Mr. Onur Gilleard
Qualifications & Experience
Mr Onur Gilleard is a distinguished consultant plastic surgeon on the GMC specialist register. He previously held an NHS consultant post at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, specialising in skin cancer and microsurgical reconstruction. In 2021, Mr Gilleard transitioned from the NHS to dedicate himself fully to private practice, allowing him to focus exclusively on providing personalised, high-quality care to his patients. He is recognised as an expert in laser treatments, having conducted research and developed advanced treatment protocols using cutting-edge laser technology to optimise both clinical outcomes and cosmetic results.
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A cherry angioma, also called a Campbell de Morgan spot, is a very common benign (non-cancerous)
growth made of tiny blood vessels. They are bright cherry-red, usually small and dome-shaped, and become more
common with age. They are completely harmless, but many people have them removed because they are visible, or because a
vascular spot like this can bleed if it is knocked or caught. The first step is having a consultant
confirm it is a cherry angioma, after which it is removed with a quick in-clinic procedure, most often
hyfrecation (a fine electrical current) that clears it in minutes. At London Skin Clinic removal is
£200 for the first spot and £100 for each additional one (consultation £100). This guide explains what
they are, why they appear, whether they are dangerous, how they are removed, and the cost.
What a Cherry Angioma Is
A cherry angioma is a small, benign overgrowth of tiny blood vessels (capillaries) in the skin, which is
why it is such a vivid red. Typical features:
- Bright cherry-red to purplish in colour.
- Small, usually a millimetre to a few millimetres across.
- Dome-shaped and slightly raised, or sometimes flat.
- Often several, commonly on the trunk, chest, back, arms or shoulders.
They are harmless and not contagious. Other red marks can look a little similar, such as a spider naevus (which has tiny
vessels radiating from a central point) or small broken capillaries, and a consultant can tell them apart at a glance.
Because a cherry angioma is made of blood vessels, the one practical issue is that it can bleed more than you
would expect if scratched or caught, which is covered below and in
cherry angioma bleeding.
Why They Appear
The exact cause is not fully understood, but the main factors are age and a genetic tendency. They
become much more common from the 30s and 40s onwards, and often run in families, so if your parents had many you may too;
more on this is in cherry angioma genetics.
Hormonal changes, such as in pregnancy, and other factors are sometimes linked, but for most people they are simply a
normal part of getting older. A sudden crop of several at once is usually benign and age-related too,
though it is worth a check; see why many cherry angiomas appear suddenly.
Are They Dangerous?
No. A cherry angioma is benign and does not turn into skin cancer. The sensible caveat is that any red or
pigmented growth that is changing, growing, irregular, or bleeding for no reason should be confirmed by a
consultant, because occasionally other lesions can look similar. At the clinic a consultant examines the growth, often
with dermoscopy, to be sure of the diagnosis before anything is removed. A classic, long-standing
cherry-red spot that has not changed is very reassuring. If a red growth is atypical, or cannot be
confidently called a cherry angioma, we remove it and send it for histology (£180) rather than assume.
Why People Have Them Removed
Removal is optional once the growth is confirmed benign. The usual reasons:
- Cosmetic: bright red spots on the face, chest or hands that people would rather not have.
- Bleeding: a spot that has been caught and bled, or sits where it is repeatedly knocked or rubbed.
- Irritation: one that catches on clothing or jewellery.
Many people choose to cover them with make-up in the meantime; see camouflage techniques.
How They Are Removed
Because a cherry angioma is made of blood vessels, it is removed under local anaesthetic with a method
that seals those vessels as it goes:
- Hyfrecation (the default): for small spots under about 5 mm, a fine electrical current destroys the angioma instantly, with excellent results for these superficial lesions.
- DermaV laser: for larger spots, especially on the face, this vascular laser targets the red pigment (oxyhaemoglobin) selectively, causing less collateral heat to the surrounding skin.
Up to about 10 spots can be treated in one session, and the whole thing takes only a few minutes per
spot. A detailed look at the laser options is in
cherry angioma laser selection;
the plan is confirmed at your consultation.
Mr Onur Gilleard explains cherry angiomas and how they are removed at London Skin Clinic.
“Such a lovely clinic. Came in to have a skin lesion treated. Dr Gilleard made me feel so comfortable, it was all
very quick and easy, and I am so pleased with the results.”Deeyana P., verified Google review
Recovery and Whether They Grow Back
Recovery is quick: the treated spot heals over about a week, and it rarely leaves any visible mark after
a month. A treated cherry angioma seldom comes back at the same site (recurrence is about
2%), though because you are prone to them you may develop new ones elsewhere over time,
which is normal; see do cherry angiomas grow back?
See more results on our Instagram,
follow @london.skin.clinic.
Cost
- Consultation: £100 (separate, and not redeemable against the procedure)
- Removal, first cherry angioma: £200
- Each additional cherry angioma in the same session: £100
- Histology, where needed: £180
A consultant confirms the diagnosis and gives you the exact cost in writing before anything proceeds, so a session
treating several spots is priced clearly up front. Book a consultation.
Your Questions, Answered
- Is a cherry angioma dangerous?
- No. A cherry angioma is a benign growth of small blood vessels and does not turn into cancer. Any red or pigmented growth that is changing, growing or bleeding for no reason should still be confirmed by a consultant to be sure of the diagnosis.
- Why has my cherry angioma bled?
- Because it is made of blood vessels, so if it is scratched or caught it can bleed more than expected. Firm pressure usually stops it; if it will not stop, seek medical help. A spot that bleeds repeatedly is a common reason to have it removed.
- What causes cherry angiomas?
- Mainly age and a genetic tendency, so they become common from the 30s and 40s and often run in families. Hormonal changes are sometimes linked. They are not caused by anything you did and are not contagious.
- How are cherry angiomas removed?
- With a quick procedure under local anaesthetic. The default is hyfrecation (a fine electrical current) for small spots under about 5 mm, which destroys them instantly, and DermaV vascular laser for larger spots, especially on the face. Up to about ten can be treated in one session.
- Do they grow back after removal?
- A treated cherry angioma rarely returns in the same place; recurrence is about 2%. If you are prone to them you may still get new ones elsewhere over time, which is normal.
- How much does cherry angioma removal cost?
- £200 for the first cherry angioma and £100 for each additional one treated in the same session, after a £100 consultation. Histology, where it is needed, is £180.
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