Broken Blood Vessels Around Eyes

Small red, purple or bluish blood vessels can sometimes become visible around the eyes, particularly beneath the lower eyelid and towards the outer corners of the eye. Often described as broken blood vessels, spider veins or thread veins, these fine vessels are medically known as **telangiectasia**.

The skin surrounding the eyes is particularly thin, which means small superficial blood vessels can be much easier to see here than on other parts of the face. Ageing, sun exposure, inherited characteristics and certain skin conditions can all contribute to their appearance.

Visible veins on the face and broken blood vessels around the eyes are usually harmless, although some people choose treatment because they become increasingly noticeable.

It is also important to distinguish persistent thread veins from small red or purple spots known as petechiae. Although both involve small blood vessels, they are different conditions and may require different forms of assessment.

Broken Blood Vessels and Facial Thread Veins

The expression “broken blood vessels” is slightly misleading. In most cases, the visible lines around the eyes are not ruptured vessels. They are small superficial blood vessels that have widened and become permanently visible through the skin.

These vessels may appear as individual fine lines or develop into branching red or purple patterns. Similar vessels frequently occur across the cheeks and around the nose.

People experiencing visible vessels elsewhere on the face may find further information about the diagnosis and treatment of facial thread veins useful.

Facial telangiectasia is different from varicose veins in the legs. Varicose veins are commonly associated with problems affecting valves within the superficial venous system. Facial thread veins are much smaller superficial vessels and usually develop for different reasons.

The Delicate Skin Around The Eyes

Skin around the eyes is among the thinnest skin on the body. There is also relatively little tissue between the skin surface and the underlying vessels.

As a result, vessels that would barely be noticeable elsewhere may be clearly visible beneath the eyes.

Changes associated with ageing can make them more prominent. The skin gradually becomes thinner and loses some of its collagen and elasticity, making underlying vascular structures more visible.

The visibility of vessels should not therefore automatically be interpreted as evidence of poor circulation or vascular disease.

Factors Associated With Visible Vessels Around The Eyes

There is rarely one identifiable cause. Several factors may contribute, sometimes in combination.

Genetics

Some people are naturally more prone to visible superficial vessels. Family history can play a part, as can skin thickness, complexion and the tendency to flush.

Fair skin can make red vessels particularly noticeable because there is less pigmentation to disguise the colour beneath the skin. Facial thread veins can, however, occur across all skin tones.

A family tendency towards facial thread veins does not necessarily mean that a person has the same venous problems that cause varicose veins in the legs.

Ageing

Facial vessels often become more noticeable with age.

Collagen and elastin within the skin change over time, and the skin becomes thinner. Years of cumulative sun exposure may add to these changes.

These factors can make previously inconspicuous capillaries increasingly apparent around the eyes, cheeks and nose.

Sun Exposure

Ultraviolet radiation can damage the structures that support the skin and its superficial blood vessels. Repeated exposure over many years may therefore contribute to persistent facial telangiectasia.

Using suitable broad-spectrum sun protection and avoiding excessive UV exposure can help protect the skin, although sunscreen will not remove vessels that have already become permanently dilated.

Facial Flushing

Repeated facial flushing can be associated with persistent visible blood vessels. One condition particularly associated with facial redness and telangiectasia is rosacea.

Rosacea commonly affects the central face and may cause persistent redness, flushing and visible small vessels. Treating individual vessels does not address the underlying inflammatory skin condition, so people with persistent redness or other symptoms may require assessment of rosacea itself.

Further information is available in our overview of rosacea symptoms, triggers and treatments.

Alcohol

Alcohol can temporarily widen blood vessels and cause facial flushing. For people already prone to rosacea or visible facial vessels, this may make the redness considerably more apparent.

It is more accurate to regard alcohol as a possible trigger for flushing rather than assume that drinking alcohol directly causes every facial thread vein.

Temperature Changes

Moving between very warm and cold environments can temporarily change the diameter of superficial blood vessels.

For people who already experience facial flushing or rosacea, extreme temperatures may make redness and visible blood vessels more noticeable.

Irritation

The skin surrounding the eyes is delicate and repeated vigorous rubbing can irritate it.

Occasional rubbing is unlikely to cause persistent telangiectasia on its own, but avoiding unnecessary friction is sensible, particularly when the skin is already irritated or sensitive.

Persistent itching around the eyes should be investigated rather than repeatedly rubbed, as allergies, dermatitis and other eye or skin conditions may be responsible.

Can Creams Or Diet Remove Broken Blood Vessels?

This is an area where it is useful to distinguish between supporting healthy skin and actually removing an established visible vessel.

A balanced diet containing fruit, vegetables and other sources of vitamin C supports normal collagen production and general skin health. Good hydration and appropriate skincare can also help maintain skin condition.

However, there is no good evidence that vitamin supplements, herbal teas or particular foods will make an established facial telangiectasia disappear.

Similarly, a cold compress may temporarily reduce flushing or puffiness because superficial vessels constrict in response to cold. It does not permanently close an established thread vein.

Once a small facial vessel has become persistently dilated, a targeted treatment is generally required if the person wants it removed.

Assessment Before Facial Vein Treatment

Not every visible vessel around the eye should be treated automatically.

Assessment allows the clinician to examine its size, colour, depth and precise position and to determine whether it is a superficial thread vein suitable for treatment.

The eye area requires particular care because of its anatomy. Treatment choice should therefore be based on the individual vessel rather than simply applying a standard facial treatment.

People with widespread facial redness, inflammatory skin changes or symptoms suggestive of rosacea may also benefit from having the underlying skin condition assessed.

Unlike patients being investigated for varicose veins in the legs, people presenting solely with superficial facial thread veins would not normally require a venous ultrasound scan of the legs.

Veinwave Treatment For Facial Thread Veins

Veinwave treatment is one option used at Vein Solutions for suitable small superficial facial vessels.

The technique uses thermocoagulation. A very fine insulated needle is positioned at the skin surface over the vessel, and high-frequency energy produces controlled heating, causing the targeted vessel to close.

The body subsequently naturally deals with the closed vessel.

The precision of the technique makes Veinwave useful for very small vessels in areas such as the nose and face where other vein treatments may not be appropriate.

Treatment is performed as an outpatient procedure and does not require the incisions associated with conventional vascular surgery.

Suitability around the eye depends on the precise position and characteristics of the vessel, which is one reason clinical assessment is important before treatment.

People considering the procedure can also see answers to common questions in our Veinwave treatment FAQs.

Results Following Treatment

A successfully treated vessel is closed, but the final cosmetic result may develop gradually as the body clears it.

Some temporary redness or local skin reaction can occur after treatment. The response varies with the number, size, and location of treated vessels, as well as individual skin characteristics.

It is also possible for new thread veins to develop in the future. Treatment addresses the vessels present at the time rather than removing a person’s underlying tendency to develop facial telangiectasia.

Sun protection and effective management of conditions such as rosacea may help reduce factors that contribute to further facial redness and visible vessels.

Thread Veins and Petechiae Are Different

One of the more important distinctions around the eye is between telangiectasia and petechiae.

Thread veins are visible small blood vessels. They usually appear as fine lines or branching vascular patterns.

Petechiae are tiny red, purple or brown spots caused by a small amount of bleeding beneath the skin. Unlike thread veins, they are generally pinpoint or spot-like rather than linear or branching and do not blanch when pressed.

Petechiae around the face and eyes can sometimes occur after a sudden increase in pressure from forceful coughing, vomiting, or straining. In these circumstances, they may settle without treatment.

There are, however, many other possible causes.

Petechiae and Medical Assessment

Petechiae can sometimes be associated with infection, platelet abnormalities, blood disorders, medication or other medical conditions. They should therefore not be treated as cosmetic facial thread veins.

Medical assessment is particularly important when petechiae appear without an obvious explanation, recur, are widespread, are accompanied by unusual bruising or bleeding, or occur alongside other symptoms.

A rapidly spreading non-blanching rash associated with fever or significant illness requires urgent medical attention.

Similarly, unexplained petechiae accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty breathing, confusion, marked weakness, or significant bleeding should be evaluated by a medical professional.

The treatment for petechiae depends on the cause. Cosmetic vein treatment such as Veinwave is not a treatment for a petechial rash.

Other Changes Around The Eye That Can Resemble Broken Vessels

Not every red, purple or blue mark beneath the eye is a thread vein.

Thin skin can reveal normal underlying veins, particularly blue or green vessels that are larger than telangiectasia. Bruising can create temporary purple discolouration, while inflammatory skin conditions can cause redness without an individual abnormal vessel being present.

Rosacea, dermatitis and irritation around the eyelids may also produce redness that patients initially describe as broken capillaries.

An assessment is therefore useful where the appearance is unclear, particularly before any cosmetic vascular procedure is considered.

Facial Vein Treatment At Vein Solutions In Chester

Persistent vessels around the eyes can be particularly noticeable because of the thin skin in this area. For suitable patients, targeted treatment can reduce the appearance of small superficial facial thread veins without surgery.

At Vein Solutions, patients with facial veins can be assessed to establish the type of vessel present and whether treatment is appropriate. Veinwave is suitable for small thread veins and broken capillaries, including those in delicate facial areas.

Treatment recommendations are based on the appearance, location and size of the vessels rather than assuming every red or blue mark around the eye has the same cause.

If you have persistent visible vessels around your eyes, cheeks, or nose, a facial vein consultation can determine whether they are telangiectasias and discuss treatment options appropriate for your skin and the vessels involved.

Prefer an AI Summary?