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Birthmarks are common in newborn babies, with up to 80% of infants having some form of birthmark. While many birthmarks fade over time, some can persist into adulthood and may even pose a risk to the individual’s health. Fortunately, several medical treatments are available for birthmarks that require intervention.

The specialists at The Vascular Birthmark Center discuss some of the leading medical treatments for birthmarks.

Timolol

Timolol is a medication that can help to shrink a growing hemangioma. The medication comes in liquid form, and you can apply it to your child’s birthmark. It is commonly used to treat babies who have glaucoma. When used to treat a hemangioma, birthmark specialists prescribe a lower dose of the medication than would be used to treat glaucoma.

Interferon

Interferon is an option to consider if your child has a life-threatening birthmark. Your child would need daily shots, so you would need to learn how to give them. You will also have to closely monitor your child for any possible side effects.

Propranolol

Propranolol is a medication that has been used for many years to treat high blood pressure and heart problems. However, in recent years, it has also been found to be effective in treating certain types of birthmarks. Hemangiomas, which are benign tumors made up of blood vessels, can be treated with propranolol. The medication works by shrinking the blood vessels that make up the tumor. Propranolol is usually given as a liquid or tablet and is taken daily for several months.

Steroids

Steroids are another medication that can be used to treat birthmarks. They work by reducing inflammation and swelling, which can help to shrink the birthmark. Steroids can be given as an injection or taken orally. However, this treatment is unsuitable for all types of birthmarks, and there are potential side effects. Consult with your Vascular Birthmark Center specialist about steroids for birthmark treatment.

Vincristine

Vincristine is a type of chemotherapy medication that can be used to treat certain types of birthmarks, such as Kaposiform hemangioendotheliomas. These tumors can be life-threatening in some cases, so it is essential to seek medical attention if you suspect your child has one. Vincristine is usually given as an injection, and treatment can last for several months.

Hemangeol Treatment

Hemangeol is a medication that is specifically designed to treat infantile hemangiomas. This medication is a form of propranolol that is given as a liquid. Hemangeol is taken daily for several months, and treatment is generally successful in shrinking the tumors.

It’s essential to note that not all birthmarks need medical intervention. Some birthmarks may fade over time or may not pose a risk to the individual’s health. However, it’s always best to seek advice from a specialist if you are concerned about a birthmark.

NYC Medical Birthmark Therapy

Birthmarks can be a cause for concern for some individuals. Fortunately, several medical treatments are available for those who require intervention. Consult one of our specialists at The Vascular Birthmark Center to determine if medical intervention is necessary for your birthmark.

Posted on behalf of The Vascular Birthmark Center: Gregory M. Levitin, MD

200 W. 57th St., Suite 1410
New York, NY 10019

Phone: (212) 316-0616

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Our Patient Reviews
The Vascular Birthmark Center: Gregory M. Levitin, MD

4.8 / 5.0

Based on 27 reviews

Abril M.

Dr. Levitin is very knowledgeable, compassionate and professional. Five years ago, I needed to find information about a birth mark that my newborn daughter started to grow a couple days after birth. I was afraid, I did not feel like I got any clear information about it through my insurance; also, they did not offer any course of treatment for it. I started to look for information, the birthmark was growing each day, information was scarce and I just got more scared. Finally, I found a video in Youtube from a grandmother who was very grateful after finding treatment for her grand daughter through The Birthmark Foundation. It was a huge blessing to me and my family. I found Dr. Levitin, I contacted him thinking he probably would not even answer. I was wrong, he kindly answered promptly, got in touch with me and soon he had a plan : ) I went to see him at the Birthmark Center in Los Angeles. He explained everything in a way that it was so clear to understand, no question I made was insignificant and his answers were each very informative. I really never have had an experience with a doctor who explains and speaks in such a way. I left his office knowing that my daughter was in the best hands and the best care. I first thank God for the Birthmark Foundation, a great organization with the highest quality of doctors. Also, a very special thanks to Dr. Levitin for all his help and kindness, for listening to my concerns and answering each and every question. And last, but no least, to the Birthmark Foundation Center in Los Angeles : ) I hope many children can find help/care in this place as I found it for my daughter. Thank you forever.

Ryan E.

I will be telling tales of the good doctors compassion till time comes to an end. Because of Dr Levitin, I have more confidence in my every day life. He was fast, knowledgeable, precise and all with a disarming sense of humor. Two thumbs up!

Carla M.

I wanted to show you how much better Hailey's tongue looks and let you know her speech has already improved so much!!! Her speech teacher is thrilled!!!! Thank you so much for everything you did for her. You are an excellent surgeon with a great bedside manner- we are forever grateful to you!!! We are so appreciative!

Danielle L.

we are forever grateful for Dr. Levitin. My daughter Lena had surgery to remove her hemangioma that was located on her forehead at just 6 month old. she healed beautifully and we couldn't be happier with how minimal her scar is, even almost 4.5 years later. Dr. Levitin is caring, compassionate, and such a great doctor/surgeon overall. He had our daughter's best interest and I knew she was in good hands. I highly recommend him any chance I get!

Chris

My name is Chris and I was recently treated for an AVM on my forehead by Dr. Gregory Levitin of New York (New York Eye and Ear Infirmary). Thankfully, I live within a few hours of NYC. In brief, I would like to say that Dr. Levitin is very capable doctor with a lot of experience with AVMs. He responds quickly to e-mail, texts, and phone calls. He accepts insurance. He takes a "team approach" and will be your "QB" and involve other specialists as necessary. In my particular case they were Dr. Raj Shrivastava (Mt Sinai) and Dr. Raphael A. Ortiz (Lenox Hill) in NY. I recommend contacting Dr Levitin for a consultation if you suspect you have an AVM. All 3 Drs are just good people. When I spoke to them, they treated me like like an equal. I felt like they were advising me as a close friend or family member. Like many that suffer with AVMs I was at first mis-diagnosed. What was thought to be a just a simple cyst turned out to be an AVM. Surgery to remove the cyst made the AVM about 5x bigger. My treatment entailed a few MRIs and CAT scans to determine what was going on and the treatment plan. This was followed by consultation with the 3 Drs mentioned above and finally a 2-day procedure. On day 1 Dr Ortiz embolized the AVM. On day 2 Dr Levitin and Dr Shrivastava removed the AVM from my skull and put some metal mesh there to fill the "hole". It has been 6-months since the surgery and so far I have not had any recurrence. In honor of Vascular Birthmark Awareness Day and to thank these Drs for all they have done for me, I just want to give everyone a solid reference. Finding the right doctor for this type of stuff makes all the difference.

Valle S.

I just discovered this page i have also a birthmark I always experiences bully because of this. I don't know what kind of birthmark is this if it is harmful ? I hope Dr. Levitin notice this message in this way I think he can help me :) :) #DrLevitin

Alicia M.

This year marks the 10th that I contacted VBF for help. Since then I have been under the care of Dr. G Levitin and Dr. R. Ortiz, they are my guardian healing angels! Thanks VBF for not only helping me but also for letting me be a volunteer in the foundation whenever I am needed. A Big Hug to all from MIAMI... Alicia

Alexander G.

Totally positive experience. Dr. Levitin is a great professional. He has diagnosed and treated my nose breathing problem, significantly improving my quality of life. Office staff is very professional. Appointments always kept on time. Strongly recommend.