A hemangioma is a bright red birthmark, sometimes called a strawberry mark, that is made up of extra blood vessels. Sometimes, they can go away on their own, and many times, they are completely benign and do not require treatment. If a child’s hemangioma grows at a rapid rate or is in a location that impedes a child’s wellbeing, treatment may become necessary.
 

A hemangioma is a bright red birthmark, sometimes called a strawberry mark, that is made up of extra blood vessels. Sometimes, they can go away on their own, and many times, they are completely benign and do not require treatment. If a child’s hemangioma grows at a rapid rate or is in a location that impedes a child’s wellbeing, treatment may become necessary.
 
Laser treatment is the most common treatment for hemangioma. Here are some of the most common questions about how laser treatment can be used to treat hemangioma.

How does laser treatment work?

A laser is passed over the affected area of the skin, releasing energy that is absorbed within the blood vessels, damaging the blood vessels that make up the hemangioma. It does not affect the surrounding area.

How many treatments are necessary?

This will depend on the size and severity of the hemangioma. For a small hemangioma that is not too deep, 1 to 2 treatments may suffice. For deeper or larger hemangiomas, it’s more likely that a series of treatments will be necessary.

Is a laser treatment painful?

Local anesthesia, usually in the form of a numbing cream, is used during laser treatments to ensure that the child does not feel any pain. Some children find it uncomfortable, like a slight stinging sensation, but most do not feel anything at all.

What is recovery like?

The treated area may be sore, red, swollen, or sometimes bruised afterwards. The first few days after treatment can be uncomfortable. Tylenol and ice packs can help reduce the child’s discomfort.

How long do we need to wait between treatments?

This will also depend on the child and their unique treatment plan. The treated area needs time to heal before the subsequent treatments can be performed. Usually, laser treatments are performed 4-6 weeks apart.

At the Little Baby Face Foundation, hemangioma is one of the most common conditions that we treat. We have included a recommended reading list below if you would like to know more about hemangioma and how we treat hemangioma at the Little Baby Face Foundation.

Recommended Reading

 
Laser treatment is the most common treatment for hemangioma. Here are some of the most common questions about how laser treatment can be used to treat hemangioma.

How does laser treatment work?

A laser is passed over the affected area of the skin, releasing energy that is absorbed within the blood vessels, damaging the blood vessels that make up the hemangioma. It does not affect the surrounding area.

How many treatments are necessary?

This will depend on the size and severity of the hemangioma. For a small hemangioma that is not too deep, 1 to 2 treatments may suffice. For deeper or larger hemangiomas, it’s more likely that a series of treatments will be necessary.

Is a laser treatment painful?

Local anesthesia, usually in the form of a numbing cream, is used during laser treatments to ensure that the child does not feel any pain. Some children find it uncomfortable, like a slight stinging sensation, but most do not feel anything at all.

What is recovery like?

The treated area may be sore, red, swollen, or sometimes bruised afterwards. The first few days after treatment can be uncomfortable. Tylenol and ice packs can help reduce the child’s discomfort.

How long do we need to wait between treatments?

This will also depend on the child and their unique treatment plan. The treated area needs time to heal before the subsequent treatments can be performed. Usually, laser treatments are performed 4-6 weeks apart.

At the Little Baby Face Foundation, hemangioma is one of the most common conditions that we treat. We have included a recommended reading list below if you would like to know more about hemangioma and how we treat hemangioma at the Little Baby Face Foundation.

Recommended Reading

 
Laser treatment is the most common treatment for hemangioma. Here are some of the most common questions about how laser treatment can be used to treat hemangioma.

How does laser treatment work?

A laser is passed over the affected area of the skin, releasing energy that is absorbed within the blood vessels, damaging the blood vessels that make up the hemangioma. It does not affect the surrounding area.

How many treatments are necessary?

This will depend on the size and severity of the hemangioma. For a small hemangioma that is not too deep, 1 to 2 treatments may suffice. For deeper or larger hemangiomas, it’s more likely that a series of treatments will be necessary.

Is a laser treatment painful?

Local anesthesia, usually in the form of a numbing cream, is used during laser treatments to ensure that the child does not feel any pain. Some children find it uncomfortable, like a slight stinging sensation, but most do not feel anything at all.

What is recovery like?

The treated area may be sore, red, swollen, or sometimes bruised afterwards. The first few days after treatment can be uncomfortable. Tylenol and ice packs can help reduce the child’s discomfort.

How long do we need to wait between treatments?

This will also depend on the child and their unique treatment plan. The treated area needs time to heal before the subsequent treatments can be performed. Usually, laser treatments are performed 4-6 weeks apart.

At the Little Baby Face Foundation, hemangioma is one of the most common conditions that we treat. We have included a recommended reading list below if you would like to know more about hemangioma and how we treat hemangioma at the Little Baby Face Foundation.

Recommended Reading

 
 
If your child was born with Hemangioma and you’re looking for help, please contact us using the form below.

     
    If your child was born with Hemangioma and you’re looking for help, please contact us using the form below.