Midline venular malformations—commonly called stork bites or angel’s kisses—are pink birthmarks seen in newborns, often on the forehead, eyelids, or neck. Though usually harmless and painless, some may persist over time. Led by Dr. Waner and Dr. O, our team expertly diagnoses and treats these visible vascular marks with personalized care.
What is a Midline Venular Malformation?
A midline venular malformation is a common vascular birthmark that appears as a flat, pink or reddish lesion on a newborn’s skin. Often referred to as a “stork bite” or “angel’s kiss,” it typically appears on the forehead, eyelids, upper lip, or back of the neck. These marks are caused by dilated capillaries near the skin’s surface and are generally harmless. While most fade naturally within the first few years of life, those on the neck are more likely to persist and may benefit from medical evaluation or treatment.
Signs & Symptoms of Midline Venular Malformation:
- Flat, pink, or reddish birthmark present at birth
- Commonly located on the forehead, eyelids, upper lip, or back of the neck
- Visible but not raised or textured
- No associated pain, itching, or discomfort
- Often fades on its own by age three (except those on the neck, which may persist)
- Becomes more noticeable when the child is crying, hot, or active
Treatments for Midline Venular Malformation
At Vascular Birthmark Institute, your child’s treatment begins with a thorough evaluation by our expert medical team, led by Dr. Waner and Dr. O. We assess the location, size, and visibility of the midline venular malformation to determine whether treatment is necessary.
While many of these birthmarks fade with time, we offer tailored options for those that remain. Depending on the specific characteristics, we may offer pulsed dye laser (PDL) or diode laser therapy.
Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) Therapy
PDL therapy is one of the most effective treatments for fading midline venular malformations. It delivers short bursts of yellow light that target the blood vessels causing the discoloration. The light is absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood, which causes the targeted vessels to close and eventually be reabsorbed by the body. The surrounding skin remains unharmed. Multiple sessions may be needed for optimal results, depending on the size of the birthmark.
Diode Laser Therapy
Diode lasers use a specific wavelength of light to penetrate the skin and target superficial blood vessels. Like PDL, this treatment reduces redness by collapsing the dilated capillaries. Diode lasers can be especially effective for slightly deeper or more stubborn lesions and are a safe, noninvasive option under the care of our expert team. While results vary, this therapy often leads to visible lightening of the birthmark with minimal discomfort and no downtime.
Ongoing Monitoring and Support
If your child’s midline venular malformation does not require immediate treatment, we may recommend watchful waiting with periodic follow-ups. Our goal is to ensure that the mark either fades naturally or is addressed at the appropriate time. Throughout the process, you’ll receive personalized guidance and support from our experienced team.
Schedule Your Consultation
Vascular Birthmark Institute is a trusted center for the diagnosis and treatment of vascular birthmarks and anomalies in children and adults. Led by world-renowned specialists Dr. Waner and Dr. O, our team offers compassionate, expert care tailored to your child’s needs. If your child has a persistent stork bite or angel’s kiss, we provide advanced, noninvasive treatment options to improve appearance. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about treating midline venular malformation at our New York City clinic.
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