General Dermatology · Apgujeong, Seoul
Cherry Angioma
Bright red spots confirmed by dermoscopy and cleared with vascular laser in one or two short sessions.
General Dermatology · Apgujeong, Seoul
Cherry Angioma
Bright red spots confirmed by dermoscopy and cleared with vascular laser in one or two short sessions.
Quick answer
Medical dermatology at Oaro Dermatology Clinic is led by board-certified dermatologists who diagnose first and treat second. Korean National Health Insurance may apply to covered conditions for insured residents. Meet our doctors or book a same-week appointment .
At a glance
| Procedure time | 10–20 minutes |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | Usually none; numbing cream for larger lesions |
| Downtime | Small dark crusts or bruise-like marks for 7–14 days |
| Sessions | 1–2 |
| Results last | Treated angiomas rarely return; new ones can appear with age |
| Performed by | Board-certified dermatologist |
Overview
What is a cherry angioma?
Cherry angiomas, also called Campbell de Morgan spots or senile angiomas, are the most common vascular growths in adults. Each is a small knot of capillaries just beneath the surface, giving a flat or slightly raised, cherry-red dot of one to five millimetres. They begin in the thirties and multiply with age; by the sixties most people have several. The cause is not fully understood, but genetics, age and hormonal changes such as pregnancy play a part, and sun exposure is not a major factor. They are benign, do not bleed unless injured and do not turn into cancer.
You should see a dermatologist if a red spot bleeds repeatedly, grows quickly, turns dark purple or black, develops an irregular edge, or if many new spots appear within a short period. These features are usually still benign, but a dermoscopic check rules out the rare look-alikes, including amelanotic melanoma and pyogenic granuloma, which do need a different treatment.
How cherry angiomas are treated at Oaro
At Oaro Dermatology Clinic in Apgujeong, Seoul, a board-certified dermatologist first examines each lesion with dermoscopy, where the red-to-purple lacunae of an angioma are characteristic. Most lesions are then treated with the V laser, the clinic's pulsed-dye-type vascular laser, which heats haemoglobin inside the vessels so that they collapse while the surrounding skin is spared. Each pulse takes a fraction of a second, and most people need no anaesthesia. Larger or thicker angiomas may be removed with the CO2 laser or by fine electrosurgery after numbing. The same vascular technology treats broken capillaries and diffuse facial redness, so several concerns can be addressed in one session, and the visit can be combined with a full skin check-up. Aftercare is written into your care notebook.
Why patients choose Oaro
- Board-certified dermatologists for medical and cosmetic skin care under one roof
- Dermoscopy, allergy and scalp assessment before any prescription
- Written treatment plan, home-care guidance and follow-up
- Private rooms in Cheongdam Tower, 8 minutes from Apgujeong Rodeo Station
- English-friendly coordination for visitors and expats
Treatment goals
Common goals for cherry angioma care
Confirm the lesion is benign
Dermoscopy distinguishes angiomas from the rare red or dark lesions that need biopsy.
Clear the spots without scarring
Vascular laser targets only the vessels, leaving flat, blended skin once healed.
Treat many in one visit
Dozens of small angiomas on the trunk can be treated in a single short session.
Stop bleeding and catching
Removing raised angiomas that rub on clothing ends recurrent bleeding.
Your visit
What to expect
1. Consultation & diagnosis
Your dermatologist examines the spots with dermoscopy, confirms the diagnosis and photographs the areas to be treated. Any atypical lesion is sampled for histology instead.
2. Treatment
Protective eyewear is worn. At Oaro Dermatology Clinic the V laser delivers one or two pulses to each angioma, which turns grey or dark immediately; larger lesions are treated with the CO2 laser after numbing. The whole session usually takes 10–20 minutes.
3. Aftercare & follow-up
Treated spots darken and then fade or crust over one to two weeks. A review at four to six weeks checks the result and treats any lesion that needs a second pass.
Cost & insurance
Cherry angioma removal cost in Seoul
Removal of cherry angiomas is cosmetic and self-pay for everyone, including insured residents, although assessment or biopsy of an atypical lesion may be covered by Korean National Health Insurance. Pricing depends on the number of lesions.
| Option | Typical range (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Consultation and dermoscopy (self-pay) | 30,000–60,000 |
| V laser, per small angioma | 10,000–50,000 |
| Multiple-lesion session (trunk) | 100,000–300,000 |
| CO2 laser removal of a large angioma | 50,000–150,000 |
Exact pricing is confirmed at consultation after examination.
Home care
Aftercare
- Expect treated spots to look darker or bruised for a week or two; this is part of normal healing.
- Apply the recommended ointment to any crusts and do not pick them.
- Avoid hot baths, saunas and vigorous exercise for 48 hours to limit swelling.
- Protect treated areas from sun with clothing or SPF 50 for four weeks.
- Contact the clinic if a treated spot blisters or becomes increasingly painful.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Chang-hyun Kim, M.D.
Board-certified dermatologist and Representative Director of Oaro Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam. Full member of the Korean Dermatological Association, the Korean Society of Atopic Dermatitis, the Korean Society of Vitiligo & Pigmentation and the Korean Society of Acne & Rosacea.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Are cherry angiomas dangerous?
No. They are benign vascular growths, though a dermatologist should check any red spot that bleeds, grows rapidly or changes colour.
Why am I getting more red spots?
They increase naturally with age and genetics; they are not a sign of illness in most people.
Does laser removal hurt?
Most people describe a brief snap like a rubber band; numbing cream is available for sensitive areas.
Will they come back?
A treated angioma rarely returns, but new ones may develop elsewhere over the years.
Can I combine this with other laser treatments in Seoul?
Yes. The same visit in Apgujeong can include treatment of facial capillaries or redness after consultation.
Explore related care
Related conditions and treatments
- Medical Dermatology — the hub for medical skin care at Oaro
- Broken Capillaries — vascular laser for visible facial vessels
- Facial Redness — diagnosing and treating diffuse redness
- Skin Tags — soft growths often removed in the same visit
- Skin Check-Up — a full assessment of all skin growths
- Contact & Booking — book angioma removal in Apgujeong
Same-week appointments
See a board-certified dermatologist in Apgujeong
Bring your questions, medication list and any photos of flare-ups. We will examine your skin, explain the diagnosis and give you a written plan. English-speaking coordinators are available for international patients and expats.