Surgical treatment at the Vascular Birthmark Institute is carefully considered for hemangiomas that do not respond to other therapies or pose serious complications. Led by Dr. Waner and Dr. O, our expert surgical team specializes in safe, precise resection to restore function and achieve the best aesthetic outcomes possible.
What Is Surgical Resection?
Surgical resection is the removal of a hemangioma through surgery. It is important to understand that there are no standardized techniques for these procedures—each case requires a tailored approach. Since hemangiomas are vascular tumors, bleeding can occur, but in experienced hands, this risk is minimal. At the Vascular Birthmark Institute, surgical resection is reserved for tumors and lesions unlikely to shrink on their own or those causing significant complications. The experience and proven success of our surgeons, Dr. Waner and Dr. O, are critical to achieving optimal outcomes and minimizing the risk of complications.
Surgical Resection May Be Recommended For:
- Hemangiomas that are unlikely to involute spontaneously
- Lesions causing vision problems, such as astigmatism or lazy eye
- Ulcerated hemangiomas that are painful or prone to bleeding
- Hemangiomas of the nose or lips requiring cosmetic correction
- Airway-obstructing hemangiomas causing noisy or labored breathing
- Lesions that may leave poor cosmetic outcomes after involution
- Hemangiomas not responding adequately to medical treatments
- Patients needing early aesthetic restoration before school age
How Surgical Treatments Address Complications
Surgical treatment plays a critical role in managing hemangiomas that lead to functional impairments, cosmetic concerns, or medical complications. While many hemangiomas involute naturally over time or respond to medications, certain cases require timely surgical intervention to prevent permanent damage.
Dr. Waner and Dr. O perform advanced surgical resections tailored to the specific complication, ensuring optimal outcomes for each child.
Eyelid Hemangioma
When a hemangioma develops on the eyelid, it can exert pressure on the cornea and disrupt the proper focus of images on the retina. This leads to astigmatism, which may cause the brain to ignore signals from the affected eye, resulting in amblyopia (“lazy eye”) or even permanent vision loss. Surgical resection, particularly when done before 8 months of age, can eliminate the hemangioma and allow the cornea to return to its normal shape. Early removal prevents long-term visual impairment and supports healthy visual development.
Skin Ulceration
Ulceration occurs when the skin over a hemangioma breaks down, causing open wounds that are painful, prone to bleeding, and slow to heal. These often resist conservative treatment and can leave permanent scars. Surgical removal of the ulcerated tissue reduces pain significantly and accelerates healing. In cases where ulceration leads to disfigurement, particularly on the nose or lips, surgical correction restores both form and function. The goal is to remove the damaged tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
Airway Obstruction
Hemangiomas located in the airway, especially in a beard distribution or on the subglottic region, can compromise breathing. The first sign is often noisy or labored breathing. If the airway is partially or fully obstructed, surgical intervention may be urgently required to remove the lesion and re-establish a safe airway. An otolaryngologist evaluates the severity, and if surgery is indicated, precise mass removal is performed to avoid long-term respiratory compromise or the need for tracheostomy.
Other Complications
Surgery may also be appropriate for hemangiomas that fail to involute adequately by early childhood, leaving behind excess tissue, discoloration, or contour deformities. These residual effects can impact a child’s self-esteem and social development. Surgical resection offers a reliable solution to remove or improve the appearance of these remnants. Early surgical planning allows for minimal scarring and better aesthetic outcomes, especially when performed before age three, a critical period for self-image and peer interaction.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery After Resection
Plastic and reconstructive surgery may be recommended after hemangioma resection to restore natural contours, correct asymmetries, and minimize scarring. Dr. Waner and Dr. O use reconstructive techniques to optimize cosmetic and functional outcomes. Depending on the size and location of the lesion, these may include skin grafting, tissue rearrangement, or staged surgeries. Each treatment is personalized to the patient’s needs, focusing on achieving results that support healthy development and enhance facial harmony.
Benefits of Surgical Treatments:
- Immediate removal of problematic hemangiomas
- Preventing long-term functional impairments such as vision or breathing issues
- Reducing chronic pain and bleeding from ulcerated lesions
- Improving cosmetic appearance in visible areas like the face or lips
- Allowing earlier healing with less scarring when performed in infancy
- Offering definitive treatment when medical management is ineffective
- Enhancing self-esteem and psychosocial development through early correction
Schedule Your Consultation
Vascular Birthmark Institute is internationally recognized for its expertise in the surgical treatment of complex hemangiomas. Led by Dr. Waner and Dr. O, our team offers safe, effective surgical solutions tailored to each patient’s unique condition and goals. With a focus on early intervention, minimal scarring, and natural-looking outcomes, we help children look and feel their best. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and determine your candidacy for surgical treatments in NYC.
Contact Vascular Birthmark Institute Today