Toddler nicknamed ‘Mickey Mouse’ has incredible transformation

A little boy who was cruelly dubbed ‘Mickey Mouse’ over swelling caused by treatment for a rare skin condition has undergone an amazing transformation.

A young boy in China, once cruelly nicknamed “Mickey Mouse” because of large, balloon-like skin growths on his head, has made a remarkable recovery following treatment for a rare skin condition.

The three-year-old, known as Qibao, was born in Fujian province with several large, dark moles across his scalp – symptoms of a rare condition called congenital naevus.

The condition stems from an overgrowth of pigment-producing skin cells and can have a lasting impact not just on a child’s appearance, but also on their emotional and psychological wellbeing.

The three-year-old Qibao was cruelly nicknamed 'Mickey Mouse'. Picture: AsiaWire

Swelling caused by a skin condition lead to large bumps on both sides of his head. Picture: AsiaWire

Doctors in Shanghai proposed surgery to remove the moles, but first, Qibao’s skin had to be expanded to provide enough tissue to close the wounds post-removal.

His family documented the process, sharing video clips of Qibao before surgery with noticeable swelling on both sides of his head – an image that sadly led to the cruel nickname.

Five months later, the transformation is extraordinary.

Surgeons have successfully completed the procedure, and Qibao is now free of the large moles.

Post-surgery footage shows the cheerful toddler, head wrapped in bandages, playing in the hospital nursery.

His mother, Ms. Chen, reflected on the difficult journey and the hurtful comments from other children saying, “We wiped away our tears and kept moving forward.”

Five months later, his transformation is extraordinary. Picture: AsiaWire

The boy has been praised online for his courage. Picture: AsiaWire

Qibao’s bravery has resonated with many on Chinese social media. One Douyin (TikTok China) user wrote, “This child is so courageous, and so is his mother. I cried watching this.”

“I was teased for my looks too – this really hit home,” said another.

“He looks so happy now. This shows what love and medicine can do,” added a third.

Congenital naevus affects about one per cent of newborns, but in most cases, the marks are much smaller and often referred to as “brown birthmarks.”

These moles tend to grow with the child, and for larger cases, surgery is typically required. If surgery isn’t feasible, alternative treatments such as laser therapy or dermabrasion – a method that resurfaces the skin – may be used to reduce pigmentation and smooth the skin’s appearance.

Originally published as Toddler nicknamed ‘Mickey Mouse’ has incredible transformation