What is the Best Treatment for Spider Angiomas?

Question

I was diagnosed with mild rosacea on my face, and I have two small spider angiomas: one right above my left eyebrow and one on the right side of the top of my nose. I've had several IPL sessions done, some of which were preceded by a peel, but these two angiomas will not go away. After two of the sessions, they faded and almost went away completely, but then came back. I wear SPF and use tepid water on my face. Is there any other treatment that could actually produce permanent/better results?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

William Ting, MD · Answer

Spider angiomas or veins are semi-permanent dilation of tiny blood vessels or capillaries due to sun exposure, trauma, hereditary tendencies, and rosacea. They are better treated by vascular lasers such as VBeam or Diode laser targeting red blood cells using wavelengths of 595nm and 532nm respectively.

D. Scott Karempelis, MD · Answer

The Perfecta™ Laser is specially designed to treat redness and flushing caused by rosacea, facial veins, red spots and angiomas. The Diolite® laser is also an effective treatment for small spider-like vessels on the face and very small angiomas.  Most treatments will take two sessions for optimal results. To determine the best treatment for your condition, you should discuss treatment plans in-person with a board certified dermatologist.

Stacey Tull, MD · Answer

Long pulsed Nd:YAG is the strongest and most effective treatment for vascular lesions on the face.  IPL is not specific but does treat the overall redness that is more associated with sun damage.

Channing R. Barnett, MD · Answer

Spider angioma, a collection of blood vessels near the surface of the skin, can develop on almost any part of the body, but are very common on the face. They typically develop as a result of sun damage, rosacea, heredity, injury and aging. In my office, we treat spider angioma with electrodessication (very light burning). In my opinion, it is more effective than lasers.  Electrodessication to the treated spider angioma leaves temporary superficial crusting which resolves within a few days. I recommend you ask your physician about this treatment method for your persistent spider angioma.

What is the Best Treatment for Spider Angiomas?

Answers (8)

Answer: Treatment for spider angiomas

Answer: Treatment for spider angiomas

Answer: Electrodessication Excellent for Spider Angiomas

Answer: Electrodessication Excellent for Spider Angiomas

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What is the Best Treatment for Spider Angiomas?

Answers (8)

Answer: Treatment for spider angiomas

Answer: Treatment for spider angiomas

Answer: Electrodessication Excellent for Spider Angiomas

Answer: Electrodessication Excellent for Spider Angiomas

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.