The Condition
These lesions are caused by blood vessels which become enlarged (port-wine stains) or when too many blood vessels grow in an area (hemangiomas.)
The most common vascular lesions as a follows:
Hemangioma
A common type of vascular birthmark that involves different types of blood vessel growths. Hemangiomas become visible within the first few weeks of life and continue to grow rapidly for about one year. There are two common types of hemangiomas:
- strawberry hemangiomas - a slightly raised and strawberry-red mark that develops shortly after birth and may occur anywhere on the body.
- cavernous hemangiomas - a bluish-colored mark that develops shortly after birth and can occur anywhere on the body.
Port-Wine Stains
Also called a nevus flammeus, is a flat, pink, red, or purple mark that appears at birth, often on the face, arms, and legs. It continues to grow as the child grows.
Port-wine stains do not go away and often require treatment if located on the eyelid or forehead (like on Mikhail Gorbachev's.)
Treatment Available
Treatments of Vascular Lesions are listed below. Note that before making a decision about which type you'd like, it's best to discuss your particular circumstances with one of our dermatologists.
 Vascular-specific Laser Treatment
Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment
If you have questions that are not answered in this website, then please contact us.
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