Hemangioma removal covers a range of treatments for hemangiomas — benign growths made of clustered blood vessels — depending on the type, size, location, age of the patient and whether the lesion is causing problems. Crucially, not every hemangioma needs to be removed: many infantile hemangiomas shrink and disappear on their own, and many adult cherry angiomas are harmless and treated only for cosmetic reasons. This guide explains what hemangiomas are, when removal is genuinely recommended, the six main treatment options (from watchful waiting to laser and surgical excision), what the procedure and recovery involve, and the cost. The most important step is always accurate diagnosis by a qualified doctor — because the right approach depends entirely on the type of lesion.

This article uses “hemangioma” throughout (the spelling “haemangioma” is the British form of the same word). The information here aligns with NHS, NICE and British Association of Dermatologists guidance. It is educational and does not replace a clinical diagnosis — any new, changing, bleeding or uncertain skin lesion should be assessed by a doctor before any treatment decision.

Table of contents

1. The short answer
2. What is a hemangioma?
3. Types of hemangioma
4. Do hemangiomas need to be removed?
5. When hemangioma removal is recommended
6. Hemangioma removal — options at a glance
7. Option 1: Observation (watchful waiting)
8. Option 2: Beta-blocker medication
9. Option 3: Pulsed dye laser
10. Option 4: Surgical excision
11. Option 5: Sclerotherapy
12. Option 6: Corticosteroids
13. The removal procedure step by step
14. Recovery and scarring
15. Risks
16. Frequently asked questions
17. What to do next

The short answer

Hemangioma removal isn’t always necessary — the right approach depends on the type of lesion. Many infantile hemangiomas (the “strawberry marks” seen in babies) shrink and resolve on their own and need only monitoring. Problematic infantile hemangiomas are usually treated first with beta-blocker medication (propranolol or topical timolol), not surgery. Adult cherry angiomas and small superficial vascular lesions are removed cosmetically using pulsed dye laser, electrocautery or minor excision. Surgical excision is reserved for specific cases — lesions that don’t respond to other treatments, cause functional problems, or leave residual tissue after involution. The six main options are: observation, beta-blockers, laser, surgical excision, sclerotherapy, and corticosteroids. Accurate diagnosis comes first, because the treatment that’s right for one type of hemangioma can be wrong for another.

What is a hemangioma?

A hemangioma is a benign (non-cancerous) growth made up of an abnormal collection of small blood vessels. They appear as red, purple or bluish marks on or under the skin. Hemangiomas are very common — particularly the infantile type in babies and cherry angiomas in adults — and the great majority are harmless.

Hemangiomas are not the same as other vascular birthmarks such as port-wine stains (which are permanent capillary malformations and behave differently). Distinguishing between them is part of why accurate diagnosis matters before any hemangioma removal decision.

Types of hemangioma

Important. This article is educational. Any new, growing, bleeding, ulcerating or changing skin lesion must be assessed by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis before treatment. Some lesions that look like hemangiomas need different management, and a small number of skin lesions require exclusion of other diagnoses. Never self-treat or attempt to remove a hemangioma yourself.

Do hemangiomas need to be removed?

Often, no. This is the most important and most under-communicated point about hemangioma removal:

• Most infantile hemangiomas don’t need removal. They follow a predictable course — growing for several months, then slowly involuting (shrinking) over years. Around half have resolved by age 5 and around 90% by age 9. For many, watchful waiting is the correct management.
• Many cherry angiomas are harmless and removed purely for cosmetic preference, not medical need.
• Removal is a medical decision, not automatic. A good doctor will explain whether your hemangioma actually needs treatment, or whether monitoring is the better course.

A clinic that recommends removing every hemangioma without considering its natural course is not following best practice. The honest answer to “should this be removed?” is sometimes “no” or “not yet.”

When hemangioma removal is recommended

Treatment or removal is genuinely recommended when a hemangioma:

• Affects function — near the eye (vision), nose or airway (breathing), mouth (feeding), or ear (hearing).
• Ulcerates or bleeds repeatedly — causing pain, infection risk or recurrent bleeding.
• Grows rapidly or is very large.
• Leaves residual tissue after an infantile hemangioma has involuted — loose skin or a fibro-fatty remnant that can be removed cosmetically.
• Causes significant cosmetic or psychological concern — particularly on the face.
• Is a type that won’t resolve on its own — such as cherry angiomas or pyogenic granulomas.

Option 1: Observation (watchful waiting)

What it involves

Monitoring the hemangioma over time without active treatment, with periodic review and photographs to track changes. The default management for most uncomplicated infantile hemangiomas, which naturally shrink over years.Best for: uncomplicated infantile hemangiomas not affecting function; small harmless lesions. The right choice more often than patients expect.

Option 2: Beta-blocker medication

What it involves

Oral propranolol is the established first-line treatment for problematic infantile hemangiomas — it shrinks them effectively and has largely replaced surgery and steroids for this purpose. Topical timolol (a gel/drops applied to the skin) is used for small, superficial infantile hemangiomas. Both require medical supervision and monitoring.Best for: problematic infantile hemangiomas in the growth phase. Not relevant for adult cherry angiomas.

Option 3: Pulsed dye laser

What it involves

A laser tuned to be absorbed by the red pigment in blood vessels, collapsing them without significantly damaging surrounding skin. Pulsed dye laser is excellent for superficial vascular lesions — residual redness after an involuted infantile hemangioma, small superficial hemangiomas, and some cherry angiomas. Usually requires several sessions.Best for: superficial lesions, residual redness, small cherry angiomas, cosmetic improvement with minimal downtime.

Option 4: Surgical excision

What it involves

Surgical removal of the lesion, under local (or occasionally general) anaesthesia, with closure of the wound. Reserved for specific situations: lesions that don’t respond to other treatments, those causing functional problems, pyogenic granulomas, and removal of residual fibro-fatty tissue or loose skin left after an infantile hemangioma has involuted. Leaves a scar, so placement and technique matter.Best for: lesions unsuitable for laser or medication; residual tissue after involution; pyogenic granulomas; functional or definitive removal.

Option 5: Sclerotherapy

What it involves

Injection of a solution that causes the blood vessels within the lesion to scar and shrink. Used for certain deeper or cavernous vascular lesions where laser can’t reach and surgery is difficult.Best for: selected deeper or cavernous lesions, sometimes in combination with other treatments. A specialist decision.

Option 6: Corticosteroids

What it involves

Steroids (oral, injected into the lesion, or topical) were historically a mainstay for problematic infantile hemangiomas. They have largely been superseded by beta-blockers, which are more effective with fewer side effects, but steroids still have a role in specific cases.Best for: selected cases where beta-blockers aren’t suitable; a specialist decision.

The removal procedure step by step

For the two most common adult hemangioma removal routes — laser and minor surgical excision — here’s what to expect:

Pulsed dye laser (cosmetic, superficial lesions):

1. Consultation and diagnosis confirming the lesion is suitable for laser.
2. Protective eyewear; cooling applied to the skin.
3. The laser is applied in short pulses — a brief stinging sensation, usually well tolerated without anaesthetic.
4. The treated area may bruise (purpura) for several days to two weeks.
5. Multiple sessions (typically spaced weeks apart) are usually needed for full clearance.

Minor surgical excision (e.g. cherry angioma, pyogenic granuloma, residual tissue):

1. Consultation, diagnosis and consent.
2. Local anaesthetic injected to numb the area.
3. The lesion is removed by shave excision, electrocautery, or full excision with stitches depending on type and depth.
4. The specimen may be sent for histology to confirm the diagnosis.
5. The wound is dressed; aftercare instructions provided.

Recovery and scarring

Recovery depends on the method:

• Laser: minimal downtime. Bruising/purpura for several days to two weeks; redness settles over weeks. Sun protection on the area is important during healing.
• Shave excision / electrocautery: a small scab heals over 1–2 weeks; usually leaves a small flat mark.
• Full surgical excision: stitches for around 1–2 weeks; a linear scar that matures over 12 months. Scar care (silicone, sun protection) improves the final appearance — see how recovery affects results.

All skin procedures leave some mark; a skilled practitioner places and minimises scars, and chooses the method that balances complete removal against cosmetic outcome.

Risks

Hemangioma removal is generally low-risk in experienced hands, but no procedure is risk-free:

• Laser: temporary bruising, rarely pigment change (lighter or darker patches), very rarely scarring or blistering.
• Surgical excision: scarring, bleeding, infection, recurrence if incompletely removed.
• Recurrence: some lesions (especially pyogenic granulomas) can recur and need repeat treatment.
• Pigment changes: more likely in darker skin types — an experienced practitioner adjusts technique accordingly.

Choosing an experienced dermatologist or surgeon, working from an accurate diagnosis, minimises these risks. See our understanding surgical risks guide и safe clinic guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do all hemangiomas need to be removed?

No. Many infantile hemangiomas shrink and disappear on their own and need only monitoring. Many adult cherry angiomas are harmless and removed only for cosmetic reasons. Removal is recommended when a hemangioma affects function, ulcerates or bleeds, grows rapidly, leaves residual tissue, or causes significant cosmetic concern. Accurate diagnosis determines the right approach.

What is the best treatment for hemangioma removal?

It depends on the type. Problematic infantile hemangiomas are usually treated first with beta-blocker medication (propranolol or topical timolol). Superficial lesions and residual redness respond well to pulsed dye laser. Cherry angiomas and pyogenic granulomas are removed by laser, electrocautery or minor excision. Surgical excision is reserved for lesions unsuitable for other methods.

Is hemangioma removal painful?

Laser treatment causes a brief stinging sensation, usually tolerated without anaesthetic. Surgical excision is performed under local anaesthetic, so the procedure itself is painless, with mild discomfort during healing. Children’s procedures are managed with appropriate paediatric pain control.

Will hemangioma removal leave a scar?

Laser treatment usually leaves no scar, only temporary bruising. Shave excision and electrocautery leave a small flat mark. Full surgical excision leaves a linear scar that matures over 12 months. A skilled practitioner places and minimises scars and chooses the method that best balances removal against cosmetic outcome.

Can adults get hemangiomas removed?

Yes. Adult cherry angiomas and other vascular lesions are commonly removed — usually by pulsed dye laser, electrocautery, or minor excision — for cosmetic reasons or if they bleed or catch on clothing. The procedure is quick and usually a day-case.

How many laser sessions are needed?

Pulsed dye laser usually requires several sessions, spaced a few weeks apart, for full clearance. The number depends on the size, depth and type of lesion. Your practitioner will estimate this at consultation after examining the lesion.

Do infantile hemangiomas come back after treatment?

Properly treated infantile hemangiomas generally don’t recur, though some leave residual skin changes (loose skin, faint redness or a fibro-fatty remnant) that can be addressed cosmetically later. Beta-blocker treatment is usually continued through the growth phase to prevent regrowth.

How much does hemangioma removal cost?

Cost depends on the type of lesion and treatment. Laser sessions and minor excisions are relatively low-cost day-case procedures. In Turkey, these dermatological treatments are typically significantly cheaper than UK private dermatology, consistent with the savings across other procedures. Always get a written quote after diagnosis, as the number of sessions affects the total.

Should I be worried about a hemangioma?

Most hemangiomas are benign and harmless. However, any new, growing, bleeding, ulcerating or changing skin lesion should be assessed by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. Don’t self-diagnose or self-treat — proper assessment ensures the lesion is what you think it is and that the right management is chosen.

What to do next

If you have a hemangioma or vascular skin lesion you’d like assessed, the first step is a diagnosis to confirm the type and discuss whether treatment is needed at all. Revitalize in Turkey offers dermatology and skin conditions assessments as part of our services, with treatment by experienced practitioners where removal is appropriate. Consultations are available in Manchester, London and Liverpool, or remotely with photos for an initial view.

• Book a free consultation
• Skin conditions treatments
• See our end-to-end treatment process
• How to choose a safe clinic in Turkey
• Read independent patient reviews

Continue reading our medical tourism in Turkey cluster

• Complete Guide to Medical Tourism in Turkey
• Understanding Surgical Risks
• How Recovery Affects Final Results
• Is Turkey Safe for Cosmetic Surgery?
• Turkey vs UK Cosmetic Surgery Cost

About the author
[Author name], medical content writer specialising in dermatology and minor surgical procedures.

Medically reviewed by
Dr. [Surgeon/Dermatologist name], [Specialty], Turkish Ministry of Health Registration No. [XXXX]. Member of the relevant Turkish specialist society.
Last reviewed: 26 May 2026.

This article is for general information and does not constitute medical advice. Hemangiomas and other skin lesions must be diagnosed by a qualified doctor before any treatment. Many hemangiomas do not require removal. Never attempt to remove a skin lesion yourself. Any new, changing, bleeding or uncertain lesion should be assessed promptly by a medical professional.