haemangiomas - does anyone have experience of surgery to remove?

[Monkeymummy1]

My daughter has a small but obvious haemangioma (strawberry mark) on her forehead. She's 11 months and we've been advised that, unlike most haemangiomas, this one will not go away on its own. So, we are looking at getting it removed. It's not causing her much trouble although she catches it and it bleeds every once in a while. Does anyone have any experience with surgery for this? How was it and what was the outcome? We've been told scaring would be minimal but it's worrying. I'm so concerned about putting her through this but if she's going to have to get it done eventually anyway then I'm thinking we should get it over with. Thanks.

I know that one of the most popular treatments at the moment is Pulsed Dye Laser and that it is non invasve and very good for strawberry marks....I suggest you look it up and ask the doctor about it....it seems pretty painless too....only a light prickling sensation reported...

Here's a before and after pic of a baby with a haemangioma....the bay had pulsed dye laser and while it's haemangioma was a biggih one, you can see how effective the treatment was...really amazing.

I have been researching this due to a mark on my face...I hope your DD and you find it all ok. it does seem like a great result.

Hi there. Have a look at the birthmark support group (sorry can't work out how to paste the link on phone!). Our dd has a port wine stain birthmark and has regular laser surgery at great Ormond street. The birthmark support group were very helpful while we were deciding what to do.

Have they said why they think it wont go away on its own?

If you can get to GOSH ask your Dr to refer you to professor Harper for a 2nd opinion

Has your doctor said why it won't go on its own? DS2 had one on his eye just under his lower eyelid that was really, really obvious as it protruded so much and was almost purple. I was stopped several times every day by people asking me what he'd done. Anyway he's now 19 months and it has all but disappeared and I can't remember the last time anyone mentioned it. I would get a second opinion if I were you to see whether surgery is necessary. We were told that they usually disappear when a child is 5. Good luck with whatever you decide.