Non-involuting congenital hemangiomas (NICH) are rare vascular tumors that appear at birth as pink or purple bumps and do not shrink over time. At the Vascular Birthmark Institute, Dr. Teresa O and Dr. Milton Waner specialize in diagnosing and treating NICH and offer expert surgical care tailored to each patient’s needs.
What is Non-Involuting Congenital Hemangioma (NICH)?
Non-involuting congenital hemangioma (NICH) is a rare, benign vascular tumor that is fully formed at birth and does not undergo the typical shrinkage seen in other hemangiomas. NICH lesions usually present as oval-shaped, pink or purple bumps on the skin and can appear anywhere. Unlike infantile hemangiomas, NICH lacks glucose transport receptors and has irregular blood vessel patterns. While they generally pose minimal health risks, their size and location, especially on the head or neck, may cause cosmetic concerns and sometimes require surgical removal for optimal outcomes.
Signs & Symptoms of Non-Involuting Congenital Hemangioma (NICH):
- Pink, purple, or bluish bump present at birth
- Oval or round shape with well-defined borders
- Stable size over time without shrinking
- Firm or soft texture when touched
- May be located anywhere on the body, commonly on the head or neck
- Rarely causes pain or health complications
- Surface may appear slightly raised or have visible blood vessels
Treatments for Non-Involuting Congenital Hemangioma (NICH)
Your NICH treatment starts with a careful and personalized diagnosis. Dr. Waner and Dr. O perform physical examinations, imaging studies, and often a small biopsy to confirm whether a lesion is a non-involuting congenital hemangioma (NICH).
Because NICH lesions do not shrink naturally over time and can cause cosmetic concerns, especially when located on the head or neck, we work closely with you to curate a treatment plan for optimal results.
Surgical Excision
The primary treatment for NICH is complete surgical removal of the tumor. During surgery, Dr. Waner or Dr. O carefully excise the lesion while preserving as much surrounding healthy tissue as possible. Because NICH tumors have irregular blood vessel patterns, meticulous techniques are required to minimize bleeding and ensure thorough removal. Once the lesion is excised, the area is reconstructed to restore a natural appearance to the skin. Surgical excision offers permanent removal and is especially beneficial when the NICH is large.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
In many cases, plastic and reconstructive surgery is an important part of the treatment to achieve optimal aesthetic outcomes. After removing the NICH, Dr. Waner or Dr. O may perform reconstruction techniques like layered closure, local tissue rearrangement, or skin grafting, depending on the size and location of the defect. These techniques help minimize scarring, restore normal contours, and improve the results, allowing your child to heal confidently.
Postoperative Care and Monitoring
Following surgery, we provide detailed postoperative care instructions to support healing and minimize any risk of complications. You will have scheduled follow-ups so we can monitor the surgical site, assess healing, and intervene early if any concerns arise. Our goal is to not only remove the NICH but also to ensure that your child’s skin looks and feels as natural as possible.
Schedule Your Consultation
Vascular Birthmark Institute is a trusted destination for expert diagnosis and treatment of rare vascular tumors like non-involuting congenital hemangioma (NICH). Led by Dr. Waner and Dr. O, our team provides personalized care using advanced surgical techniques to deliver safe and aesthetically focused outcomes. If your child was born with a lesion that has not changed in size, our specialists can help determine the best course of treatment. Schedule a consultation today to explore your options for NICH diagnosis and treatment.
Contact Vascular Birthmark Institute Today
