Hemangioma of the oral and perioral region: Nd:YAG vs surgery

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Hemangiomas are very commonly diagnosticated in childhood. The area most affected by this disease is the head and neck. In recent decades, the laser therapy has changed the treatment of hemangiomas through special techniques with advantages in bleeding risk management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Object of this study is comparing Nd:YAG laser and surgical excision, in terms of aesthetic outcomes, in the treatment of hemangiomas of oral and perioral region. The aim is the comparison between the two techniques in terms of aesthetic outcomes through photographic reportage and clinical supervision by three expert plastic surgeons (observers), unrelated to treatment, through the use of Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale.

RESULTS: The results of the investigation with POSAS show a better aesthetic result with the use of the Nd:YAG laser compared with excisional treatment with cold blade, both for the patient and for the external examiners.

CONCLUSIONS: Nd:YAG laser treatment for hemangiomas of the perioral region is a safe, fast and low complications choice. The lower risk of bleeding allows to use the laser technique even in the clinics not equipped for surgeries offering an important advantage to the operator. The main indication is represented by hemangiomas that cause a psychological and functional discomfort to the patient, such as frequent possibility of ulcerations and bleeding, in which it is clear the benign nature of the lesion.