Cherry angiomas are small red or purple spots on the skin that occur when tiny blood vessels cluster near the surface. They are quite common and generally harmless. However, many people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or because they may rub against clothing or catch on jewellery.
The CryoPen device delivers a targeted spray of nitrous oxide at very cold temperatures directly onto the cherry angioma. This controlled freezing process disrupts the tiny blood vessels that make up the lesion. Over the next few days, the treated spot typically darkens, forms a small scab and then naturally falls off, revealing smoother skin beneath.
Because the treatment is precise, surrounding healthy skin is left unharmed, and there’s no need for surgical cuts or stitches. Most treatments take only a few seconds per spot.
What to Expect
1. What is a cherry angioma?
A cherry angioma is a common, benign skin lesion composed of a cluster of tiny blood vessels that appear as small red or purple spots. They are harmless but may be noticeable or bothersome to some people.
2. Is CryoPen treatment safe?
Yes — CryoPen cryotherapy is a widely used, medically controlled method for removing cherry angiomas and other benign skin lesions. It targets only the lesion, leaving the surrounding skin untouched.
3. Does the treatment hurt?
Most people feel only mild sensations, such as cold or tingling, during treatment. The discomfort is brief and usually minimal.
4. How long does each treatment session take?
Treating each cherry angioma usually only takes a few seconds. Larger areas may take slightly longer. A single session is often enough, though some spots may benefit from a follow-up treatment if needed.
5. Will CryoPen leave a scar?
Scarring is rare with CryoPen when aftercare advice is followed. The treated area may form a temporary scab, but this should fall off naturally without significant scarring.
6. How soon will I see the results?
Treated spots usually darken and form a scab, which typically falls off within about 1–2 weeks, revealing smoother skin underneath.
7. Can cherry angiomas grow back?
Once an angioma is successfully removed from a specific site, it usually does not recur at that site. However, new angiomas can develop elsewhere over time, especially with ageing or genetic predisposition.
8. Are there any side effects?
Side effects are usually mild. The treated area may be red, slightly swollen or tender for a short time. Scabs form as part of the natural healing process. Changes in skin pigment (lightening or darkening) are uncommon but possible, especially in darker skin types.
9. Do I need any special aftercare?
After treatment, it’s best to keep the area clean and avoid picking at any scabs. Minimising direct sun exposure while healing can help reduce irritation or pigmentation changes.
10. Should I get a GP check before treatment?
If a spot is changing in size, colour, bleeding, or looks unusual, it’s sensible to have it checked by a GP or dermatologist before removal, to rule out conditions that aren’t cherry angiomas.
