Angioma Removal in London – Laser & Specialist Skin Treatment

What Are Angiomas?

Angiomas are benign collections of small blood vessels in the skin. They can be flat or slightly raised, range in colour from bright cherry-red to deep blue-purple, and may appear singly or in clusters. Because they arise from normal vessels rather than cancer cells, they do not spread internally. Many people choose treatment for cosmetic reasons or because the lesions catch, rub or bleed. Others simply want confirmation that the mark is harmless.

Angiomas vary in depth and pattern. Those close to the skin surface tend to look vivid red and respond well to light-based treatments; deeper lesions appear maroon or blue and may prefer a different wavelength or technique. Accurate classification at your consultation helps us match the method to the lesion for a tidy result and minimal downtime.

Common Types We See

Cherry Angiomas (Campbell de Morgan Spots)

Small, round to oval bright-red papules, most commonly on the trunk and upper limbs. They often start as pin-prick dots and can slowly enlarge over years. They may bleed if scratched. Cherry angiomas are very common from middle age onwards and are reliably benign.

Spider Naevi (Spider Angiomas)

These look like a tiny central red dot with very fine vessels fanning outwards. They often appear on the face, neck or upper chest. Oestrogen states (pregnancy, certain hormonal medications) can increase their number, and clusters may also be seen in some medical conditions. Most are isolated and harmless; treatment is usually for appearance or minor bleeding.

Venous Lakes

Soft, compressible, blue-purple bumps on sun-exposed areas such as the lower lip, ear rim or face. They blanch and flatten when pressed then fill again as the pressure is released. While benign, they can darken and be mistaken for melanoma by the untrained eye; they’re also prone to catching on cups or toothbrushes and bleeding. Removal or fading is a common request.

Other Benign Vascular Lesions

Angiokeratomas (dark red to purple, often warty-surfaced), venous malformations and haemangiomas (infantile or residual adult lesions) form part of the wider vascular spectrum. We distinguish these at consultation because their behaviour and ideal treatments differ.

Why Angiomas Develop

• Ageing skin: tiny vessel proliferations become more common with age.
• Hormonal influence: spider naevi can appear in pregnancy or with raised oestrogen states.
• Sun exposure: venous lakes are linked with chronic sun exposure, particularly on the lower lip and ear rim.
• Genetic tendency: some people simply form more angiomas than others.

For the vast majority, angiomas are isolated cosmetic issues. If you have numerous new spider naevi or other symptoms, we may suggest discussing general health screening with your usual healthcare provider; otherwise, reassurance and tailored treatment are all that’s required.

Diagnosis: Getting It Right First Time

Diagnosis is usually clinical. We assess the colour, compressibility (does it blanch or flatten under pressure?), borders, and whether there has been recent change or bleeding. Dermoscopy — a magnified, polarised light examination — shows characteristic vascular patterns that separate angiomas from moles, basal cell carcinomas and other look-alikes. When a lesion is atypical, unusually dark, rapidly changing or sits at the junction of lip and skin, we discuss the merits of confirmation by imaging or a small tissue sample. Correct identification prevents under- or over-treatment and provides peace of mind.

Treatment Options

Most angiomas can be treated quickly with minimal downtime. The best method depends on lesion type, depth, size, site and your skin tone. We will explain what to expect, including temporary colour changes and the typical healing timeline.

Vascular Lasers

• KTP (532 nm) / Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL, ~585–595 nm): ideal for superficial red lesions such as spider naevi and many cherry angiomas. The light targets haemoglobin, collapsing tiny vessels while sparing surrounding skin.
• Nd:YAG (1064 nm): penetrates deeper for maroon/blue lesions and some venous lakes, with careful parameter choices to protect the epidermis in all skin tones.

Laser sessions are brief; you may feel a light snap or warmth. Small angiomas often clear in one session; clusters or deeper lesions may need a short series. Post-treatment pinkness or transient purpura (bruising) settles over days.

Precision Electrocautery / Diathermy

A very fine tip delivers controlled energy to seal the tiny vessels in a cherry angioma or the central point of a spider naevus. It is quick and accurate, especially for isolated bumps or when lasers are not preferred. A micro-crust may form and shed within 7–10 days.

Cryotherapy

Brief freezing can shrink selected lesions but is used less often for facial angiomas due to the risk of pigment change. Where appropriate, it provides a low-tech alternative with predictable healing.

Venous Lake Treatments

Options include long-pulse Nd:YAG, diode laser, or careful surgical tidying of the venous pouch under local anaesthetic. Because the lip heals quickly but is visible, we plan settings and aftercare to balance clearance with a neat cosmetic finish.

Do Nothing (Reassurance)

If a lesion is typical and not bothersome, reassurance is perfectly reasonable. Many patients choose to treat only the most visible or troublesome lesions and leave the rest under occasional review.

What Results Can I Expect?

Small cherry angiomas and spider naevi often clear in a single session; larger or deeper lesions may fade significantly and then be “touched up” at follow-up. Venous lakes frequently require 1–2 sessions depending on size and depth. Our aim is a smooth, even finish with minimal marks; we set realistic timelines and space sessions to let skin recover fully.

Aftercare & Downtime

• Redness and swelling: common for 24–48 hours; a cool pack helps.
• Micro-crusts: if present, keep them dry for the first day then cleanse gently; allow them to shed naturally.
• Make-up: usually fine after 24 hours if the surface is intact; avoid rubbing.
• Sun protection: daily SPF and shade habits reduce the risk of temporary pigment change and support even healing.
• Exercise/swimming: brief pause until any surface crusts have settled; we’ll advise by site.

Skin of Colour Considerations

Angiomas occur in every skin tone. In medium to deep skin, there is a higher tendency to temporary post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after procedures. We minimise this with conservative starting settings, test spots, cooling, and strict sun protection afterwards. We avoid overtreatment and space sessions appropriately; if pigment change occurs, it almost always fades with time and simple skincare.

Safety: When to Seek Prompt Review

• A “blood-blister” type lesion that grows rapidly and bleeds easily (possible pyogenic granuloma).
• A dark, changing spot on the lip or face that doesn’t blanch with pressure.
• A vascular-looking lesion with irregular border, colour variegation or persistent ulceration.

These are not typical of simple angiomas and should be checked promptly. If a lesion does not behave as expected, we escalate assessment and, if needed, arrange a sample for analysis.

Prevention & Everyday Tips

• Sun smart: hats and daily SPF reduce lip and ear sun damage and the likelihood of venous lakes increasing.
• Gentle care: avoid picking or scratching; use soft towel pressure after shaving over cherry angiomas.
• Pregnancy: spider naevi often fade after delivery; we time treatment to suit your stage and comfort.

Why Choose Skinhorizon?

We provide high-quality advanced dermatology and aesthetic care with consultant oversight. For vascular lesions, accuracy and finesse matter: correct classification at the outset, the right device and settings for your lesion and skin tone, and clear aftercare to protect your result. We focus on minimal downtime, natural-looking outcomes and reassurance at every step.

Your First Visit — What to Expect

1. Assessment & dermoscopy: confirm the diagnosis; identify type, depth and any red flags.
2. Treatment plan: laser, electrocautery, cryo or reassurance; number of sessions and spacing explained.
3. Comfort: cooling and, if needed, a tiny amount of local anaesthetic for sensitive sites.
4. Aftercare: simple written steps; sun protection advice; when to resume normal routines.
5. Follow-up: review results and schedule tidy-up sessions if required.