An angioma is a small cluster of blood vessels forming a red spot on the skin. Ruby angiomas, small bright-red papules common with age, and spider angiomas, star-shaped, are benign; they are treated for aesthetic reasons or because they bleed when caught. Vascular laser closes them in a few minutes, with no usual scar. In Marrakech, Dr Sara Zahid, a dermatologist in Guéliz, first examines each lesion, because a red spot is not always an angioma, then treats it with the Fotona Nd:YAG laser. One session is often enough.
Clinical case of Dr Sara Zahid: before / after laser, published with the patient’s consent.
A small benign lesion made of dilated blood vessels, red to purplish in colour. The term covers different situations: the ruby angioma (small bright-red raised dot on the trunk, arms or face, very common after 30), the spider angioma (a central dot surrounded by fine vessels in a star shape, on the face and upper body), and other vascular lesions, some of which appear from birth.
Ruby angiomas increase with age and are not linked to a disease: their number is mainly a matter of predisposition. Spider angiomas are more common in children, pregnant women or those on hormonal treatment; several lesions appearing suddenly warrant a medical opinion. They do not turn into cancer.
A red spot can also be another type of lesion, sometimes one to monitor (certain rare skin lesions are red). The dermatologist examines the lesion, with dermoscopy if needed, before any laser, to confirm it really is an angioma. This is not a procedure to entrust to a beauty device without a diagnosis.
The laser is absorbed by haemoglobin: heat closes the vessels of the lesion without damaging the surrounding skin, and the body reabsorbs it over a few weeks. The clinic uses the Nd:YAG of the Fotona platform, whose wavelength penetrates deeply and suits olive skin, with built-in cooling.
After examination and cleaning of the area, goggles protect the eyes. Each angioma receives a few laser pulses, with a tingling or small rubber-band snap sensation. The session is short, from a few minutes to a quarter of an hour depending on the number of lesions. A small grey-blue dot or small scab may appear and falls off within a few days to two weeks.
One session is often enough for a ruby or spider angioma; a second may be needed for a larger or deeper lesion. The treated angioma disappears, but others may appear over time, as the predisposition remains. The session can be repeated as needed; progress is followed with you.
Infantile angioma (haemangioma) and flat angioma, or "port-wine stain", are different vascular anomalies, requiring a dedicated diagnosis, sometimes drug treatment (haemangioma) or a specific laser (flat angioma). These situations are examined at the consultation and the dermatologist refers you to the suitable care, including in children.
Avoid sun and tanning before and after the session and apply sunscreen. Report anticoagulant or photosensitising treatment, active herpes or damaged skin. Laser is postponed during pregnancy. Transient redness lasting a few hours to two days, and sometimes small bruises or scabs, are normal.
At the Skin & Aesthetic Clinic, in Guéliz, with Dr Sara Zahid, dermatologist, by appointment, in French, English or Arabic. A consultation precedes any treatment; a detailed quote is given before any procedure, with no single displayed price.
A small bright-red raised dot made of dilated vessels, very common with age. It is benign.
No, ruby and spider angiomas are benign and do not transform. A red lesion that changes, bleeds for no reason or grows should however be examined.
With vascular laser, which closes the lesion in a few minutes, after a dermatological examination. One session is often enough.
It causes a brief tingling or small rubber-band sensation. Sessions are short.
Often just one for a ruby or spider angioma. A second may be needed for a deeper lesion.
The treated lesion disappears, but other angiomas may appear over time, as the predisposition remains.
Transient redness for a few hours to two days, sometimes a small grey-blue dot or small scab that falls off within a few days. Protect the area from the sun.
Yes. The clinic's Nd:YAG penetrates deeply and suits olive skin, with adapted settings.
Because a red spot is not always an angioma: the dermatologist confirms the diagnosis, with dermoscopy if needed, before any laser.
Aesthetic laser is postponed during pregnancy. Spider angiomas that appeared during pregnancy often regress after delivery.
The price is given by the clinic after the consultation, as it depends on the number of lesions. A detailed quote is given before any procedure; there is no single displayed price.
At the Skin & Aesthetic Clinic, in Guéliz, with Dr Sara Zahid, dermatologist, by appointment, in French, English or Arabic.
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