Safe, effective treatment options for cherry angiomas — professional thermolysis for instant visible results
Cherry angiomas are among the most common benign skin growths, affecting up to 75% of adults over age 75, though they can appear as early as the 30s.1 While completely harmless, these small red spots can become cosmetically bothersome or occasionally bleed if irritated, prompting many people to seek removal options.
At Hideaway Spa, we specialize in professional thermolysis treatment for cherry angiomas using the Skin Classic device — a precise method that provides instant visible results ideal for treating multiple cherry angiomas safely and effectively. Whether you're dealing with a single spot or several dozen growths, understanding your options helps you make the best decision for your skin.
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Cherry angiomas, also known as Campbell de Morgan spots or senile angiomas, are small, benign (noncancerous) growths made up of clustered small blood vessels (capillaries). They appear as bright red or purplish spots on the skin, often resembling a mole but with a distinctly vascular nature.
Cherry angiomas are entirely benign and have no relationship to cancer whatsoever. They are not contagious and pose no health risks. However, if many appear suddenly (eruptive cherry angiomas) or if one changes significantly in size, shape, or color, medical evaluation is recommended to rule out underlying conditions like immunosuppression or lymphoproliferative disorders.1
Cherry angiomas develop from an overgrowth and clustering of capillaries in the skin's dermis layer. This creates a small, dilated vascular network that pushes toward the surface as a red spot. The vessels within become tortuous (twisted) and dilated, creating the characteristic dome-shaped appearance.
Recent genetic research has identified somatic mutations in GNAQ and GNA11 genes in about 50% of cherry angiomas tested.4 These same mutations appear in other vascular lesions like port-wine stains and certain hemangiomas, suggesting a shared genetic pathway. Additionally, reduced levels of microRNA-424 have been found in cherry angiomas, leading to elevated growth factors (MEK1) that promote abnormal blood vessel formation.5
The exact cause of cherry angiomas isn't fully understood, but research has identified several contributing factors. They become significantly more common with age and often run in families, suggesting both genetic and environmental components.
The primary risk factors. Cherry angiomas rarely appear before age 30 but increase dramatically with advancing age — from about 5% prevalence in young adults to over 75% in those over 75.1 Strong genetic predisposition means if close relatives have many cherry angiomas, you're significantly more likely to develop them.
Research has identified specific somatic mutations in GNAQ and GNA11 genes in about 50% of cherry angiomas.4 These mutations affect cellular signaling pathways that control blood vessel growth, explaining why some people develop numerous angiomas while others develop few or none.
More common during pregnancy due to increased blood volume, vascular changes, and hormonal shifts. Some pregnancy-related cherry angiomas resolve spontaneously postpartum, but many persist.6
Cumulative UV damage may contribute, as they often (but not exclusively) appear on sun-exposed areas. However, cherry angiomas also commonly develop on covered areas like the trunk, suggesting sun is not a primary cause but may be a contributing factor.
Rare associations with exposure to certain chemicals like topical nitrogen mustard (used for vitiligo treatment), bromides, and butoxyethanol have been documented.7 Eruptive cherry angiomas can occur as a side effect of these exposures.
Possible links to certain medical conditions including immunosuppression, graft-versus-host disease, lymphoproliferative disorders, and multi-centric Castleman disease. Some studies suggest associations with lipid abnormalities, though evidence is limited.8
Before attempting ANY treatment method (home or professional), proper identification is essential. What appears to be a cherry angioma could be something else requiring different care or medical attention.
At Hideaway Spa, every growth is examined using a dermatoscope (dermlite) before treatment. This specialized magnification tool allows detailed visualization of vascular structures to:
Any lesion exhibiting atypical vascular patterns, suspicious features, or clinical uncertainty is referred to a dermatologist before treatment proceeds.
⚠️ Never treat a growth without being absolutely certain of what it is. Cherry angiomas have characteristic features, but only a trained professional can distinguish them from potentially serious conditions.
Once confirmed as benign, cherry angiomas don't require treatment unless for cosmetic reasons or if they bleed frequently. Several evidence-based methods exist, each with distinct advantages and limitations.
| Method | How It Works | Best For | Scarring Risk | Time to Result | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) | Laser targets hemoglobin in blood vessels; heat destroys vessels which fade over time | Multiple small angiomas; preferred by many dermatologists for minimal pain | Low-Moderate | 1-2 weeks (darkens first) | $200-500+ |
| Nd:YAG Laser | Deeper penetrating laser coagulates blood vessels | Darker skin tones (less pigmentation risk than PDL) | Low-Moderate | 1-2 weeks | $200-500+ |
| Cryotherapy | Liquid nitrogen freezes tissue (-196°C); vessels destroyed by ice crystal formation | Small to medium angiomas; widely available | Moderate | 10-14 days | $100-300 |
| Shave Excision | Surgical blade shaves off growth flush with skin surface | Large, raised angiomas; when biopsy needed | Moderate-High | Immediate (7-10 day healing) | $150-400 |
| Thermolysis/Electrocautery (Our Method) | Radiofrequency probe instantly coagulates blood vessels; angioma visibly clears during treatment | Any size; multiple angiomas; all skin tones; instant results desired | Very Low | Instant visible clearance (full healing 7-14 days) | $50-200 |
Cost estimates reflect typical Windsor/Ontario market rates as of 2026. Individual needs and outcomes vary.
Every treatment method carries potential risks. Understanding these helps you make informed decisions and set realistic expectations.
Proper aftercare significantly reduces all risk factors. Strict sun avoidance and no picking at crusts essential.
All risk information based on dermatological literature and clinical experience. Individual outcomes vary based on skin type, lesion characteristics, technique, and aftercare compliance.
The best treatment depends on several factors:
You may encounter "cherry angioma removal pens" or suggestions to tie them off at home. These carry significant risks:
Professional treatment by a trained practitioner ensures proper diagnosis, sterile technique, appropriate treatment parameters, and optimal cosmetic outcomes.
Our thermolysis treatment uses the Skin Classic device to deliver precise radiofrequency energy that instantly coagulates the blood vessels within the cherry angioma. Unlike methods that require days or weeks to see results, thermolysis provides immediate visible clearance — you watch the angioma lighten and flatten during the treatment itself.
During the procedure, a fine probe (sub-millimeter diameter) briefly contacts the cherry angioma for 1-5 seconds depending on size. The controlled radiofrequency energy instantly coagulates the dilated blood vessels, causing them to collapse. You'll see the bright red color visibly fade to pale pink or flesh-toned during treatment. Over the following 3-7 days, a tiny crust forms and naturally sheds as your body completes the healing process.
Unlike lasers or cryotherapy that take days to weeks, thermolysis provides immediate gratification — the cherry angioma visibly lightens and flattens during the treatment itself. This instant feedback confirms successful treatment.10
Thermolysis offers among the lowest scarring risks of all treatment methods. The precise, controlled energy delivery minimizes damage to surrounding tissue. Research shows excellent cosmetic outcomes with proper technique.10
Unlike certain lasers (PDL, KTP) that can cause pigmentation changes in darker skin, radiofrequency energy works safely on all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI) with equal effectiveness.
Treatment is extremely quick (1-5 seconds per angioma), making it ideal for addressing multiple cherry angiomas in a single session. Most people with 10-50 angiomas complete treatment in 10-20 minutes total.
Most clients experience only a very brief pinch or sting lasting 105 seconds per angioma (only while the probe is on and in contact). The discomfort is momentary and well-tolerated without anesthesia, often described as a pin being pushed into your skin but not quite piercing. Much less painful than laser treatment purpura or cryotherapy blistering.
Most cherry angiomas achieve complete clearance after a single treatment session with visible results immediately. Larger or more vascular angiomas may occasionally require a brief follow-up, but single-session clearance is the norm.
Thermolysis uses radiofrequency energy (typically 13.56-27.12 MHz) to generate heat through ionic agitation within tissue fluids. This resistive heating causes targeted coagulation of blood vessels without cutting or vaporization.
For cherry angiomas specifically, the RF energy heats the hemoglobin in the dilated capillaries, causing them to coagulate (clot) and collapse instantly. The treated vessels cannot reform, so the angioma doesn't return in that exact spot. This is why you see immediate visible lightening during treatment — the blood is being coagulated in real-time.10
Learn more about thermolysis technology on our blemish correction page.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. We'll help you choose the most cost-effective option during your consultation.
Unsure how many angiomas you have or which option is best? Book a single spot online and we'll create a treatment plan during your consultation.
Yes, I can treat your cherry angiomas using thermolysis. Here's how it works: I use the Skin Classic device to deliver precise radiofrequency energy that coagulates the blood vessels within the angioma instantly. You'll see visible clearance during the treatment as the vessels collapse and the bright red color fades to pale pink or flesh tone (the red literally just pops away).
Your body then naturally completes the healing process over 3-7 days as a tiny crust forms and sheds. This is why thermolysis has such low scarring risk and provides instant visible results — there's no cutting, no waiting weeks to see if it worked, and the coagulated vessels cannot reform.
So technically, I perform the treatment that coagulates the vessels, and your body completes the healing process naturally. This approach produces clean results with minimal scarring and immediate gratification.
Successfully treated cherry angiomas do not regrow in the exact same spot because the coagulated vessels cannot reform. However, if you're prone to developing cherry angiomas due to age or genetics, new ones may appear in other areas over time.
Thermolysis does not prevent new cherry angioma formation — it addresses existing ones. The recurrence rate for thermolysis is quite low (5-10%) compared to other methods like cryotherapy (15-20%).9
Most people describe the sensation as a very brief pinch or sting lasting only 1-5 seconds per angioma while the probe is in contact, at this time it feels like a sharp pin being pressed to your skin. The discomfort is momentary and well-tolerated by most clients without any anesthesia.
Cherry angiomas typically require only seconds of treatment time (much faster than skin tags), making it one of the quickest and most comfortable removal methods available. Pain tolerance varies individually, but the brief contact time means even sensitive clients handle it well.
The vast majority of cherry angiomas achieve complete clearance after a single treatment session. Unlike many other methods that require 2-3 visits, thermolysis typically provides instant visible results with one treatment.
Larger or more vascular cherry angiomas may occasionally require a brief follow-up treatment if the vessels are particularly deep or extensive, but single-session clearance is the norm.
Home treatment of cherry angiomas is strongly discouraged for several important reasons:
Professional treatment ensures proper diagnosis, sterile technique, appropriate treatment parameters, and optimal cosmetic outcomes. The cost difference is minimal when you factor in the risks of home treatment.
Cherry angiomas themselves are entirely benign and have no relationship to cancer. They're an extremely common part of aging, with over 75% of adults over age 75 having them.1
However, sudden appearance of many cherry angiomas (called eruptive cherry angiomas) can sometimes indicate underlying conditions such as immunosuppression, graft-versus-host disease, multi-centric Castleman disease, or lymphoproliferative disorders.1
If you develop dozens of new cherry angiomas rapidly (over weeks/months rather than gradually over years), consult your family doctor for evaluation. For most people, cherry angiomas simply appear gradually as a normal part of aging with no underlying condition.
Yes. Thermolysis is safe and effective for cherry angiomas on all body areas including trunk (most common), arms, legs, neck, and face. The sub-millimeter probe tip allows precise treatment even in cosmetically sensitive areas.
Cherry angiomas rarely appear on hands, feet, or mucous membranes, but when they do, thermolysis can still treat them safely in most cases.
Thermolysis uses radiofrequency energy to coagulate blood vessels, while lasers use focused light energy. Key differences include:
Both are effective methods. Pulsed dye laser is considered the gold standard by some dermatologists for minimal pain during treatment, but thermolysis offers comparable clearance rates with instant gratification, lower cost, and no post-treatment bruising.
Most insurance plans consider cherry angioma removal cosmetic and elective, so it's typically not covered unless the angioma is causing functional problems (e.g., vision obstruction, repeated traumatic bleeding interfering with daily life).
At Hideaway Spa, we offer transparent self-pay pricing with no insurance billing complexities. Our pricing structure makes professional treatment accessible and affordable for most budgets.
Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, and excessive sweating for 48-72 hours post-treatment to prevent infection and allow initial healing. Light exercise is fine immediately, but activities that cause heavy sweating should be postponed for 2-3 days.
After the small crust naturally sheds (typically 3-7 days), you may resume all normal activities. Apply sunscreen to treated areas during outdoor exercise once healed to prevent pigmentation changes.
Absolutely. In fact, thermolysis is particularly efficient for treating multiple cherry angiomas in a single session. Since each angioma only takes 3-10 seconds to treat, most clients with 10-50 angiomas complete their full treatment within 10-20 minutes.
We offer time-block pricing options (10 or 20 minutes) specifically for those addressing multiple angiomas, which is typically more cost-effective than per-lesion pricing.
At Hideaway Spa, we use a Skin Classic device. Our main Blemish Correction page has detailed information about our machine and how it works.
Generally, the Skin Classic, Lamprobe, ThermoClear, SkinSheer, SIIT Pro, Perfect Touch, Skin Sheek, VascuTouch, Lamskin, and ThermoLo all use the same thermolysis/electrocautery principle to treat vascular lesions like cherry angiomas.
Aside from cherry angiomas, we safely and effectively treat a variety of common benign skin concerns using our Skin Classic device. These include skin tags, sebaceous hyperplasia, milia, cholesterol deposits, age spots, and more. We also can treat a large selection of wrinkles, fine lines, scarring, texture or pigmentation issues with our Procell microchanneling device, a less traumatic form of microneedling using medical grade stem cell/peptide serums.
See all the Skin Classic's treatable skin conditions →
Learn about microchanneling for overall skin texture & rejuvenation →
Erika Ziraldo brings over 14 years of experience in advanced skincare and has worked alongside dermatology teams using precision thermolysis, laser, and RF devices. She maintains specialized training in the Skin Classic system and takes an evidence-based, personalized approach to cherry angioma treatment in a private studio setting.
With hundreds of successful vascular lesion treatments completed, Erika combines technical expertise with a gentle, efficient approach. Her clients appreciate seeing immediate visible results during treatment rather than waiting weeks to see if the procedure worked. Learn more about Erika's background and credentials →
Informed written consent is required before all thermolysis treatments. During your consultation, we'll review the procedure, expected outcomes, potential side effects, and aftercare requirements to ensure you have complete understanding before proceeding.
We request permission for before/after photography for clinical records and potential marketing use; clients may decline public sharing while maintaining private clinical documentation.
Any growth exhibiting irregular vascular patterns, asymmetry, rapid growth, spontaneous bleeding, or other clinically suspicious features will be referred for dermatological evaluation before treatment. Thermolysis is performed exclusively on confirmed benign cherry angiomas within cosmetic scope of practice.
Disclaimer: Hideaway Spa provides cosmetic thermolysis for benign vascular lesions confirmed through dermatoscopic assessment. This is not a medical service and does not replace physician evaluation. When medical assessment is indicated, we provide referral recommendations and defer treatment pending clearance. Erika Ziraldo is a certified esthetician, not a medical doctor.