Liposuction for large facial involuted infantile hemangiomas in children: clinical evaluation and management strategies.

[BACKGROUND] Large involuted infantile hemangioma (IH) can cause facial disfigurement and functional impairment and constitute a major concern to children and parents. Liposuction for large involuted IH has been reported in some case reports. However, systematic study is seldom and the patient outcome is uneven.

[METHODS] Thirteen eligible patients who underwent liposuction treatment at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital between August 2016 and August 2018 were reviewed. IH lesions were evaluated according to their timing, components, involvement, and location. Liposuction was performed to address the volumetric residue.

[RESULTS] Between August 2016 and August 2018, 13 patients, four boys and nine girls, with an average age of 8 ± 4.4 years underwent the liposuction for large facial involuted IH. Clinical follow-up ranges from 3 to 18 months. In two cases, lipectomy and facelift were undertaken in conjunction with liposuction. One patient needs a secondary revision due to the residual facial asymmetry. All patients were satisfied with the outcomes.

[CONCLUSIONS] Liposuction for large involuted IH is reliable and underreported in the literature. With proper patient evaluation and good counseling on realistic expectations, liposuction for large facial involuted IH can be expected to achieve excellent results with a low complication rate in pediatric population.