Cherry Angioma Laser Therapy

Cherry angiomas are small, red bumps on the skin that are caused by broken blood vessels, giving them their red appearance. Not much is known about what causes them or why, but they seem to be most often seen in individuals that are 30 or older, and are commonly seen on the torso, arms, and shoulders. One telltale sign is that they bleed when they are bumped or agitated if they are raised, although some can be even with the skin.

The most effective way of removing these spots is with Nd:YAG laser treatments. Zapping it with pulses of concentrated laser energy allows the cherry angioma to absorb the wavelengths, generating heat and destroying the blood vessels without damage to the surrounding skin. The number of treatments you may need can depend mostly on the size of the spot.

This procedure is quick and easy, so you can immediately return to your regular schedule— however, it can cause some bruising that can last over a week, or slight redness and irritation immediately after. There can also be some scabbing at the treatment site, but it’s important not to pick it or irritate the treatment area. As with any laser treatment, you should apply a broad spectrum sunscreen because your treated skin will be photosensitive during your recovery.