Hemangiomas Treatment In Islamabad
People often notice bright red bumps on a baby’s skin at the time of birth or within the first few weeks of birth. These might be hemangiomas. These red or purplish non-cancerous rubbery bumps form due to the rapid growth of blood vessel cells under the skin. These harmless bumps can appear anywhere on your body, especially on the face, chest, and back. They usually fade on their own, but some need treatment if they become open sores or cause discomfort.
If you are in search of the best treatment options. Evon Aesthetic provides safe and effective hemangioma removal with minimal risk. On this page, you will explore what hemangiomas are, their causes, results, cost, and all you need to know about hemangioma treatment offered in Islamabad.
What are hemangiomas?
Hemangiomas are non-cancerous growths made up of extra blood vessels that cluster together under the skin. They often look like bright red or purple bumps on the skin’s surface. Hemangioma development is still unknown, some studies state genetics and prenatal factors can contribute.
Although hemangiomas are more common in children, adults can also develop them. In fact, cherry hemangiomas, a type of small, red skin growth, are common in 75% of adults.
Most hemangiomas stop growing and begin to shrink naturally after the first year or so, but some may require treatment if they grow too large, cause pain, or affect nearby tissues.
What causes hemangiomas?
The exact cause of hemangiomas is not fully clear, but some factors that may contribute to their development include:
Genetic factors: Family history may play a role in the formation of hemangiomas.
Abnormal blood vessel growth: Rapid cell division in blood vessel walls leads to the development of hemangiomas.
Pregnancy-related factors: Some hemangiomas may form due to blood vessel clusters in the placenta during fetal development.
Overgrowth of endothelial cells (cells that line blood vessels)
Hemangiomas are more common in:
- Premature babies
- Female infants
- Twins and multiple births
- Babies with low birth weight
Types of hemangiomas
Hemangiomas come in several forms:
Superficial hemangiomas: These appear on the skin’s surface as bright red, raised areas with an uneven texture. They’re often called “strawberry marks” because of their appearance.
Deep hemangiomas: These grow beneath the skin and have a bluish-purple color. They don’t raise the skin as much as superficial ones.
Mixed hemangiomas: These combine features of both superficial and deep hemangiomas.
Cherry hemangiomas: Small, bright red dots that commonly appear in adults, especially after age 30.
When should hemangiomas be treated?
Many hemangiomas don’t require treatment as they often shrink and fade on their own. However, treatment might be necessary if the hemangioma:
- Blocks vision, breathing, or eating
- Causes pain or bleeding
- Develops ulcers or open sores
- Grows on the face and may cause emotional distress
- Grows very rapidly or is very large
Hemangioma Treatment Options
Evon Aesthetic experts offers several effective treatments for hemangiomas:
1. Medication therapy
Two types of medical therapies are commonly practiced.
- Beta-Blockers: Propranolol has become the first-line treatment for problematic hemangiomas. It’s given orally and helps shrink the growth. Prednisone may be used if propranolol doesn’t work or can’t be used on your child’s hemangioma.
- Corticosteroids: It is mainly steroid medicines given orally, injected directly into the hemangioma, or applied as a cream to reduce inflammation and slow the growth of the lesion. Corticosteroids are often given when Propranolol is ineffective or does not suit.
2. Laser therapy
Laser treatment works well for superficial hemangiomas. During the procedure:
- A topical anesthetic is applied to minimize discomfort
- The laser targets the blood vessels in the hemangioma
- The heat from the laser damages the blood vessels, causing them to shrink
- Multiple sessions are usually needed for the best results
3. Surgical removal
Surgery may be recommended when:
- The hemangioma is causing significant problems
- Other treatments haven’t worked
- Quick removal is needed
During surgery, the doctor removes the entire hemangioma under general anesthesia. This option is usually reserved for specific cases due to the risk of scaring and anesthesia-related issues in patients.
Essential steps to take before hemangioma treatment
Before your hemangioma treatment, make sure your consultant is well aware of your medical history. A few common precautions are:
- Choose a reputable clinic with experienced specialists
- Tell your doctor about anything that makes you itch, sneeze, or break out – even if it seems small.
- Let your doctor know what you wish to see after treatment so they can plan accordingly.
- Follow the instructions for any pills or creams your doctor gives you.
- Complete any blood work or scans your doctor asks for to make sure you’re ready.
- Stay hydrated and avoid smoking or alcohol before treatment
- Keeping your body full of fluids helps your skin heal better and faster.
What to expect during treatment?
The treatment process varies depending on the method chosen:
For medication therapy:
- Your doctor will explain the dosage and schedule
- Regular follow-up visits monitor the hemangioma’s response, and then decide whether to go for laser or surgery
For laser therapy:
- The procedure usually takes 15-30 minutes
- You might feel a snapping sensation during treatment
- The area may be red and slightly swollen afterward
For surgery:
- You’ll receive anesthesia before the procedure
- The surgeon will remove the hemangioma completely
- A bandage will be applied to the treated area
Recovery and Aftercare
Right after your treatment, the spots might look lighter or darker than before – don’t worry, this is normal. You’ll probably feel a stinging feeling at first. Some redness, puffiness, and bruising are common for a few days, but these will go away on their own. Your skin needs some special attention while it heals. Recovery usually takes a few days, and these simple steps will help:
- Try not to get the treated area wet for the first few days after treatment.
- If you feel sore or notice swelling, gently place an ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth on the area.
- Keep the treated spot out of direct sunlight until it’s fully healed.
- Stick to the creams or ointments your doctor recommends – other products might irritate your skin.
- If you notice anything unusual like severe pain, unusual swelling, or rash, call your doctor right away.
Cost of Hemangioma Treatment
The cost of hemangioma treatment varies based on:
- The size and location of the hemangioma
- The treatment method chosen
- The clinic’s reputation and location
- The doctor’s experience and expertise
- Number of sessions required
Evon Aesthetic provides a personalized cost estimate after discussing every patient-specific situation and budget during your consultation. Every person’s hemangioma is unique, so pricing varies based on your individual needs.
Want to learn more about pricing or what affects the cost? Feel free to give us a call. We’re happy to answer all your questions and help you understand the investment in your treatment.
FAQs
What is the best treatment for a hemangioma?
Topical medicine works best on small, superficial hemangiomas. Surface-level hemangiomas, doctors often recommend a topical beta-blocker (a cream or lotion) to help lighten the mark and slow its growth
Does hemangioma go away?
Yes, most hemangiomas shrink and fade over time. About 80% stop growing by the time a baby is five months old. After staying the same for a few months, they slowly start to disappear. By the age of 10, most hemangiomas are completely gone.
Is hemangioma a serious problem?
No. Hemangiomas on the skin are usually harmless. They don’t turn into cancer, and most people don’t need treatment unless symptoms appear.