Spider veins on the face are tiny, widened blood vessels near the skin's surface, most often on the nose, cheeks and chin. They are usually harmless and cosmetic, and a doctor can treat them with laser therapy or sclerotherapy, depending on the size and location of the vessels. If facial veins bother you, a free vein screening is an easy first step toward knowing your options.
Quick Summary
- What they are: small red, blue or purple vessels near the surface of the skin. People often call them "broken capillaries."
- Common contributors: sun exposure, rosacea and aging are frequent ones, according to our hand, face and body vein services page. Cleveland Clinic names sun-damaged skin as the most common cause.
- Treatment: a physician chooses laser therapy or sclerotherapy based on vein size and location. Home remedies do not remove them.
- Worth knowing: facial vessels can reappear after laser treatment. Sun protection helps limit sun damage; it does not guarantee that veins will stay away.
- This article is general information and does not replace an in-person medical evaluation.
What are spider veins on the face?
Spider veins (telangiectasias) are small dilated vessels near the skin surface, usually red, blue or purple. On the face, they tend to show up on the nose, cheeks and chin, where skin is thin and often exposed to the sun.
"Broken capillaries" is the everyday name for the same thing. The vessels are not actually broken in most cases. They are widened and stay visible. Cleveland Clinic notes that facial spider veins usually are not a medical concern and rarely cause symptoms, which is why most people ask about them for cosmetic reasons.
Facial spider veins are not the same problem as the veins on your legs. If you also have leg aching, swelling or bulging veins, read our guide to spider veins vs varicose veins to see how they differ.
What causes spider veins on the face?
Sun-damaged skin is the most common cause, according to Cleveland Clinic. Our services page also lists sun exposure, rosacea and aging as frequent contributors to facial veins.
Cleveland Clinic lists other known causes and risk factors:
- Rosacea
- Hormonal changes, including pregnancy and the use of hormonal birth control or hormone therapy
- Family history
- Injury or skin surgery
- Long-term use of corticosteroids
- Smoking and obesity
- Liver disease and connective tissue diseases
Women are more likely to develop them. You may have one contributor or several.
Could it be rosacea?
Possibly. Rosacea is a common skin condition that dermatologists frequently treat, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). The NHS says it can cause tiny broken blood vessels to appear on the skin that do not go away, and that rosacea cannot be cured but a doctor can help control the symptoms.
The NHS lists common triggers as alcohol, spicy foods, hot drinks, sunlight, hot or cold temperatures, aerobic exercise and stress. If you notice redness, flushing or acne-like bumps along with the veins, mention it to a doctor. Eye pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, a red eye or a gritty feeling in the eye need urgent medical attention, according to the NHS.
Can you get rid of spider veins on the face at home?
No. Cold compresses or cold face rollers may help temporarily at best, Cleveland Clinic says, but you cannot get rid of spider veins at home.
What you can do is protect your skin so new ones are less likely to develop:
- Wear sunscreen daily. The AAD recommends broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, reapplied every two hours and right after swimming or sweating, with at least 1 teaspoon for the face.
- Limit alcohol.
- Avoid overusing topical steroids and harsh skin products, as Cleveland Clinic advises.
How are facial spider veins treated?
Depending on vein size and location, treatment may use laser therapy or sclerotherapy. That is how our services page describes it, and the right choice is made at an in-person consultation.
Here is how the two approaches compare:
| Laser therapy | Sclerotherapy | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A light-based treatment aimed at the vessel | An injection of a solution into the vessel |
| What the sources say | Cleveland Clinic says it targets the vessels so they collapse; our practice tailors laser settings to skin tone, vessel depth and color | Our services page lists it as an option for facial veins, depending on vein size and location |
| Who decides | A physician, after an exam | A physician, after an exam |
Neither option is a one-time fix for everyone. Cleveland Clinic's dermatologist says laser treatment is "not a one-time treatment" and that touch-ups may be needed later. Cleveland Clinic also explains that vessels closed by laser treatment can reopen. New visible veins may also develop over time.
What should you expect from an appointment?
Most hand, face and body vein treatments are cosmetic, so they are usually self-pay. Pricing is reviewed before treatment begins. A visit generally includes:
- A consultation and exam of the veins
- A treatment choice matched to vein type and location
- An explanation of the proposed in-office treatment
- A discussion of recovery, aftercare and when to resume normal activity
Our services page describes results developing over several weeks; your physician can explain what to expect for your treatment. If you also have leg veins you want checked, ask whether both can be addressed at the same visit. Often yes, depending on the treatment plan and the time needed.
When should you have a facial spot checked?
Spider veins are a vessel issue, but not every mark on the face is a vein. The AAD says that a spot or growth on your skin that is growing, bleeding or changing should be seen by a board-certified dermatologist. Do not assume it is a spider vein if it looks different from the others or changes over time.
A vein specialist can evaluate facial veins and recommend treatment. A dermatologist is the right person to check a changing spot or to manage rosacea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between spider veins and broken capillaries on the face?
They are generally the same thing. "Broken capillaries" is the everyday term for small, widened vessels near the surface of the skin that stay visible. The medical term is telangiectasia.
Are facial spider veins dangerous?
Usually not. Cleveland Clinic says they typically are harmless and rarely cause symptoms. See a doctor if a spot is growing, bleeding or changing, or if you have rosacea symptoms that affect your eyes.
Will spider veins on my face come back after treatment?
Treated vessels can reopen, and new ones can develop over time, especially with continued sun exposure. Daily sunscreen helps protect your skin, and some people return for touch-up sessions.
Does insurance cover facial vein treatment?
Most hand, face and body vein treatments are cosmetic and self-pay, according to our services page. Pricing is reviewed before treatment begins.
Book a Free Vein Screening in New York
If facial veins or leg veins are on your mind, start with a Free Vein Screening. One of our physicians will review your history, look at your veins and talk through your options, with no obligation. You can learn more about our spider vein treatment approach before you call.
- Manhattan: 212.987.0500
- Manhasset: 516.482.4477
- Commack: 631.543.4599
This article is educational and does not replace an in-person medical evaluation.
Related Treatment Resources
- Spider veins vs varicose veins: key differences
- Sclerotherapy for spider veins: what to expect
- Hand vein treatment options: what patients should know
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic, "How Can I Get Rid of Spider Veins on My Face?" (published July 17, 2025): health.clevelandclinic.org
- NHS, "Rosacea": nhs.uk
- American Academy of Dermatology, Rosacea: aad.org
- American Academy of Dermatology, "How to apply sunscreen": aad.org
- American Academy of Dermatology, "Skin cancer: Symptoms, diagnosis, and causes": aad.org
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