Experts and Families Come Together to Discuss Vascular Birthmarks at First Annual Conference

When a baby or child has a vascular birthmark – a discolored or raised area of the skin that is apparent at birth or soon after – parents want answers right away. Can the birthmark be successfully treated? What kind of outcome can the family expect?

In observance of vascular birthmarks awareness month, The International Birthmarks Institute at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital held its first Vascular Birthmarks Conference in 2018. The event brought together patients, families and medical professionals representing a range of specialties to present the latest in diagnosis, treatment and research related to birthmarks. A highlight of the program, which drew more than 50 participants, were presentations by families of children who had undergone treatment. Their success stories inspired hope for families of newly diagnosed children.

Conference presenters included: Dr. Ana Duarte, Director of the Division of Dermatology at Nicklaus Children’s and the International Birthmarks Institute; Dr. Chad Perlyn, Chief, Pediatric Specialists of America Section of Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon, President and Founder of the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation; Dr. Liset Pelaez, pediatric pathologist; Dr. Ricardo Restrepo, pediatric interventional radiologist; and Dr. Frank Wang, pediatric anesthesiologist.

The International Birthmark Institute (TIBI) at Nicklaus Children's Hospital is a comprehensive multi-specialty center of excellence for the evaluation and management of all birthmarks with special expertise in vascular birthmarks or vascular anomalies in newborn babies and children, including hemangiomas and vascular malformations. The program brings together pediatric dermatologists, plastic surgeons and interventional radiologists to assess each patient’s care needs and collaborate to bring about the best possible outcomes.