Redness, Rosacea & Visible Veins

Helps with

Visible facial blood vessels, rosacea redness and small spider veins

Session

Eye protection for everyone; some people feel tightness, itching or brief pain

Typical course

Often 1 to 3 treatments for visible vessels, spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart

Downtime

Redness usually fades within 2 weeks; any purple spots clear in 1 to 2 weeks

What causes facial redness and visible veins

Rosacea is a common cause of facial redness. It can bring flushing, lasting redness, acne-like bumps or visible blood vessels, and it often cycles between flare-ups and calmer periods. The National Institutes of Health notes there is no cure for rosacea, but treatment can keep it under control. Rosacea may be underdiagnosed in darker skin, where redness can be harder to see.

Small visible vessels on the face are also part of sun-damaged skin, and spider veins are common on the legs.

Treatment options

• IPL (A-Tone IPL) uses flashes of filtered light that are absorbed by the red color of blood in small vessels. It is FDA-cleared for benign vascular lesions, such as small visible blood vessels.
• Aerolase LightPod Neo is a 1064-nm laser with very short pulses. It is FDA-cleared for benign vascular lesions including rosacea, spider veins, leg veins and poikiloderma of Civatte (reddish-brown patches on the sides of the neck), on all skin types.

What results to expect

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says most patients see a 50% to 75% reduction in visible blood vessels after 1 to 3 laser or light treatments, spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. Overall redness improves less: most patients in the studies the AAD describes had about a 20% reduction in redness. Results for blood vessels tend to last 3 to 5 years, but new vessels can form, so follow-up treatment may be needed. Results vary.

Rosacea care goes beyond lasers

The AAD says a rosacea treatment plan often includes medicine, a rosacea-friendly skin care routine and tips to avoid flare-ups. Sun exposure and emotional stress are common triggers, and many people discover other personal triggers too. Dr. Shin can review prescription options with you, and our medical-grade skincare page covers gentle daily care.

Leg veins

The AAD says lasers can treat spider veins and small varicose veins, often over 3 or more treatments, while larger varicose veins need other methods. Large, bulging or painful leg veins call for a vein evaluation, and you may be referred to a vein specialist. After laser treatment of leg veins, protect the area from the sun for 3 to 4 weeks.

Spots and birthmarks are checked first

Dr. Shin examines any brown spot, mole or birthmark before light or laser treatment, and anything suspicious is biopsied first. Birthmarks in babies and children, such as port-wine stains and hemangiomas, should be evaluated by a specialist.

What to expect at our Torrance office

1. Consultation

   We look at the pattern of redness or veins, review your skin type, medicines and triggers, and discuss medical treatment options.

2. Eye protection

   Everyone in the room wears eye protection during treatment.

3. Treatment

   Pulses of light are delivered over the vessels. Some people feel skin tightening, itching or pain.

4. Aftercare

   Redness usually fades within 2 weeks, and any purple or red spots tend to clear in 1 to 2 weeks. Protect the area from the sun.

Side effects & risks

• Redness, and sometimes purple or red spots, that usually clear within 2 weeks.
• Skin tightness, itching or pain during treatment.
• Changes in skin texture or color, and scarring, which are rare.
• Burns and dark marks, which are more likely on darker or tanned skin.
• Eye injury without proper eye protection.

New blood vessels can form over time, and rosacea can flare again.

Who should not have it, or should talk to Dr. Shin first

• You have a tan or a darker skin tone.
• You are pregnant. A review advises delaying elective cosmetic procedures until after the baby is born.
• You take, or recently took, isotretinoin.
• You have large, bulging or painful leg veins, which need a vein evaluation.
• Your child has a birthmark, which should be seen by a specialist.
• You have melasma and IPL is being considered, because light can darken melasma.

Treatment may be performed by Dr. Shin or by a licensed registered nurse or physician assistant under his supervision.