free flap

Min · #1 06-08-2009, 08:51 AM

hi everyone,
I have an AVM on the right hand side of my upper lip. I've had 4 operations, the last one was when i was 10.
the birthmark seems to have grown in the last couple of years. One of the treatment suggested to me is embolisation and/or radical surgery where I need to have a huge free flap.

I'm really scared at the thought of all this...if anyone here has had a free flap I would like to hear from you.

thanks a lot

Min

sweet pea · #2 06-09-2009, 03:33 AM

Well I haven't had a free flap, but did have a large skin flap surgery a little over a year ago. It's kind of scary thinking that they are moving that much skin, but it's not too bad. They took the skin flap from my thigh and the donor sight is where it hurt the most. But overall I think it went really well. Everything healed nicely and it's been great to have it done, though it was basically my only option. Personally I'd try embolization first, as it's less invasive/radical. Then if that doesn't work, you can try surgery.

Donovan · #3 06-09-2009, 12:34 PM

Please contact Lise Daoust . She has an AVM in her lip and has had treatment for it. daoustl@sympatico.ca
She has a French website. It is http://www.anomalievasculaire.org/
Lise speaks English and was very helpful to me. Our daughter has an AVM in her hand. I know that Lise did not have embolization to her lip because of the risks. If you need any more advice, please feel free to contact me.
Liz.

Min · #4 06-14-2009, 01:00 PM

sweet pea& Donavan: thank you for your replies, they are much appreciated