Answer:
In a large retrospective study of 299 hemangiomas, management by observation
was compared to laser therapy. The outcomes of each patient were evaluated
based on improvement of volume, color, and texture. Treatment with laser
is superior to observation in improving volume and texture. The mean treatment
period for laser therapy was 2 years and 1 month while for the observation
group it was 4 years and 9 months. The rate of complications with laser
therapy was higher at 16% compared to 5% in the observation group. Complications
included bleeding, infection, and scarring. The investigators also pointed
out that the complications at first consultation was 46% for the observation
group and 48% for the laser group. These complications included obstruction,
ulceration, bleeding, infection, and pain. The authors primarily used the
argon laser because of its ability to penetrate deeper lesions. Base on
their data the authors concluded that there was an advantage to treating
with lasers even with the higher complication rate because of the high
rate of complications at first presentation. Laser therapy also minimizes
psychological stress at school age.