What is Facial Redness & Broken Capillaries?

Facial redness can come from dilated capillaries near the skin surface, called telangiectasia or broken capillaries, as well as from conditions such as rosacea, sun damage, a weakened skin barrier, or long-term use of strong topical steroids. Telangiectasias appear as fine red or purple threads, often on the cheeks, nose and chin. Once vessels have widened, they rarely shrink back on their own, but targeted light-based treatment may help reduce them. Heat, alcohol, spicy food, UV exposure and harsh products can make redness worse.

Who it's for

This approach may suit you if you experience:

• Constant pinkness or redness across the cheeks and nose
• Fine red threads or spider-like vessels on the face
• Frequent flushing with heat, exercise or emotion
• Redness that remains after acne or irritation settles
• Sensitive skin that stings or burns with many products

How we treat it at Egg Clinic

First, a dermatologist examines your skin to determine the cause of redness, since rosacea, dermatitis and steroid-related redness each need different care. Where needed, we prescribe topical or oral medication to calm inflammation and recommend gentle barrier-supporting skincare.

For visible vessels and diffuse redness, we use vascular lasers and light devices. The Excel V laser uses a 532 nm KTP wavelength and long-pulse Nd:YAG to selectively heat and close abnormal blood vessels, with a sapphire cooling tip to protect the surface. Its Genesis mode can support overall tone and texture. Joule BBL broadband light may be combined to help reduce general redness and uneven tone. Settings are adjusted to your skin type and the depth of the vessels.

What to expect

After a consultation and skin assessment, the treatment area is cleansed and eyes are protected. Most sessions take 10 to 20 minutes. You may feel quick snaps of warmth, eased by contact cooling, so numbing is often not required. Mild redness and swelling are common for about a day, and small vessels may look darker or bruised briefly. Rarely, blistering or pigment change can occur. Improvement is typically gradual, and most people need three to five sessions about two weeks apart. Redness can return over time, especially with triggers, so occasional maintenance may help.

Aftercare

• Apply a gentle moisturizer and use sunscreen daily
• Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, saunas and steam rooms for about two weeks
• Skip peeling products, scrubs and harsh actives until the skin settles
• Do not scratch or remove any small crusts
• Limit known triggers such as hot drinks, spicy food and prolonged heat

Frequently asked questions

Is facial redness the same as rosacea?

Not always. Rosacea is one common cause, but redness can also come from sun damage, sensitivity or medication use. Diagnosis guides treatment.

Can broken capillaries return after laser?

Treated vessels often stay closed, but new ones may form over time due to genetics, sun and lifestyle triggers. Maintenance sessions may help.

Can I go to work after treatment?

Many people return to normal activities the same or next day. Mild redness usually settles within about a day and can often be covered with light makeup.

Visit Egg Clinic in Sinsa

Egg Clinic is located at 613 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th floors), directly in front of Sinsa Station Exit 5 on Line 3. We are open weekdays 11:00–20:30 and Saturday and Sunday 11:00–17:00, with a lunch break from 14:00 to 15:00. To book a consultation, call +82-2-542-5540, email eggclinic1@gmail.com, or message us on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk.