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Venous malformations (VMs) are rare but potentially disfiguring vascular anomalies that require the highest level of expertise to diagnose and treat effectively. At the Birthmark Center of New York, Dr. Gregory Levitin brings unmatched experience in managing these complex conditions, providing life-changing outcomes for patients from around the world.

As Director of the Vascular Birthmarks and Malformations Program at the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, Dr. Levitin is one of the most sought-after venous malformation surgeons in the world. He is consistently ranked among New York Magazine’s Top Doctors, Castle Connolly’s Best Doctors in America, and has served as an invited lecturer at leading vascular anomaly conferences across five continents.

What Are Venous Malformations?

Venous malformations are congenital, low-flow vascular anomalies composed of dysplastic venous channels. While present at birth, they may not become apparent until childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. These malformed veins can expand over time, especially during puberty, trauma, or pregnancy.

Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Blue or purplish skin discoloration

  • Soft, compressible masses that swell with exertion or pressure

  • Pain, bleeding, or spontaneous clotting (phleboliths)

  • Disfigurement, particularly on the face, lips, tongue, or extremities

  • Functional impairment in areas like the airway, eyes, or mouth

VMs are non-cancerous, but left untreated, they can cause physical discomfort, emotional distress, and progressive complications.

Why Dr. Gregory Levitin Is a Global Leader in Vascular Malformation Surgery

Dr. Levitin has dedicated over two decades to the surgical treatment of vascular anomalies. He has:

  • Performed thousands of surgical procedures for hemangiomas and vascular malformations

  • Treated patients from over 30 countries and all 50 U.S. states

  • Served as Director of leading vascular birthmark programs since 2005

  • Published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and international textbooks on vascular anomalies

  • Been a featured expert in national media, including NBC, CBS, ABC, The New York Times, and The Washington Post

  • Received top honors such as Physician of the Year from the Vascular Birthmark Foundation

  • Lectured at premier institutions in Italy, Israel, India, Russia, and the U.S. on surgical management of venous malformations

He is board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and is a member of the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA), the American Academy of Otolaryngology, and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

Comprehensive Diagnosis and Imaging

Venous malformations are often misdiagnosed or overlooked. Dr. Levitin provides a precise, multidisciplinary evaluation, using:

  • Advanced MRI with contrast to evaluate lesion depth and blood flow

  • High-resolution ultrasound

  • Direct endoscopic or intraoral visualization when needed

  • Collaborative review with radiologists and dermatologists

This comprehensive approach allows him to customize the best treatment strategy for each patient—whether pediatric or adult.

Advanced Treatment Options for Venous Malformations

Dr. Levitin is one of only a handful of surgeons worldwide offering a complete range of treatment options for venous malformations under one roof:

Precision Surgical Excision

For well-defined or symptomatic lesions, surgical removal is often the most effective treatment. Dr. Levitin specializes in high-precision surgery for facial and airway VMs, with meticulous preservation of nearby nerves, blood vessels, and vital structures.

Sclerotherapy Partnership

For deep or infiltrative venous malformations, Dr. Levitin collaborates with interventional radiologists to perform image-guided sclerotherapy, followed by staged surgical excision if needed.

Laser Therapy

Superficial venous malformations or skin discolorations may benefit from Nd:YAG or pulsed dye laser treatment, often in conjunction with surgery for optimal cosmetic and functional results.

Multidisciplinary Care

Dr. Levitin frequently partners with specialists in interventional radiology, dermatology, hematology, and genetics to manage complex or syndromic vascular anomalies.

Pediatric and Adult Care

Dr. Levitin is one of the few experts in the United States with extensive experience treating both children and adults with venous malformations. Whether your child was born with a lesion or you’re an adult experiencing new symptoms, you’ll receive compassionate care rooted in decades of experience.

Internationally Trusted Surgeon for Complex Vascular Anomalies

Patients routinely travel to New York to consult with Dr. Levitin after failed treatments elsewhere. Many have seen multiple specialists before finding success under his care. Whether you’re seeking second opinions, corrective surgery, or primary care for a newly diagnosed malformation, Dr. Levitin offers a path forward backed by experience, innovation, and exceptional outcomes.


Schedule a Consultation

If you or your child has a venous malformation of the face, head, neck, airway, or body, trust your care to one of the world’s foremost authorities. Dr. Gregory Levitin combines academic excellence, surgical innovation, and compassionate care to deliver transformative results.

To explore these treatment options and more, reach out to the Vascular Birthmark Center today for a more comprehensive evaluation.

Contact the Birthmark Center of New York to schedule an in-person or virtual consultation.

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Every Birthmark Is Unique

Dr. Levitin’s mission is to provide the most effective treatments in a caring and supportive treatment.
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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.