According to the American Academy of Dermatology there are criteria for the surgical removal of hemangioma that should be considered.  Surgery may be advised for:

Children with painful and ulcerated hemangioma

Children whose lesions interfere with breathing, vision or other vital body functions

Hemangioma that does not completely involute

Hemangioma that have resulted in unacceptable scarring or deformity.

Other considerations are the emotional and psychological effects the hemangioma is causing for the patient and family.

The complications of surgery for hemangioma include bleeding, infection and side effects of anesthesia.  Although the surgical removal of a hemangioma often results in a significant improvement to the appearance it should be noted that all surgery leaves some scarring.   When scarring from surgery is significant, it may be improved by scar revision surgery or laser.

NOVA PROVIDES THIS INFORMATION TO FAMILIES AS A RESOURCE. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO ENGAGE IN THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE OR TO REPLACE THE PHYSICIAN. NOVA DOES NOT CLAIM TO HAVE MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE. NOVA DOES NOT ENDORSE ANY PARTICULAR PHYSICIAN, TREATING FACILITY OR TREATMENT PROTOCAL. IN ALL CASES NOVA AND ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU SEEK THE OPINION OF A PHYSICIAN EXPERIENCED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HEMANGIOMAS AND VASCULAR MALFORMATIONS. 

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