Vascular malformation treatment

You may be referred for evaluation and treatment of a vascular malformation if you notice changes in your skin, swelling or discomfort in the affected area. Common reasons include: 

• Visible swelling, discoloration or a mass under the skin
• Pain or a feeling of heaviness in the affected area
• Swelling that worsens with activity or standing for long periods
• Skin changes such as warmth, redness or a bluish tint
• Bleeding or ulceration near the malformation
• Functional limitations caused by the size or location of the malformation 

Your specialist will use imaging and a physical evaluation to confirm the type of malformation and how it's affecting blood flow before recommending treatment.

Surgery to remove or reduce the malformation may be an option when other approaches aren't appropriate or effective.

Nonsurgical

• Sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a solution into the malformation to help close off abnormal vessels, often used for venous and lymphatic malformations
• Embolization, a minimally invasive procedure that blocks abnormal blood flow, often used before surgery or on its own for certain arteriovenous malformations
• Laser therapy, which can help reduce the appearance and symptoms of some capillary malformations
• Ongoing monitoring for malformations that are small, stable or not causing significant symptoms

Surgical

Surgery to remove or reduce the malformation may be an option when other approaches aren't appropriate or effective. 

Because vascular malformations vary so much from person to person, many patients benefit from multidisciplinary care that brings together specialists to coordinate a treatment plan.  
It's important to distinguish peripheral arteriovenous malformations, which affect the arms, legs or other parts of the body outside the brain, from cerebral arteriovenous malformations, which occur in the brain and require neurology or neurosurgery care. This page focuses on peripheral vascular malformations. 

Recovery depends on the type of treatment you receive and the location of your malformation. 

• After sclerotherapy, you may notice swelling or bruising that improves within a few weeks, and follow-up sessions may be needed
• After embolization, most patients go home the same day or after a short observation period, with activity restrictions for a few days
• After laser therapy, mild redness or swelling is common and typically resolves quickly
• After surgery, recovery time varies based on the size and location of the malformation, and your care team will guide you through wound care and activity restrictions
• Patients under monitoring will have regular follow-up appointments and imaging to track any changes 

Your care team will give you a personalized recovery timeline and let you know what to expect at each stage. 

As with any treatment, vascular malformation therapies carry some risks, including bleeding, infection, skin changes or, in rare cases, incomplete resolution of the malformation that may require additional treatment. Some malformations may recur or need more than one procedure over time. Your care team will walk you through the risks and benefits specific to your treatment plan and answer any questions before moving forward, so you can feel confident in your care.