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Broken Capillaries in Seoul: Vascular Laser by a Dermatologist
Quick answer
Broken capillaries, or facial telangiectasias, are small dilated blood vessels visible as fine red lines on the nose and cheeks. They do not fade on their own, but they usually respond well to vascular laser such as Vbeam Perfecta. At The Heal in Jamsil, Seoul, a dermatologist assesses vessel size and depth before treatment. Most people need one to three sessions. Message us your photos to check suitability.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Yang Jeong-hwa , board-certified dermatologist · Updated October 2026
Best option
Vbeam Perfecta
Sessions
Often 1–3
Downtime
Mild swelling, 1–3 days
Timeline
Fading over 2–4 weeks
Why do broken capillaries appear?
The name is a little misleading: the vessels are not actually broken but permanently widened. Once the vessel wall loses its ability to contract, the vessel stays visible as a thin red or purple line. Common contributors include:
- Genetics and fair or thin skin
- Long-term sun exposure that weakens supporting collagen
- Rosacea and frequent flushing
- Harsh scrubbing, squeezing pimples or extreme temperatures
- Hormonal changes and, in some people, long-term steroid cream use
They are usually harmless, but many people find them frustrating because makeup only partly covers them and skincare cannot remove them.
How a dermatologist assesses them
The doctor looks at the color, thickness and pattern of the vessels, often with magnification. Fine red vessels on the cheeks behave differently from thicker blue-purple ones around the nose, and each needs different laser settings. The doctor also checks for underlying rosacea , because treating rosacea alongside the vessels reduces the chance of new ones forming.
Spider-like lesions that appear suddenly in large numbers, or red spots that bleed easily, are examined more carefully, as they occasionally point to other conditions. Your skin type and any history of pigmentation after laser are noted so settings stay safe.
Treatment options at The Heal, ranked by suitability
- Vbeam Perfecta — a 595 nm pulsed dye laser absorbed by hemoglobin; the first-line choice for facial vessels, with built-in cooling for comfort.
- Facial redness treatment — a broader plan when vessels come with diffuse redness or flushing.
- Rosacea treatment — when vessels are part of rosacea and inflammation also needs control.
Small vessels may fade after a single session, while larger or more numerous vessels usually need two or three sessions about four weeks apart. Results vary, and new vessels can form over time, so occasional touch-ups are normal.
Aftercare and prevention
After Vbeam, the treated area may look pink and slightly swollen for one to three days. Vessels often look darker before they fade over the following weeks.
- Keep the skin cool and avoid saunas, hot baths and heavy exercise for 48 hours
- Use a gentle moisturizer and daily mineral sunscreen
- Avoid alcohol for a couple of days, as it dilates vessels
- Never scrub or squeeze the area
To prevent new vessels, protect your skin from strong sun and wind, treat rosacea if present and avoid very hot water on the face.
Can I fly home after vessel laser?
Yes, in most cases. Because Vbeam does not break the skin, flying the next day is usually fine. The main question visitors ask is about bruising: settings for facial vessels are commonly chosen to minimize purple bruising, although thicker vessels sometimes need stronger pulses that can bruise for about a week. The doctor will tell you in advance which approach suits your trip. Our flying after treatment guide covers general tips.
Want a quick opinion? Share a close-up photo with us and we can tell you whether laser is likely to help before you book.
The Heal approach
We match laser settings to each vessel's size and your travel schedule, so you can clear visible capillaries without unexpected bruising.
Expert review
Dr. Yang Jeong-hwa
Medical Director · Board-certified dermatologist · Seoul National University College of Medicine
Written for international patients and reviewed for medical accuracy. Individual results vary; your plan is decided in person after a skin assessment. Our review policy
Visit us
The Heal Dermatology Clinic Jamsil
4F, 329 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
5 min walk from Jamsil Station (Line 8), Exit 9
Mon & Fri 10:00–20:00
Tue–Thu 10:00–19:30
Sat 09:30–16:00 · Sun & holidays closed
International patients
Visiting Seoul? Get your plan before you fly.
English consultations with a board-certified dermatologist, 5 minutes from Jamsil Station. Treatments are scheduled around your downtime and flights. International patient guide
1
Message us
Concerns, optional photos and travel dates via form or KakaoTalk.
2
Get your plan
Suggested treatments and timing around your flights.
3
Consult & treat
In-person assessment with Dr. Yang in English, then treatment.
Frequently asked
Broken Capillaries: your questions answered
Do broken capillaries go away on their own?
Usually not. Once a facial vessel is permanently dilated, it tends to stay visible. Skincare can reduce surrounding redness, but laser is the most reliable way to fade the vessel itself.
Is Vbeam painful?
Most people describe it as a quick snap like a rubber band, softened by the cooling spray built into the device. Numbing cream is rarely needed for small areas but can be used if you prefer.
Will broken capillaries come back after laser?
Treated vessels typically do not return, but new ones can appear over the years, especially with sun exposure, rosacea or genetics. Sun protection and occasional maintenance help keep skin clear.
Can broken capillaries on the nose be treated?
Yes. The nose is one of the most common areas. Vessels there can be thicker, so they may need more than one session or slightly different settings, which the doctor will explain at your visit.
Keep exploring
Related treatments & guides
English consultations in Jamsil, Seoul
Clear visible vessels and leave Seoul with calmer skin
Send your photos and travel dates. We reply with a personalised plan before you fly.