Have you noticed a small red or purple spot pop up on your skin and wondered what it could be? That tiny cherry-like dot is most likely a cherry angioma, a common, harmless skin growth that becomes more frequent with age. While this issue is usually nothing to worry about, many people choose to remove the spots for a smoother, clearer appearance, especially when they appear on the face or bleed easily.
At Tennessee Vein Center, Dr. Keith E. Campbell brings more than two decades of phlebology and aesthetic vascular experience to every cherry angioma treatment. As a dual board-certified specialist serving the Knoxville area, he combines advanced laser technology with a gentle, personalized approach to deliver beautiful, natural-looking results.
What Is a Cherry Angioma?
A cherry angioma is a small, smooth, red or purple bump made up of tiny blood vessels clumped together near the surface of your skin. These growths can vary in size and shape and most often appear on the torso, arms, shoulders, and sometimes the face.
Cherry angiomas are harmless and not contagious, but they can be cosmetically bothersome or catch on clothing and bleed. Removing them is a simple way to restore smoother, clearer-looking skin.
What Causes Cherry Angiomas?
Cherry angiomas form when small blood vessels overgrow close to the skin’s surface. The exact cause is not fully understood, but several factors may play a role:
-
Natural aging, especially after age 30
-
Genetics and family history
-
Hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy
-
Environmental and climate-related triggers
While cherry angiomas are generally harmless, any spot that changes color, grows quickly, or bleeds frequently should be evaluated by a qualified provider.
Thrombosed and Eruptive Cherry Angiomas
A thrombosed cherry angioma develops when blood within the growth clots, causing the spot to darken to a deep purple or black. While this change in appearance can be alarming, it is usually not dangerous.
Eruptive cherry angiomas are sudden clusters of new spots that appear over a short period of time. Any noticeable change, rapid increase, or repeated bleeding should be checked by a healthcare professional to rule out underlying concerns.
Cherry Angioma Treatment Options
At Tennessee Vein Center, we offer minimally invasive removal of cherry angiomas using advanced technologies, including the Cutera Excel® V laser and Veinwave™. These treatments deliver targeted energy to the blood vessels beneath the angioma, gently heating and closing them so the spot fades from view.
Most patients experience only mild discomfort during the quick, in-office session. A small scab may form afterward and typically falls off within about a week. Larger or long-standing angiomas may require more than one session for the best results.
Because cherry angiomas are vascular in nature, addressing them alongside other concerns supports a complete approach to skin and vein health.
Cherry Angioma Removal Before and After
See the transformation that cherry angioma removal can bring.
Why Choose Tennessee Vein Center for Cherry Angioma Removal in Alcoa, TN?
Tennessee Vein Center is a nationally accredited vascular practice led by Dr. Keith E. Campbell, who has focused exclusively on phlebology in East Tennessee since 2003. His dual board certifications in Family Medicine and Venous & Lymphatic Medicine, combined with advanced training in vascular aesthetics, mean your cherry angioma treatment is performed with skill, precision, and a deep understanding of the blood vessels beneath your skin.
Patients throughout the Knoxville and Maryville area choose us because we pair state-of-the-art laser technology with a warm, personalized environment. From your first consultation to your final follow-up, our experienced team listens to your goals, explains your options clearly, and tailors each treatment plan to your skin, so you walk out feeling confident in both your care and your results.
Cherry Angioma FAQs
No, cherry angiomas typically do not go away on their own and tend to persist unless removed through treatment, such as laser therapy.
The short answer is you can’t. There are no guaranteed ways to prevent cherry angiomas, but avoiding skin trauma or excessive sun exposure might reduce the risk of developing them. However, their occurrence is often unpredictable and not entirely preventable.
Cherry angiomas are usually not dangerous, but if they change or bleed, seeing a doctor is a good idea to ensure everything is okay.
Not really. Treating cherry angiomas might cause some stinging or mild pain, but it’s usually not too uncomfortable.
After cherry angioma treatment, there may be mild redness or scabbing in the treated area for a few days, but typically, there’s no significant downtime, and you can resume regular activities immediately after.
Cherry angiomas can grow slowly, increasing in size and number, but they usually remain small and harmless.
Cherry angiomas are typically non-cancerous, benign skin growths and do not pose a significant cancer risk.
Unfortunately, no. Cherry angiomas are not harmful, and insurance carriers do not cover their treatment. We offer treatment pricing based on the number and size of cherry angiomas.
Smoother, Clearer Skin Starts Here
Cherry angiomas may be harmless, but they don’t have to be permanent. With safe, fast, and effective laser treatment, you can say goodbye to those red spots and rediscover smoother, more even-looking skin.
Contact Tennessee Vein Center in Alcoa, TN, at (865) 233-5858 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Campbell.
