When parents notice a bright red birthmark on their newborn, or see one appear a few weeks later, it can be surprising and even a little alarming. Naturally, questions start swirling. Friends, family, and online searches may offer a mix of advice: Some say it’s harmless, others warn it’s dangerous, and many insist it will fade away on its own. So what’s the real story?
Board-certified plastic surgeon Christopher Brooks, MD, and his team at Brooks Plastic Surgery in Hollywood, Florida, are here to give parents clear, trustworthy answers. Let’s take a closer look at hemangiomas and separate fact from myth.
A hemangioma is a benign growth made up of extra blood vessels. It often appears as a red or purple bump on the skin and usually shows up within the first few weeks of life. Most hemangiomas occur on the face, scalp, chest, or back. Some are deeper under the skin and may look bluish rather than red.
These marks are not cancerous and typically don’t spread to other parts of the body. They grow for a while and then, in most cases, slowly shrink on their own.
Not every red or pigmented mark on a baby’s skin is a hemangioma. There are many different types of birthmarks. Some are vascular, like port-wine stains or salmon patches, and others are pigmented, like café-au-lait spots. Hemangiomas are just one type and behave differently from other marks.
If you’re unsure what kind of birthmark your baby has, Dr. Brooks can usually tell by looking at it. Sometimes, he may order an ultrasound or MRI for a deeper look, especially if the hemangioma is large or in a tricky area.
Most hemangiomas are harmless, but not all of them. Some grow in areas that can cause problems, like near the eyes, nose, lips, or airway. In those cases, the hemangioma can interfere with vision, breathing, or feeding. Others may break open and bleed or become infected.
Dr. Brooks looks at the size, location, and rate of growth to decide whether treatment is necessary. The good news? Treatment works well, especially when it’s started early.
Though many hemangiomas shrink over time, not all of them disappear completely. Some leave behind stretched skin, visible blood vessels, or a slight discoloration. The shrinking process, called involution, can take several years.
For hemangiomas that are large or located in a sensitive area, Dr. Brooks might recommend treatment to prevent long-term effects. Each case is different, and not every child will need intervention.
Hemangiomas usually appear within the first month of a child’s life. They tend to grow quickly for a few months, reach a peak, and then slowly begin to shrink. This growth pattern helps Dr. Brooks identify them early and monitor them closely.
It’s rare for hemangiomas to form after infancy. If a red or blue growth appears later in childhood or adulthood, it’s likely something else and should be checked out.
Many parents feel reassured to know that hemangiomas can be treated when needed. The most common option is a medication called propranolol, a beta-blocker that slows the growth of the blood vessels inside the hemangioma. In some cases, we recommend laser therapy, and for rarer cases, we may decide that surgery is best.
Treatment choices depend on several factors, including:
Dr. Brooks will consider all these factors, work closely with you, and choose the best plan for your child.
Hemangiomas can cause a lot of worry, especially when myths spread faster than facts. But now you know the truth. These birthmarks are common, usually harmless, and treatable when needed.
Trust your instincts, ask questions, and stay informed. Reach out to our team or schedule a consultation online for a personalized appointment.
