that causes facial redness and visible blood vessels
- Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause and birth control pills can affect blood vessel health
- Venous insufficiency: Poor blood flow can cause broken capillaries
While these causes can’t always be avoided, IPL treatment is an effective way to reduce the visible signs of broken capillaries on the face.
Why choose IPL for treating Broken Capillaries?
- Non-invasive and gentle: IPL uses controlled light energy to target visible capillaries beneath the surface of the skin without damaging the barrier.
- Minimal discomfort: Most clients describe the sensation as a mild flick, far more comfortable than other aesthetic treatments
- Tailored to your skin: Treatments are fully customised to suit your skin type, concerns and comfort level
- Visible results: IPL reduces broken capillaries over a series of treatments, with visible results typically appearing after 2-3 sessions, leaving your skin clearer and more balanced
- Improves overall skin quality: Enhances overall tone and texture
IPL is a safe, effective, reliable and non-invasive solution for reducing the appearance of broken capillaries and restoring an even, radiant complexion.
How IPL treats Broken Capillaries
IPL works by emitting controlled bursts of light energy to target blood vessels, causing them to shrink and fade.
Over time, the body naturally reabsorbs these capillaries and through the lymphatic system clears them away, reducing redness and leaving your skin looking clearer, even toned and refreshed.
The surrounding skin remains unharmed, making IPL a safe and effective treatment.
What to expect before and after your IPL Vascular Lesion treatment
Our IPL Vascular Treatments for broken capillaries and other vascular lesions are carried out by our highly trained skin therapists in a calm, professional salon environment. From your initial consultation to your final treatment, you’ll feel completely supported and cared for every step of the way.
We begin with a personalised consultation to assess your skin, discuss your concerns, explain the treatment process, and ensure IPL is the right option for you. You’ll receive tailored guidance, and clear aftercare instructions to help you get the best possible results.
Before your appointment
To prepare your skin and ensure a safe, effective treatment, it’s important to follow these pre-treatment guidelines:
- Avoid hair removal on the treatment area for at least 2 weeks prior to your appointment
- Minimise sun exposure and apply SPF daily for at least 2 weeks prior to your appointment
- Do not use tanning products for at least 2 weeks prior to your appointment
- Avoid cosmetic treatments (such as facials, laser, or injectables) on or near the treatment area for at least 10 days prior to your appointment
- Stop using active skincare ingredients (such as retinoid or glycolic acid) for at least 3 days prior to your appointment
- Refrain from strenuous exercise or activities that cause perspiration for at least 24 hours prior to your appointment
After your appointment
Aftercare is an important part of achieving the best results by allowing your skin to heal properly. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Minimise sun exposure and continue applying SPF daily for at least 2 weeks after your appointment
- Do not use tanning products for at least 2 weeks after your appointment
- Keep the area clean and dry and avoid applying makeup or skincare products for at least 24 hours
- Avoid strenuous activity and excessive perspiration for at least 24 hours after your appointment
- Do not use active ingredients (such as retinoid or glycolic acid) on the treated area for at least 1 week
- Do not pick, peel or scratch the treated area
How many IPL sessions will you need?
The number of IPL sessions needed varies depending on the severity and size of the treatment area. Most clients see noticeable results after 2 to 3 sessions, with each treatment taking between 5 and 30 minutes. We recommend spacing sessions 3 to 5 weeks apart to allow your skin ample time to heal and renew before your next treatment.
To maintain your results and keep your skin looking its best, follow-up maintenance treatments are typically advised every 12 to 24 months.
Treating other vascular lesions with IPL
In addition to broken capillaries (telangiectasia), our IPL treatments at Smooth & Tan effectively target a wide range of other common vascular lesions, including:
- Rosacea: A chronic skin condition that causes facial redness and visible blood vessels
- Red acne scars: Discolouration left behind after treating the skin and healing acne
- General face redness: Widespread redness across the face which may be caused by irritation, sensitivity or environmental factors
- Port wine stains: Flat birthmarks ranging in colour from pink to deep red, most commonly appearing on the face and neck, caused by dilated capillaries
- Reticular veins: Slightly larger blue or green veins beneath the skin’s surface, most commonly found on the legs
- Angiomas: Bright red, round spots caused by clusters of small blood vessels, commonly found on the body
- Poikiloderma: A combination of skin redness, pigmentation changes and thinning that often appears as a mottled pattern, typically found on the neck and chest
Our experienced therapists customise IPL treatments to address your specific concerns, helping to reduce redness, improve skin tone and restore confidence.
Experience the clarity your skin deserves
If broken capillaries are taking a toll on your confidence, IPL is the effective yet non-invasive solution you’ve been looking for. Call Smooth & Tan today on (03) 5221 5889 or click below to book an IPL Vascular Treatment consultation with us and take the first step toward skin clarity and radiance today.
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