Facial Spider Veins
what are Facial Spider Veins ...
Facial spider veins are small surface blood vessels that sit close to the skin. The medical term is telangiectasia, but most people refer to them as ‘spider veins’ or ‘broken capillaries.’ They most often appear on the nose, cheeks, and chin, and can look red, pink, purple, or blue.
Facial spider veins are usually a cosmetic concern, but they can sometimes be linked with skin redness or sensitivity (for example, sun damage or rosacea). Common contributors include:
- Genetics (family tendency)
- Sun exposure
- Ageing and thinning skin
- Rosacea or long-term facial redness
- Hormonal changes
types of treatments for facial spider veins ...
Not everyone needs treatment. Treatment depends on the size, depth, and location of the veins (especially if they are close to the eyes), and your skin type. At Me Clinic, facial spider vein care is performed in-clinic and focuses on:
- Checking what type of facial veins you have and whether treatment is safe in that area
- Choosing the right method for the face, where veins can be small, and the skin is delicate
- Using a laser as the main treatment for suitable facial spider veins (performed by Michelle Casey, Paramedical Aesthetician)
Facial Spider Veins Treatment Options at Me Clinic:
- Nd: YAG Cutera laser for facial spider veins (main treatment option)
- Sclerotherapy for facial spider veins (not preferred; only considered in select cases and not suitable for all areas)
what is Nd: YAG Cutera Laser ...
Michelle Casey treats suitable facial spider veins using a Cutera vascular laser (Nd: YAG). This laser targets the blood inside the small vessel, heating it so the vessel can close and fade over time. Cutera’s Excel V platform uses 532 nm and 1064 nm (Nd: YAG) wavelengths to treat vascular lesions. It can take a few weeks to see the full change, and more than one session may be needed. Nd: YAG laser treatment is a commonly used option for treating small facial spider veins.
Laser for facial veins may be discussed when:
- The veins are small, superficial, and in a safe area to treat
- You want a non-injection option for the face
- Your clinician feels the laser is the best match for your vein and skin type
what is scelrotherapy ...
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into a vein so the vein walls stick together and the vessel collapses. Blood then reroutes through healthier vessels while the treated vein is slowly absorbed. For the face, sclerotherapy is not the preferred option at Me Clinic. It may only be considered in select cases, and not all facial veins can be treated safely with injections, especially very small vessels or veins close to the eyes.
benefits of treating facial spider veins ...
Results vary from person to person and depend on factors like vein size, skin tone, redness/rosacea, and sun exposure. Depending on your vein pattern and plan, treatment may help to:
- Reduce the visibility of facial spider veins
- Improve the look of redness caused by fine surface vessels in some areas
- Support a more even-looking skin tone (especially around the nose and cheeks)
- Improve confidence if the veins are a long-term cosmetic concern
FAQs ...
what are facial spider veins?
They are small surface blood vessels (telangiectasias) that sit close to the skin and often appear on the nose, cheeks, and chin. They’re usually treated for cosmetic reasons.
what causes facial spider veins?
Common contributors include sun exposure, genetics, ageing/thinning skin, and long-term facial redness (such as rosacea).
Are facial spider veins dangerous?
They are usually harmless and mainly cosmetic. If you notice a sudden change, bleeding, or a new lump-like vein, it’s best to get checked.
What is the main treatment at Me Clinic for facial spider veins?
Michelle Casey treats suitable facial spider veins using a Cutera vascular laser, which targets the blood in the vessel to help it close and fade over time.
How does the Cutera Nd: YAG laser work for facial veins?
The laser delivers energy that is absorbed by blood in the vessel, heating it so the vessel can close and be gradually cleared by the body. Cutera’s Excel V platform uses 532 nm and 1064 nm (Nd: YAG) wavelengths for vascular concerns.
Is the laser painful?
Most people describe brief snapping or heat sensations. Comfort can be improved with cooling and simple aftercare advice.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the size, depth, and number of vessels. Some people improve in one session, while others need multiple sessions.
How long does it take to see results?
Some vessels fade gradually over the following weeks, and results can continue improving after each session.
What can I expect after laser treatment?
Temporary redness, warmth, or mild swelling is common and usually settles over hours to a few days. Some veins may look darker before they fade.
What should I avoid after a facial vascular laser?
Avoid rubbing or picking the area, and protect it from the sun with high-SPF sunscreen. Your clinician may also advise avoiding heat/saunas and strenuous exercise briefly to reduce swelling.
Can the laser treat veins close to the eyes?
Not always. Some veins are too close to the eye area or in locations that aren’t safe to treat, so suitability must be assessed first.
Can sclerotherapy be used for facial veins?
Sometimes, but it is not the preferred option for the face at Me Clinic, and it isn’t suitable for all facial veins (especially very small vessels or certain areas around the eyes).
Will facial spider veins come back?
Treated veins often fade, but new vessels can appear over time — especially with ongoing sun exposure or redness-prone skin.
Are facial vein treatments covered by Medicare?
In most cases, facial spider vein treatment is considered cosmetic and is not covered by Medicare.
why choose me clinic ...
With over 35 years of experience in plastic surgery, aesthetic cosmetic medicine, and skin rejuvenation, Me Clinic is built around a simple priority: patient-first care.
We take time to understand you as an individual and curate an approach that feels meaningful and appropriate for your needs. We listen, we care, and we support you through your journey — from consultation through to aftercare.
Our Paramedical Aesthetician and our Phlebologist / Vein Doctor can advise on suitable options to address your concerns. In an ever-evolving field, we focus on evidence-informed care and contemporary treatment options, with suitability always assessed on an individual basis.
Practitioners who perform Facial Spider Vein treatments at Me Clinic …
Book your facial spider veins consultation ...
If you are considering a Facial Spider Veins treatment, a consultation with our Paramedical Aesthetician or our Phlebologist / Vein Doctor is your opportunity to discuss your symptoms or vein concerns, learn about suitable options, and understand what your personalised plan may involve.
Vein treatment commonly involves an initial assessment, and if treatment is suitable, your procedure(s) are typically booked for a later date. To begin your journey, call 1300 852 050 or enquire via our contact form.
We look forward to hearing from you soon and answering any further questions you may have.