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Midline venular malformations present as pink colored blotches that appear around the forehead and eyebrows, on the upper eyelids and the back of the neck. You may have heard birthmarks found around the eyes and forehead referred to as an angel’s kiss, those on the neck as stork bites, or collectively as salmon patches.

In the vast majority of cases, midline venular malformations will fade with time or disappear altogether. However, they can persist into adulthood and even become darker and more noticeable as a person ages. Due to the location of these vascular malformations, they can cause children to become self-conscious about their appearance, which will likely persist into adulthood and result in confidence issues.

This type of birthmark may be present at birth or develop soon after. There are no diagnosis requirements, unless Dr. Greg Levitin suspects he is looking at a different type of vascular birthmark or malformation that has the potential to result in malignancy or other complications.

Treatment Options

If you seek treatment by referral from your pediatrician, the likelihood is that you may need to visit with a number of specialists to determine the most appropriate treatment method. However, by consulting with Dr. Greg Levitin of the Vascular Birthmark Center, your child can receive all necessary treatments at our offices.

Laser therapy is an effective treatment option from the Vascular Birthmark Center due to Dr. Levitin’s use of multi-wavelength lasers and advanced techniques. We also provide pulse-dyed laser therapy, which helps in the reduction of discoloration stemming from midline venular malformations. For smaller birthmarks, anesthesia generally isn’t needed, as the procedure is minimally invasive and will not cause your child any discomfort.

You may have been told in the past that surgery is not an option for children with midline venular malformations. However, not only is surgery possible when you trust your child’s care to the Vascular Birthmark Center, scarring is minimal, and the results are a permanent improvement in the appearance of the affected area. As an experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Greg Levitin is able to remove malformations and restore symmetry and contour without affecting the function of the area.

To reduce the risk of facial nerve damage to less than 1%, Dr. Levitin uses an intraoperative nerve monitoring system during any treatment where the risk is usually up to 50%. Whether you wish to pursue treatment for midline venular malformations or simply wish to ensure your child does not have a malignant form of malformation, you can get the help and peace of mind you need from the Vascular Birthmark Center. Call today, or use our online consultation service free of charge.

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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.