Broken Capillaries Pre & Post Care

Broken Capillaries Instructions

Please read and follow these instructions for the best outcome of your treatment.

What are broken capillaries?

Broken capillaries are commonly found on the cheeks, chest, and nose areas. These appear as small red / pink threads under the skins' surface. Broken capillaries occur when the capillary walls narrow and widen too quickly causing the muscles in the walls to tear. This in turn allows the blood to seep out resulting in broken capillaries.

Common causes of broken capillaries include but are not limited to:

Moving from one extreme temperature to another. Also exposure to heat, wind, sunburn, or pressure i.e. squeezing spots or glasses pressing on the face.

Dehydrated, dry and sensitive skin types often have thin skin that provides less protection and therefore, this skin type is the most commonly affected.

There are two methods of treatment:

Electrocoagulation, a specialized form of electrolysis

Light based Broad Band Light (BBL) if the broken capillaries are characterized as prominent sun damage or Rosacea.

Both methods accomplish cauterization of the blood vessels but deliver the heat using different technology. After cauterization the blood vessel is naturally reabsorbed. Treatments can be scheduled 2-4 weeks apart. Depending on the number or severity of capillaries present clients typically require 3 sessions and periodic maintenance treatments. Maintenance is often required as the body already has a tendency toward developing them.

Pre Treatment Instructions for BBL

1 Year Prior

Off Accutane

4 Weeks Prior

No tanning, sunless tanning

10 Days Prior

No waxing

No hair bleaching products

No chemical peels

No Botox or fillers

Sun sensitizing medications including antibiotics or St. John’s Wort

5 Days Prior

Alpha Hydroxy (Glycolic or Lactic Acid)

Beta Hydroxy (Salicylic Acid)

Hydroquinone/Skin Bleaching Agents

Retinol Products (over the counter)

Prescription acne and rosacea medications if ok’d by your physician

24 Hours Prior

No working out right before treatment.

DO NOT consume any alcohol 24 hours before - can cause excess swelling.

After Care Instructions

The first 48 hours following your treatment will determine the outcome of your treatment.

Absolutely no sun as you have tiny burns (cauterizations) beneath the surface of your skin, added heat or sun will exacerbate them. Use a full spectrum sunblock that uses zinc as the main ingredient.

No hot showers, hot tubs, avoid swimming, or working outs.

No hot/cold temperature extremes.

Use extreme gentleness to not dislodge cauterizations or restart bloodflow. No rubbing or exfoliating, The nose is a common area, be gentle if blowing your nose.

No picking at the area. Removing crusts may result in scars, pigment changes and/or infection.

No moisturizers that evening except Bacitracin is recommended. No alpha-hydroxy for 48 hours,

After receiving electrolysis it is normal for the area to be red and slightly swollen.

Immediately after BBL treatment it is normal for the area to feel like a sunburn for a few hours. Peppering or a coffee ground effect is normal after a BBL; this is due to excess pigment and can last up to 7-14 days post treatment. The pigment should fade off within this time.

The best position to sleep in after treatments is on your back with your head slightly elevated to avoid pressure on treated areas.

Makeup may be used after the treatment. Mineral makeup is generally suggested to use because it allows the skin to breathe and won’t block the pores or cause irritation. Apply and remove using mild soap and gentle movement.

Alcohol consumption is NOT advised 24 hours before treatment and 48 hours post treatment. Alcohol is a diuretic. If any swelling is present alcohol must be avoided until the swelling subsides.

If you have any immediate questions or concerns, please contact us at 952-898-1111. Our phones are always answered by skilled technicians.