Vascular Birthmarks Conditions: Pyogenic Granuloma

Many people confuse hemangiomas with pyogenic granulomas. They are both benign vascular tumors, but pyogenic granulomas arise from some type of repetitive trauma, such as scratching, and do not disappear on their own. Surgical excision is frequently needed and relatively easy to do. They do not grow back if properly excised.

2 kids smiling while giving a piggy-back ride to the other

What is Pyogenic Granuloma?

Pyogenic granuloma is a common benign skin growth, sometimes considered in the realm of vascular anomalies. It usually occurs in the setting of repetitive trauma such as scratching or scraping. Pyogenic granulomas can grow and resemble hemangiomas in their appearance with the exception of several key differences. They do not occur at or around the time of birth like hemangiomas and do not go away on their own.

Pyogenic Granulomas: Characteristics and Treatment Options

Pyogenic granulomas usually occur in toddlers and young children, although they can occur even in adulthood. The surface of pyogenic granulomas is usually moist and friable, and they are located on a thin stalk (similar to a mushroom). Bleeding episodes are frequent and can be profuse. Because they do not disappear spontaneously, pyogenic granulomas will require some form of intervention. Although lasers and scraping (or, curettage) can sometimes work, they can be associated with high rates of recurrence. Surgical excision is definitive. The stalk is excised, and the base cauterized.

Pyogenic granuloma of a lower eyelid before and after excision

Pyogenic granuloma of a lower eyelid before and after excision.

Why choose Dr Panossian?

He received his medical education at Tufts University School of Medicine.
Graduated at the top of his class at UCLA, receiving Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude honors.
Was accepted into an elite combined general surgery and plastic surgery residency at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
Completed subspecialty training in craniofacial surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and Harvard Medical School.
Was mentored by Dr. Ron Zuker in the practice of facial paralysis reconstruction. This prestigious fellowship position was available to only one surgeon in the United States.
Is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the highly selective American Association of Plastic Surgeons, reserved for only a select group of individuals nationally who have demonstrated excellence in academic plastic surgery.
Is affiliated with various charitable and educational organizations, including Operation Smile and Mending Kids.
Holds memberships in several other professional societies including the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery.
He serves on the Board of Directors for Mending Kids and the Gondobay Manga Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the improvement of lives in Sierra Leone.
Has been nominated by his peers annually since 2012 as a “Super Doctor.”
Served as an expert medical consultant and appeared on The Doctors, Grey’s Anatomy, and Nip/Tuck.
Has been featured as “Top Doctor” in US News and World Report, Pasadena Magazine, and Los Angeles Magazine.

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"Dr. Andre Panossian is a superlative plastic surgeon and a very helpful and pleasant individual. He handled a complex surgical problem and achieved a result that exceeded expectations. I would recommend him to anyone."

- J.M.