Cherry angiomas are among the most common benign skin growths, yet many people are unfamiliar with the name. These small, bright red spots can appear suddenly and multiply over time, often raising questions about their origin and safe ways to address them.
While cherry angiomas are harmless, they can affect your self-confidence in various ways. At Art of Lines MD, Dr. Naz Baradaran provides safe, effective Nd:YAG laser therapy to remove them.
Understanding Cherry Angiomas
A cherry angioma is a cluster of tiny blood vessels that form just beneath the skin’s surface. They typically look like round or oval spots that can be red, purple, or even dark blue. Most are only a few millimeters in size, though they can grow larger. Cherry angiomas can appear anywhere on your body, most often on the torso, arms, legs, and shoulders.
These growths occur naturally, especially with age. Nearly everyone develops at least one cherry angioma during their lifetime. They are not cancerous and rarely represent a health risk. However, they sometimes bleed if scratched or injured, which may be alarming.
What Causes Cherry Angiomas?
The cause of cherry angiomas remains unknown, but several factors may contribute.
- Age: They often begin appearing in adults over 30 and become more common with age.
- Genetics: Some people are more prone to developing them due to inherited traits.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy and other hormonal shifts may trigger their growth.
- Environmental factors: Sun exposure and specific chemicals can affect your skin health.
While cherry angiomas are harmless, many patients seek treatment because they find the spots distracting, aesthetically unappealing, or bothersome when they catch on clothing or jewelry.
Why Is Laser Treatment the Best Way to Address Cherry Angiomas?
There are several ways to remove cherry angiomas, including electrocautery, cryotherapy, or surgical excision. However, laser treatment has become the gold standard for most patients because it is precise, effective, and minimally invasive. At Art of Lines MD, Dr. Naz uses advanced Nd:YAG laser technology to target cherry angiomas and other vascular lesions, which offers:
- Precision: The Nd:YAG laser delivers concentrated energy directly to the affected blood vessels without damaging surrounding tissue.
- Effectiveness: The laser energy causes the vessels to collapse and fade, often in a few sessions.
- Minimal discomfort: Most patients describe the sensation as a quick snap or gentle warmth. You may request a numbing cream for added comfort.
- Quick recovery: Treatments typically take 30 to 45 minutes, and you can return to your usual activities immediately afterward.
- Cosmetic benefits: In addition to removing cherry angiomas, the laser stimulates collagen production, improving your skin texture and tone.
How Nd:YAG Laser Treatment Works
During treatment, Dr. Naz directs pulses of laser energy at the cherry angioma. The red pigment absorbs this energy, causing the blood vessels to collapse. Your body will naturally clear the treated vessels over the following weeks, leaving you with smoother, clearer skin.
The Nordlys® system allows Dr. Naz to tailor the treatment to your skin type and condition, ensuring optimal results with minimal risk of side effects. Most patients benefit from a series of sessions, though smaller angiomas may fade after only one.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Treatment
Dr. Naz will thoroughly answer all your questions about laser therapy for cherry angiomas to put you at ease and ensure you have realistic expectations.
- Before: You’ll sit down with Dr. Naz to discuss your goals and medical history. Please avoid tanning, sun exposure, and self‑tanning products before and during the treatment period.
- During: Naz can provide you with a topical numbing cream to minimize discomfort. The laser session usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of angiomas you have.
- After: You may notice mild redness, darkening, or sloughing of the treated spots for a few days. Apply cold compresses or ointment to soothe your skin. The angiomas will fade as healing progresses, and your complexion will look clearer and more even-toned.
Benefits Beyond Cherry Angiomas
Nd:YAG laser technology is highly versatile. In addition to cherry angiomas, Dr. Naz uses this system to treat:
- Port wine stains
- Spider veins and broken capillaries
- Hemangiomas
- Diffuse redness
- Pigmentation issues
Safety and Long Term Results
Laser treatment for cherry angiomas is safe when performed by an experienced provider like Dr. Naz. The laser only targets the affected vessels, leaving the surrounding skin intact. Side effects are minimal and temporary, usually limited to mild redness or darkening of the treated spots.
Results are long‑lasting. Once the cluster of blood vessels collapses, it likely won’t return. However, new angiomas may develop over time due to age or genetics. Periodic touch‑up treatments can address these as needed.
Restore Confidence in Your Skin
Cherry angiomas may be harmless, but they can still affect how you feel about your skin. With Nd:YAG laser treatment at Art of Lines MD, you can safely and effectively eliminate these spots while improving your appearance. Dr. Naz combines advanced technology with personalized care to deliver outstanding results.
If you’re ready to learn more about cherry angioma treatment in North Vancouver, schedule your consultation with Dr. Naz today.
