Venous malformations: The plastic surgeon's point of view

Venous malformations are congenital malformations of the veins, always present at birth, but which may not manifest themselves until childhood. Diagnosis is difficult because of the rarity of the disease, and management often requires the opinion of a multidisciplinary team of specialists. First intension treatment is medical and comprises elastic compression and sometimes anti-platelet therapy. In cases of functional or aesthetic impairment invasive treatments such as sclerotherapy or surgery can be used. The indications depend on the site of the lesion, its extent, its limits and size. Surgery is indicated every time the sequellae associated with cutaneous scarring, or the excision of certain anatomical structures are mild in comparison with the benefits of the surgical treatment, and when sclerotherapy is contra-indicated.