Broken capillaries and facial veins

Broken capillaries — telangiectasia — are the fine red threads that show up around the nostrils and across the cheeks. Sun, genetics, rosacea and time all contribute, and once they are there they do not resolve on their own.

Laser energy is absorbed by the blood inside the vessel, which seals it; the body clears it over the following weeks. Most people need one or two sessions. New ones can form later, so occasional touch-ups are normal rather than a sign the treatment failed.