Excision of Hemangioma and Sculpturing of the Lip using a CO2 Laser / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Massive bleeding, inability to identify important landmarks and structures, and necessity for a blood transfusion have been the usual problems of hemangioma excision. OBJECTIVE: We introduce a CO2 laser excision technique as a surgical method for the treatment of hemangioma of the lips and demonstrate its benefits. METHODS: In 4 patients with nevus flammeus of hemiface and accompanying hemangioma of the lips, excision of the hemangioma was performed using a focused beam from a CO2 laser under local anesthesia. RESULTS: Excellent to good results were achieved with minimal blood losses in all patients. No or minimal post-operative pain and edema and no significant complications were observed. CONCLUSION:The CO2 laser excision technique is recommended since it renders less textural change, greater volume reduction, hemostasis and an overall good cosmetic outcome than defocused modes or conventional scalpel surgery.