Cherry angiomas are bright red, small (usually 1-4 mm), lesions made up of dilated capillaries. They are among the most common type of vascular lesions appearing on human skin. The cause of their appearance/existence is unknown. These lesions are medically insignificant – causing no harm. Cherry angiomas typically appear on skin after the age of 40. Research has shown that more than 70 percent of individuals age 70 or older have developed cherry angiomas.
Cherry angiomas can occur anywhere on the body, but most commonly they appear on the torso. It is rare that they would appear on the hands or feet. When cherry angiomas first appear, they are about the size of a pinhead; they don’t protrude above the surface of the skin. On occassion some cherry angiomas can grow to 1/4 inch in diameter or more and they will become spongy and possibly mushroom-shaped.
Although harmless and painless, individuals often prefer to have cherry angiomas removed for cosmetic reasons. If injured, large angiomas can bleed profusely. Due to this, it is recommended that individuals do not try to remove them on their own accord.
Laser Treatment with Pulsed Dye Laser – Candela Vbeam
The Candela Vbeam is considered the industry gold standard when it comes to Pulsed Dye Lasers. Candela’s pulsed dye laser was designed to treat vascular issues such broken capillaries, redness and pigmented lesions on the skin. The Vbeam is highly effective in the treatment of cherry angiomas as well as other common issues such as acne, hemangiomas, red or pink scars, bruising, Rosacea and Port Wine Stain (birthmarks) Pigmented lesions and acne Broken vessels and capillaries; cherry angiomas, hemangiomas, facial and leg veins, Red or pink scars Rosacea Port wine stain birth marks.
The pulsed dye laser uses a concentrated beam of light that zeros in on blood vessels in the skin. Blood vessels are destroyed when the light is converted into heat – surrounding skin is left undamaged. The light produced by the pulsed dye laser is very safe and will not cause any long-term damage to the skin. This process is coupled with Candela’s dynamic cooling method, DCD. During treatment, the dynamic cooling method delivers a cool liquid (cryogent) to the patient’s skin to protect the skin when the the laser pulse is delivered. The cool spray also reduces the sensation of pain during treatment.
Cherry Angiomas can be treated in usually only a few minutes and typically with one treatment session. Anesthesia is not required. Typically the effects of the laser are noticable immediately.
Side effects are minimal. In some cases though, bruising may occur. With the V-Beam laser, bruising can be minimized or even eliminated. Less common side effects include temporary pigmentary changes usually lasting a few weeks. Before treatment begins, use of sunblock is recommend for at least a month prior as tanned skin blocks and prevents the laser light from reaching the angioma, resulting in a higher risk of side effects. Scarring is rarely occurs with this laser.