If you’ve noticed a bright red or purplish raised mark on your infant’s skin—commonly referred to as a “strawberry”—you aren’t alone. About 4-5% of infants develop them. Found most often among Caucasians, twins, girls, and preemies or babies with a low birthweight, these birthmarks are typically harmless.
Medically known as infantile hemangiomas, strawberries can be alarming and, in some cases, require treatment. But how do you know when?
At The Aesthetic Surgery Center on the Upper East Side in New York City, our renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Elliott H. Rose, offers the following recommendations when it comes to the timing of treatment and your options.
Infantile hemangiomas are non-cancerous growths made up of extra blood vessels. They typically appear within the first few weeks of life and often grow rapidly during the first six to 12 months, which can be quite alarming for new parents.
Most of these “strawberries” are superficial and located on the face, scalp, chest, or back, but they can occur anywhere on the body.
Most hemangiomas shrink and fade on their own by the time a child reaches school age. However, that isn’t true for all strawberries, and some may require early intervention.
Though many infantile hemangiomas resolve without issue, you should seek an early evaluation. This is especially true if the strawberry is:
If you, your pediatrician, or Dr. Rose notices any of these issues, it could mean your child needs medical or surgical treatment to prevent complications and preserve both function and cosmetic appearance.
The best time for a professional, like Dr. Rose, to evaluate a hemangioma is during what’s called the proliferative phase. This is typically before six months of age. That’s when any necessary treatment is most effective. Waiting too long can mean the birthmark has already caused damage or become more difficult to treat.
At The Aesthetic Surgery Center, we work closely with your child’s pediatricians and dermatologists to evaluate them thoroughly. In some cases, the team determines that watchful waiting is the best course of action. In other cases, early medical or minimally invasive interventions can make all the difference.
Treatment for infantile hemangiomas may include:
Dr. Rose typically reserves surgical removal for hemangiomas that are not responsive to other treatments or cause functional or cosmetic concerns.
Dr. Rose always prioritizes the least invasive, most effective option for your little one.
During your consultation, we’ll review your child’s medical history, examine the hemangioma, and discuss its growth pattern. Dr. Rose helps you understand the best course of action and provides realistic expectations for outcomes.
If your child has a strawberry birthmark, call or click here to schedule an appointment at The Aesthetic Surgery Center and learn more about Dr. Rose can help you.
