Vascular Spot Laser Treatment

For Cherry Angiomas, Small Haemangiomas & Vascular Lesions

At The Skin Doctor, we offer doctor-led laser treatments for selected benign vascular spots such as cherry angiomas and small haemangiomas.
These lesions are common, usually harmless, and often appear as small red or purple dots or raised bumps on the skin.

Our approach is simple: accurate diagnosis first, careful treatment second.
No two vascular lesions behave the same, so a medical assessment is essential before any laser is performed.

What Are Vascular Spots?

Vascular spots are benign collections of superficial blood vessels within the skin.
Common types include:

Cherry Angiomas

Small, bright red or purple vascular bumps that become more common with age.

Campbell de Morgan Spots

Another name for larger or more dome-shaped cherry angiomas.

Small Haemangiomas

Benign vascular growths often present since childhood, or occasionally arising later in life.

Telangiectasia / Broken Capillaries

Visible clusters of small dilated vessels, often on the face.

These lesions are generally not harmful, but some people seek treatment for cosmetic reasons or if the lesion catches, snags, bleeds or grows in size.

A proper medical diagnosis is required to differentiate these from other skin lesions.

 

Why a Consultation Is Essential

Before treating any vascular spot with laser, your doctor will:

  • take a medical history, including medications and relevant skin conditions

     

  • examine the lesion to confirm it is benign

     

  • assess your skin type and risk of pigmentation or scarring

     

  • determine whether laser is appropriate, or whether monitoring or referral is recommended

     

  • explain the expected number of treatments

     

  • discuss any downtime, aftercare and costs

     

If a lesion appears suspicious or atypical, treatment will not be performed and appropriate medical follow-up will be advised.

 

How Laser Treatment Works

Vascular lasers work by delivering controlled energy that is selectively absorbed by haemoglobin (the pigment in blood).
This gently heats and collapses the targeted vessel while leaving surrounding skin largely unaffected.

At The Skin Doctor, we select the wavelength and settings based on:

  • lesion type

     

  • depth

     

  • colour

     

  • your skin tone

     

  • location on the body

     

Common wavelengths used for vascular spots include:

  • 532 nm (KTP/vascular laser) for superficial red lesions

     

  • 595–600 nm (pulsed dye) depending on availability and indication

     

  • 1064 nm (Nd:YAG) for deeper or more resistant vascular lesions

     

Not every device is appropriate for every skin type, so selection is tailored for safety.

 

What to Expect During Treatment

On the Day

  • The skin is cleansed and protective eyewear applied.

     

  • The doctor fires gentle, precise pulses of laser light onto the vascular spot.

     

  • You may feel a light snapping or warm sensation.

     

  • Cooling may be used depending on the device.

     

Many vascular spots require only a few pulses.

After Treatment

It is common to experience:

  • temporary redness

     

  • mild swelling

     

  • darkening or greying of the treated spot

     

  • light crusting as the lesion resolves

     

These usually settle over several days.

Most patients return to normal activities immediately unless otherwise advised.

 

How Many Treatments Are Needed?

This varies by lesion type:

  • Small cherry angiomas: often 1–2 sessions

     

  • Flat vascular spots: 1–3 sessions

     

  • Deeper or thicker haemangiomas: multiple sessions may be required

     

  • Broken capillaries: may need a staged series depending on distribution

     

Your doctor will discuss expected timelines during your consultation.

 

Risks & Considerations

All aesthetic medical treatments carry risks, which your doctor will explain.
Possible risks include:

  • temporary darkening of the lesion

     

  • redness or swelling

     

  • mild blistering or crusting

     

  • post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (more common in darker skin types)

     

  • recurrence of vascular spots over time

     

  • rarely, scarring

     

Strict sun protection is recommended after treatment to reduce pigmentation risk.

 

Is Laser Suitable for All Skin Types?

Laser for vascular lesions is safer in lighter skin types, but can be used cautiously in medium to darker tones depending on:

  • wavelength

     

  • settings

     

  • lesion depth

     

  • history of pigmentation problems

     

Your doctor will advise if laser is appropriate or if other options are recommended.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are vascular spots dangerous?

Most cherry angiomas and small haemangiomas are benign.
A consultation ensures correct diagnosis before treatment.

Will the spot return?

Treated lesions often fade significantly or clear.
New vascular spots can appear over time due to genetics, age and sun exposure.

Is treatment painful?

Most patients describe a brief snapping or warm sensation that is well tolerated.

Is there downtime?

Usually minimal. Some lesions darken before flaking off.

Vascular Spot Treatment at The Skin Doctor

If you have a small vascular lesion such as a cherry angioma or haemangioma that you’d like assessed, our doctors can help determine:

  • whether it is benign

     

  • whether laser treatment is appropriate

     

  • what results are likely for your specific lesion and skin type

     

We prioritise accurate diagnosis, safety and subtle, natural cosmetic outcomes.