Infantile hemangiomas occurring in the face may represent a real problem to a child. Clinical significance is ultimately determined by the degree of tissue deformation. Large dimensions; specific locations; and the presence of complications such as ulceration, bleeding, or infection indicate active treatment to minimize morbidity. The combination of clinical features and response to pharmacologic treatment are the main standpoints indicating surgery during the active phases of infantile hemangiomas.
The concept of minimal possible scar is relevant, and the use of purse-string sutures, initially proposed by Mulliken et al., promotes a real reduction in the final scar dimensions. In this video surgical resection of a frontal hemangioma illustrates a modified purse string suture, to reduce the dimensions of a linear scar.
Contributors
Dov Charles Goldenberg, MD Phd, Division of Plastic Surgery, Hospital das Clinicas, University of Sao Paulo Medical School
Vania Kharmandayan, MD, Division of Plastic Surgery, Hospital das Clinicas, University of Sao Paulo Medical School
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