Korean J Dermatol.  1998 Jun;36(3):441-445.

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

• Seo SL
• Whang KK
• Lee MA
• Hahm JH

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.

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia, Local
Blood Transfusion
Edema
Hemangioma*
Hemorrhage
Hemostasis
Humans
Lasers, Gas*
Lip*
Port-Wine Stain